Another future GM potato is the protein-packed potato developed in India. Researchers in India have created a potato with thirty-five to sixty percent more protein! This potato uses the gene from amaranth seed. This potato would be beneficial to human health in developed and developing countries and help fight malnutrition in India, especially in children. So far, this potato looks promising in my opinion, there were no side effects on rats and rabbits, it doesn’t contain any know allergens and doesn’t contain pesticide.
Now that we know all about the types of potatoes that exist, we can now discuss the main issue: the pros and cons of genetically modified food, misconceptions people have and the ethics behind it. Listed below are the advantages and disadvantages of genetically modified food, especially potatoes.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
· Decrease in cost of production, less money spent on pesticides and insecticides (Saves money) · Better for the environment: In Amflora production less energy, water and chemicals are used. Less chemical used to resist pests. · Less pesticide, better for farmers’ health · High in nutrients: the protein packed potato · Benefits farmers and people of developing countries · Reduces soil erosion · Better quality potatoes | · Harmful health risks: Can cause antibiotic resistance · Cause health problems for animals eating the product. · Some GM foods may contain allergens and toxins. · Gene transfer may occur between organisms. |
The above chart shows the pros and cons of genetically modified food, and there seems to be more advantages than disadvantages but people still have many misconceptions of genetically modified food. People began to misunderstand GM foods when a Scottish scientist named Arpad Pustzai, proved Bt potatoes to be toxic to rats. However according to Pandora’s Picnic Basket, he confused product and process. Dr. Pustzai showed that raw GM potatoes caused health problems in rats. What he failed to note was that natural potatoes contain a natural toxin called lectin, therefore when potatoes are cooked, the toxin dies. The natural lectin caused the side effects, not the new gene. Later scientists concluded that GM potatoes are the same as non-modified potatoes, except for the gene and the product. The truth is biotech foods are SAFE to eat. The two misconceptions that GM foods are not safe and are not healthy are false! According to Health Canada, no genetically modified product is allowed to be sold unless Health Canada scientist prove that the product is safe and nutritious.
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tatantan. (n.d.). Amflora BASF GM Potato - Patata OGM | Flickr - Photo Sharing!. Welcome to Flickr - Photo Sharing. Retrieved February 24, 2011, from http://www.flickr.com/photos/25759695@N04/4436624958/ |
The last topic of today’s blog is the ethics behind genetically modified food and the GM potato. One ethical issue is “Are scientist playing God” (BioNet 2002), do they have the right to change to composition of an organism. As well, some religions do not indulge in animal products; therefore can they eat plants that contain animal genes such as frog genes? Another ethical issue is what affects will GM foods have on the environment? The Amflora potato was recently introduced and we do not know the long term effects of the crop on animal and plant life. Also pest-resistant potatoes can disrupt the food chain, insects and animals that feed on the potato will now have to find other food sources. How will GM foods affect the health of people? Some GM plants contain toxins and allergens. A major issue is how will GM foods affect developing countries? Genetically modified food, like the Amflora potato benefits industries like BASF and developed countries. In a New York Times article, farmer Anders Lunneryd (John Tagliabue 2010), states genetically modified give “complexity and control” to big corporations. In other cases, GM foods benefit developing countries (i.e. golden rice and protein-packed potatoes) and are therefore ethical. In my opinion the largest ethical issue is the labelling of genetically modified food. In Europe by law, GM foods must be labeled, however in Canada and in the United States
This is the truth about genetically modified foods and GM potatoes and the ethics behind it. What do you think about genetically modified food? The next time you visit the market will you stop and wonder if the fruit or vegetable you pick up contains genetically modified genes? If food was labeled as genetically modified would you still buy it? Do you believe it is your right to know whether your food is genetically modified or not?
Until Next Time, Chelsea McPherson
