GMO on Human Health

Transferring an organism’s property, which cannot be naturally transferred, using genetic engineering
techniques is referred to as gene transfer, and the resulting product is referred to as Genetically Modified
Organism, or simply GMO. The production and distribution of genetically modified organisms and
products containing GMO are increasing in the world and accordingly in our country over time. The reason
behind this increase is that products containing GMO have properties which cannot be gained through
conventional ways of production.
 Producing industrial products (amino acids, vitamins, hormones, certain organic compounds such
as enzymes, organic acids and alcohols, etc.) more efficiently and economically using genetic
modification of microorganisms, which are traditionally obtained from natural sources
 The production of vaccines
 Increasing the yield of agricultural products in order to satisfy the increasing food need of the
world population
 Producing more durable foods with long shelf life that can stay for a long time without getting
spoilt
 Improving the tastes and looks of agricultural products
 Enhancing the nutritional values of agricultural products
 Increasing the tolerance of products against factors such as cold, heat, drought and salinity
 Increasing the productiveness of animals in terms of meat, milk and nutritional value

Main Issues of Concern for Human Health according to WHO (World Health Organization)
1. Allergenicity
As a matter of principle, the transfer of genes from commonly allergenic organisms to non-allergic
organisms is discouraged unless it can be demonstrated that the protein product of the transferred
gene is not allergenic. While foods developed using traditional breeding methods are not generally
tested for allergenicity, protocols for the testing of GM foods have been evaluated by the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and WHO. No allergic effects have been found
relative to GM foods currently on the market.

2. Gene transfer
Gene transfer from GM foods to cells of the body or to bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract would
cause concern if the transferred genetic material adversely affects human health. This would be
particularly relevant if antibiotic resistance genes, used as markers when creating GMOs, were to be
transferred. Although the probability of transfer is low, the use of gene transfer technology that does
not involve antibiotic resistance genes is encouraged.

3. Outcrossing
The migration of genes from GM plants into conventional crops or related species in the wild (referred
to as “outcrossing”), as well as the mixing of crops derived from conventional seeds with GM crops,
may have an indirect effect on food safety and food security. Cases have been reported where GM
crops approved for animal feed or industrial use were detected at low levels in the products intended
for human consumption. Several countries have adopted strategies to reduce mixing, including a clear
separation of the fields within which GM crops and conventional crops are grown.
GMOs and their Effect on Offspring
Testes are considered a particularly sensitive organ for toxicity tests because of the high degree of cell
divisions and thus high susceptibility to cellular or molecular toxins. To examine the effect of Bt corn
on testicular health, the researchers tracked testicular development in fetal, postnatal, pubertal, and
adult rats for all four generations. The group found no change in testicular health or litter sizes in any
generation. Likewise, ingestion by pregnant mothers had no effect on fetal, postnatal, pubertal, or
adult testicular development of her offspring.

Are GMO foods safe to Human Health?

According to WHO, different GM organisms include different genes inserted in different ways. This
means that individual GM foods and their safety should be assessed on a case-by-case basis and that
it is not possible to make general statements on the safety of all GM foods.

GM foods currently available on the international market have passed safety assessments and are not
likely to present risks for human health. In addition, no effects on human health have been shown as
a result of the consumption of such foods by the general population in the countries where they have
been approved. Continuous application of safety assessments based on the Codex Alimentarius
principles and, where appropriate, adequate post market monitoring, should form the basis for
ensuring the safety of GM foods.

Conclusion
Foods derived from GM plants are safe. Major issues and safety concerns on the biosafety of foods
derived from GM plants have been addressed. Protein products of the inserted genes in the
commercially available GM plants have passed the rigorous tests and showed that they are non-toxic,
non-allergenic, and the nutritional content is comparable to their non GM counterpart. GM plants that
are being developed also undergo similar testing before they are released commercially.

International agencies such as the Food and Agriculture Organization, World Health Organization, the
European Commission, the French Academy of Medicine, the American Medical Association, and the
American Society of Toxicology have reviewed these health issues and have come to an agreement
that GM foods are safe for human health.

References:
https://iicbe.org/upload/2633C714057.pdf
https://www.who.int/foodsafety/areas_work/food-technology/faq-genetically-modified-food/en/
http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2015/will-gmos-hurt-my-body/
https://www.isaaa.org/resources/publications/pocketk/3/default.asp