Genetically Modified Foods : A New Trend

               

Genetically modified (GM) foods are being debated by consumers and professionals. Also known as bio engineered foods, 

GM foods are produced by a form of biotechnology that uses deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) recombinant technology to design protein molecules and other compounds. 

Various forms of biotechnology have been used throughout history in the natural production of vinegar, alcoholic beverages, cheese and sourdough bread. 

Consumers are often concerned about  the safety of the resulting food, especially for people who have or may develop allergies or food intolerance. As there is no easy way to identify foods that have been modified and no official regulations have been established, the public has to depend on the integrity of the  producer or processor. 

All areas of biotechnology are being pursued cautiously. The goals are to use biotechnology techniques to add or enhance qualities such as disease resistance, a higher yield, or better keeping qualities. Public confidence continues to be an issue, so it should be mentioned by community nutrition professionals.

Genetically-modified foods have the potential to solve  world's hunger and malnutrition problems, and to help protect and preserve the environment by increasing yield and reducing reliance upon chemical pesticides and herbicides. Yet there are many challenges ahead for governments, especially in the areas of safety testing, regulation, international policy and food labeling. 

Many people feel that genetic engineering is the inevitable wave of the future and that we cannot afford to ignore a technology that has such enormous potential benefits. However, we must proceed with caution to avoid causing unintended harm to human health and the environment as a result of our enthusiasm for this powerful technology. 

United Kingdom introduced Europe's first genetically-modified food product. Now India has become a flashpoint for the use of modern biotechnology in production of genetically modified food products ,which will soon be availaible online here at DietKart.com .

By- Ms. Reema Bhatia