Skip to main content
  1. Action
  2. Food
  3. Food Production
  4. Understanding Genetically Modified Food
Understanding Genetically Modified Food

Understanding Genetically Modified Food

Updated 1 January 2020 04:27 PM
Genetically modified (GM) foods are described as those that have been altered in a laboratory using biotechnology.


MODIFICATION OCCURS IN AN ATTEMPT TO INCREASE SHELF LIFE, BOOST RESISTANCE TO VIRUSES AND PESTS AND OFFER A GREATER NUTRITIONAL VALUE AND TASTE.

The ability to offer these things is of course as much related to making money efficiently as it is to everyone's good health and happy taste buds. 

GM foods are generally more cost-effective and better able to withstand extreme weather conditions such as droughts. 

Many scientists and community groups are wary of GM foods, saying that they may lead to antibiotic resistance, the creation of new allergens and insects that are pesticide resistant.

There is also the uncontrollable matter of cross-contamination of GM crops with non GM crops as seeds etc are air borne.  While there is a lot of passion on both sides of the debate, there is no clear verdict yet on whether or not GM foods are harmful to health. 

Common foods that are GM (and approved by industry bodies) include corn, rice, canola, wheat, cotton, potato, alfalfa, soybean, chicory and squash.
Something incorrect here? Suggest an update below:
Cindy L
Member

Agreed Jo. Especially considering said companies relationship with Bayer - who market Clothiandian which is a pesticide that poses serious risks to honey bees. Friday, 4 December 2015

Jo W
Member

I think for me personally the biggest concern is that these GMO companies own the genetic patent to the GMO - which means they pretty much own the plant and can do with it what they want.

With a world approaching some crops being 99% GMO (e.g soy, canola) It is a little concerning that one incredibly profit driven company has control over it all. Friday, 4 December 2015

ekko.world
Science Notes
Currently, industry guidelines stipulate that foods that are certified as organic or biodynamic must not contain any GM ingredients.

In Australia, the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Code approves GM foods based on their ability to be as nutritious as their non-GM counterparts. 

Bear in mind however that it isn't just food that is genetically modified. Most of the cotton produced in Australia is grown by genetically modified crops.

Related Tip

If you do not want to eat any GM foods, only buy products that are certified Non GM. This way you can vote with your wallet!

Find a Recycler