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Genetically modified foods

Whether you are for it or against it, the subject of genetically modified [GM] food and crops inspires great passion in scientific circles, in the press and in general conversation. Stories such as plants modified with animal genes, Monsanto using Round-Up Ready canola that responds to Round Up herbicide, farmers losing their seed crops because of accidental cross contamination by GM seeds, milk herds being fed with GM feed - these are nightmare situations being played out in today’s world. As vegetarians and vegans we are concerned with what we eat, how our ingredients are grown or produced, and with the possible implications to not only our own health but to the well being of our planet.

Iron Deficient Chef research department surmises that government sites are reasonably cautious in what they say about genetic engineering while GM companies can’t say enough in praise of its good qualities. However, there are some very interesting concerns voiced like this one from Dr Ian Taylor, scientific political adviser for the environmental charity Greenpeace. “We oppose the release of all genetically engineered organisms into the environment and into the food chain, he said. There is a huge domain of scientific uncertainty about the impact of these things. No-one is even able to ask the questions about what the impact will be of introducing genes never before part of the human diet.” This article from the BBC Background Briefing program goes on to say: “Dr Taylor said serious concerns had already been raised over a genetically modified maize produced by the Swiss company Novartis. The maize contains a gene, which can generate resistance to antibiotics, and which the government's Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes has warned could rapidly neutralise medicine. In a second case, the genetically modified food supplement L-Tryptophan contained a manufactured bacteria implicated in the deaths of 36 people in the USA.” "The industry is driven by an immense commercial imperative," said Dr Taylor. "Scientists are paid to look at possibilities, not problems, and the regulatory system appears to be running on behind."

For further reading:

Food Standards Australia New Zealand have frequently asked questions on their site:
No GM in the EU! Sounds good to me…
Greenpeace says no to genetic engineering
See About.com for potential benefits & potential risks of genetically engineered food: