Harm of GMOs: the negative impact of genetically modified foods on human body

The consequences of the use of genetically modified foods health

Scientists identify the following key risks human consumption of genetically modified foods:

1. Inhibition of immunity, allergic reactions, metabolic disorders, as a direct result of thetransgenic proteins. 
    
   Impact of new proteins that produce the built-in GMO genes is unknown. The man theyhad never used and is therefore not clear whether they are intolerant. 
    
   A notable example is the attempt to cross Brazil nut gene with the genes of soybeans - asks to increase the nutritional value of the latter was increased in their protein content.However, it turned out, the combination proved to be a strong allergen, and it had to be removed from future production. 
    
   In Sweden, where transgenes are banned, ill allergy 7% of the population, while in the U.S., where they are sold even without markings, - 70,5%. 
    
   Also, according to one version, meningitis epidemic among British children was caused by immunosuppression as a result of the use of GM-containing milk chocolate and waferbiscuits

2. Various health problems as a result of the emergence of new GMOs, unplanned orproteins toxic to the human metabolic products. 
    
   Already there is strong evidence of instability in the genome of the plant building into it a foreign gene. All of these can cause changes in the chemical composition of GMOs andof his unexpected, including toxic properties. 
    
   For example, for the production of food supplement tryptophan in the U.S. in the late80's. XX century was founded GMH-bacterium. However, with the normal tryptophan atthe end of unexplained reason, she began to produce ethylene-bis-tryptophan. As a result of its use ill 5000, of whom - 37 people died, 1500 were disabled. 
    
   Independent experts argue that genetically modified crops plants emit a 1020 timesmore toxins than conventional organism.

3. The emergence of sustainability pathogenic human antibiotic resistance. 
    
   Upon receipt of GMOs are still used marker genes resistant to antibiotics, which can go into a gut that has been shown in the relevant experiments, and this, in turn, can lead tohealth problems - the inability to cure many diseases. 
   In the EU, since December 2004, prohibited sale of GMOs with antibiotic resistancegenes. World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that producers avoid usingthese genes, but the corporation from them is not completely abandoned. The risk ofGMOs, as noted in the Oxford Collegiate directory is large enough and have to admitthat genetic engineering is not as harmless as it may seem at first sight "

 
 

4. Impairments associated with the accumulation in the body of herbicides. 
    
   Most famous of transgenic plants did not die in massive use of agricultural chemicalsand are able to accumulate. There is evidence that sugar beet resistant to the herbicideglyphosate, it accumulates toxic metabolites

 

5. Reduce intake of necessary substances. 
    
   According to independent experts, they still can not say for sure, for example, whetherthe composition of conventional soybeans and GM-analog equivalent or not. Whencomparing the various published scientific data revealed that some indicators, inparticular, the content of phytoestrogens, largely differ

 

6. Long-term carcinogenic and mutagenic effects. 
    
   Each insertion of a foreign gene into the body - a mutation, it can cause unwantedeffects in the genome, and what it will - no one knows, and know today can not. 
    
   According to research by British scientists in the state of the project "Assessment of the risks associated with using GMOs in human food, " promulgated in 2002, thetransgenes tend to linger in the body and as a result of the so-called "horizontal transfer of" embedded in the genetic system of microorganisms human intestine. Previously, this possibility is denied

 
 
 
 
 
 

Negative impact of genetically modified organisms on the environment 
 

Besides the risk to human health, scientists are actively discussing what are the potential threat of biotechnology for the environment. 

Purchased GMO-plant resistance to herbicides can do a disservice if transgenic crops will spread uncontrollably. For example, alfalfa, rice, sunflower - its characteristics are very similar to the weeds, and their arbitrary growth will be difficult to handle. 
 
In Canada - one of the main producing countries of GMO-products, such cases are already fixed. According to newspaper The Ottawa Citizen, Canadian farm was occupied by genetically modified "super weeds" that have arisen as a result of random mating of three types of GM oilseed rape, resistant to different types of herbicides. The result is a plant which, according to the newspaper, is stable to almost all agricultural chemicals. 
 
A similar problem arises in the case of transfer of genes for herbicide resistance of crop plants to other wild species. For example, it is seen that the cultivation of transgenic soy leads to genetic mutations associated plants (weeds) that are becoming resistant to herbicide. 
 
Not excluded the possibility of transferring genes, which encode the production of proteins toxic to insects. Weeds that produce their own insecticides, get a huge advantage in the fight against insects, which are often a natural limitation of their growth. 
 
In addition, under the threat does not just pests but other insects. In the prestigious journal Nature published an article whose authors have declared that transgenic maize crops threaten the populations of protected species of butterflies, monarchs, its pollen was toxic to their larvae. Such an effect, of course, not intended creators of corn - it was supposed to scare away a pest. 
 
In addition, living organisms feeding on transgenic plants, could mutate - according to research by the German zoologist Hans Kaatsem (Hans Kaaz), the pollen of modified Shrovetide turnip mutations of bacteria in the stomach of the bees. 
 
There is a fear that all these effects in the long term can cause a violation of entire food chains and, consequently, the balance within individual ecological systems, and even disappearance of some species. 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Genetically modified plants 

The spectrum of GMOs in food rather extensive. It can be meat and pastry products,which include the texturate soy and soy lecithin, and vegetable products such as cannedcorn. 
The main flow of genetically modified crops are imported from abroad, soybeans, corn,potatoes and canola. They come to us at the table or in a pure form or as additives inmeat, fish, bakery and confectionery products, as well as in baby food. 
For example, if the product includes a vegetable protein, it is likely, soybeans, and it is likely that genetically modified. Aspartame contained in carbonated soft drinks, chewing gum, ketchup, etc., can be produced by GM bacteria are genetically modified. 
Unfortunately, the taste and to smell the presence of GM ingredients is impossible to determine - to identify GMOs in food can only modern methods of laboratory diagnosis. 

The most common GM agricultural plants: 
 
 
Soybeans, corn, rapeseed (canola), tomatoes, potatoes, sugar beets, strawberries,squash, papayas, chicory, wheat. 
Accordingly, there is a greater probability of encountering GMOs in products that areproduced with the use of these plants. 
 
Black list of products 
in which the use of GMOs often 
 
GM soybean can be included in bread, biscuits, baby foods, margarines, soups, pizza, food, fast food, meat products (such as cooked sausages, frankfurters, pate), flour,candy, ice cream, potato chips, chocolate, sauces, soy milk etc. 
GM corn (maize) can be in foods such as eating fast food, soups, sauces, condiments,potato chips, chewing gum, mixtures for cakes. 
GM starch may be contained in a very large range of products, including those who lovechildren, such as yogurt. 
70% of the popular brands of baby food containing GMOs. 
 
Genetically modified food additives 
and fragrances 
 
E101 and E101A (B2, riboflavin) - is added to cereals, soft drinks, baby food, slimming products. 
E150 (Caramel); 
E153 (carbonate); 
E160a (beta-carotene, provitamin A, retinol); 
E160b (Annatto); 
E160d (lycopene); 
E234 (Nisin); 
E235 (natamycin); 
E270 (lactic acid); 
E300 (Vitamin C - ascorbic acid); 
from E301 to E304 (ascorbate); 
from E306 to E309 (tocopherol / vitamin E); 
E320 (BHA); 
E321 (BHT); 
E322 (lecithin); 
from E325 to E327 (lactate); 
E330 (citric acid); 
E415 (xanthine);

E459 (beta-cyclodextrin); 
from E460 to E469 (Cellulose); 
E470 and E570 (salt and fatty acids); 
esters of fatty acids (E471, E472a & b, E473, E475, E476, E479b); 
E481 (stearoyl-2-laktilat sodium); 
from E620 to E633 (glutamic acid and glyutomaty); 
from E626 to E629 (guanylic acid and guanylate); 
from E630 to E633 (inosinic acid that inosinate); 
E951 (aspartame); 
E953 (isomalt); 
E957 (thaumatin); 
E965 (maltinol). 
 
 
 

List of GM crops that are registered in Russia for use in the food population 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

RUSSIA ban on grain exports 

In January, 2010 the Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation Elena Skrynnik predicted growth of export of the Russian grain to 30-40 million tons within the next 10—15 years «at preservation of a positive conjuncture of the world market».  

«For the first time for 100 years the Russian grain became a strategic export product — in the world market will be sold over 20 million tons. Thus, our country was included into a three of leaders of the world grain market and has turned to one of guarantors of global food safety». 

The conjuncture of the world market like wouldn't change a sign. And "guarantor" of global food safety because of the strongest drought enters since August, 15th, 2010 an absolute prohibition for export of wheat, a rye, barley, corn, a wheaten or pshenichno-rye flour. «Consider expedient to enter a temporary interdiction for export from territory of the Russian Federation of the grain and other agricultural goods derivative of grain. Yes, we have enough reserves — 9 and a half millions tons. But we need not to admit growth of the internal prices for the foodstuffs in the Russian Federation. It is necessary to keep a livestock of cattle and it is necessary to form reserves of the next year

The volume of world trade by wheat has decreased from 130 million tons (2007/2008 trading year) to 115 million tons (2008/2009). Wheat World production in 2009/2010 agricultural year — 680 million tons passing the rests — 193 million tons. And here in such conditions the heads block grain export, breaking resembling the reputation to exporters which is so heavy won. 

Experts warn — if an interdiction don't cancel till the summer, the congestion of grain surpluses in the south of the country (whence basically grain, first of all the Krasnodar and Stavropol edges, the Rostov region is exported) is inevitable. 

It will actually cross out (if any more hasn't crossed out) economic appeal of manufacture of grain. Will lower investment activity in agriculture, will prevent development of the technologies leveling weather risks. Yes will simply ruin the manufacturer. Though it is to a clod as — simply! 

Let's tell, on Kuban the good harvest has been collected. But for lack of export purchases peasants didn't want to sell wheat in home market on 5500 rbl. / ton. People hoped any time to wait and grain to sell more expensively. 

As a result centralized элеваторы  Krasnodar territory, containing about 4 million tons, in September already stored 3,8 million tons. In the Rostov region for February, 2011 on элеваторах it was stored more than 3 million tons of grain. In total on the end of 2010 only in Southern federal district passing stocks of grain have made 13,56 million tons. Which haven't been claimed!  

The interdiction for grain export has been recognized in the report of the World bank by an inefficient measure on decrease in the internal prices. Experts of bank believed that deficiency of grain will force Russia to address to import on world, because of an export interdiction to the flied up prices. 
 
eally, on November, 29th, 2010 Vladimir Putin declared readiness to buy sharply risen in price grain abroad. 

If in June, 2010 the American wheat cost on the average 4 dollars / a bushel (147 dollars / ton) after two months its price has jumped up to 8,5 dollars (312 dollars / ton). Add transport costs and present already the world price. 

But the interdiction for the export which has naturally led to a throw of the world prices, hasn't constrained a rise in prices in Russia — by December, 2010 the stock quote of wheat has reached 6300—6900 rbl. / ton depending on a class. Having exceeded an indicator of the beginning of August, дозапретный. 

In the state fund on the beginning of 2011 was 9,64 million tons of grain. From them fodder — hardly more than 3 million tons. 

Since February, 4th, 2011 there were exchange auctions, and the state has sold to 0,5 million tons of food and fodder grain. Fodder wheat went at the average price 6340 rbl. / ton. 

Then have made the decision all fodder grain from intervention fund to sell at the price of purchase (under demands of regions). Victor Zubkov, referring to stock quotes, explained that thanks to the distribution mechanism fodder grain will manage to regions in 4000—5000 rbl. / ton plus of the VAT and a cost of transportation. It-de will allow to exclude negative influence on the cost price of made agricultural products, and after it — and on the prices for counters of shops. 
 
Agriculture Minister Elena Skrynnik assesses the needs of the country's grain at 77 million tonnes 
By calculations of experts of the Union of millers of Russia, in 2009 from all resources of grain of wheat taking into account a crop (61,7 million tons), the passing rests (an order of 6 million tons), import (about 0,5 million tons of wheat of 3rd class) it is spent: on the food purposes of 19,5 million tons, seeds — 7 million, промпереработка — 3 million, fodder — 8 million, export — 18 million passing the rests — 12,7 million tons. 

The lion's share of the Russian export of wheat is necessary on grain of 4th class (11,5 % of protein), which to adequately flour-grinding requirements only the countries of the North Africa and Middle East. In 2009 at inspection of collected wheat ФГУ «the Center of an estimation of quality of grain» to indicators of 2nd class there corresponded 0,08 %, 3rd class — 30 %, 4th class — 39 %, as a whole to indicators of food wheat — 69 % of samples. 

Comments from Saxo Bank:

Prolongation of the Russian interdiction for export of wheat till July, 1st, 2011 should not have strong influence, as the USA and other countries -Manufacturers of wheat can brag of a good harvest and necessary Stocks. That you will not tell about corn, whose world's reserves in September next year can reach a 13-year-old minimum. The USA will take up blow

additional demand from buyers who counted earlier to Russia, and now will be compelled to search for the offer in other place. Now world stock rates, unlike 2007-08, are on

comfortable level. In particular sufficient surplus possess the USA 

Heads of major organizations in the USA, Canada and Australia, which are wheat industry, signed a Joint Declaration on the early development of mass production of GM wheat in their countries. The signing took place on May 14, 2009.  
 
The paper stresses that producers of wheat in the three countries concerned about persistent and potential risks for the wheat market. Primarily farmers anoint the low yield of wheat, intermittent quality, susceptibility to diseases and lack of resistance to drought and frost. It is the leading grain farmers of the world in favor of early introduction of biotechnology in wheat production. In addition, the background of low productivity of existing varieties of wheat and constant price fluctuations of it in many regions has been a steady reduction of crops in favor of other high-yield GM crops (canola, soybean, sunflower).  
Also, in a joint statement noted that the yield of wheat in recent years has remained almost unchanged (Figure 1), while GM crops are stable in the growth of world production. GM crops are subject to "planning" by the quality and quantity, and wheat - the main food crop of the planet - is completely dependent on climatic conditions. 

According to Vice-President for International Operations, U.S. Wheat Associates Vince Peterson, commercial production of genetically modified wheat in North America, along with biotech soybeans, corn and rapeseed - just a matter of time. Speaking at the annual conference held in Winnipeg Canada Grains Council, he stated that commercial production of this wheat will be launched in the next 4-7 years. 
In 2004, Monsanto was forced to abandon its plans to commercialize genetically modified wheat variety Roundup Ready, which was due to its rejection by many consumers. According to Peterson, in recent years, public opinion in regard to biotech crops has changed, and now the question is put this way, when their production will be implemented, not whether it will happen at all. 
Peterson believes that to date in developing new varieties of GM crops on the first place to improve their resistance to dry conditions and diseases. Earlier, as the most important characteristics are usually considered resistant to herbicides. 
According to experts, market biotech wheat will be the most actively developed in the U.S. and Australia. 
Vice-president of U.S. Wheat Associates supports the active use of biotechnology in the wheat industry, especially since the last 2 decades, wheat lagged behind corn and soybeans in terms of use acreage and increased yields. 
It is expected that by 2050 the world population will increase to 9 billion people in connection with which will increase demand for wheat. In this situation, will play an important role of biotechnology. 
According to the company ProAgro, under forecasts of experts of the company Monsanto, farmers are able to grow GM wheat in 10-15 years. 
As is known, currently farmers are actively using biotehtologichneskie grade corn and soybeans. 
In the next 1-2 years the company Monsanto Co plans to begin testing of GM wheat. 
At the moment on the world market there are no varieties of GM wheat, but the company believes that consumer sentiment is gradually changing, and the level of acceptance of such products is growing. As a consequence of long-term perspective is considered Monsanto wheat market as very promising. 
Work on the development of biotechnology varieties of wheat are still a few companies, including Syngenta and BASF. 
Monsanto is the purpose of breeding varieties with high yield and resistance to drought and other stress factors. In this case, according to company officials, the recent drought in Eastern Europe, which have affected the harvest of grain in Russia, but stressed the need to improve the characteristics of wheat. 
Monsanto specialists are still at the initial stage of work on the GM wheat varieties, examining the characteristics of different genes that could be used. 
It is assumed that the work of Monsanto to create a drought tolerant maize will contribute to the elimination of wheat. However, wheat is a more complex culture, and field research can begin only after 1-2 years. 
In May 2004, Monsanto announced the termination of work on the creation of genetically modified wheat, which was caused by negative attitudes towards her American consumers and producers. However, in 2009, its representatives reported on the resumption of work, and Monsanto has acquired for $ 45 million company WestBred LLC, which produces seed germplasm. In August of this year Monsanto signed a cooperation agreement with InterGrain Pty Ltd, which provides for the removal of Australia's wheat varieties with high yield and resistance to diseases and drought. 
According to an international organization International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA), farmers of the United States, India, Brazil, China and other countries continue to expand their plantings of GM crops. In 2010, their crops in 29 states have increased in comparison with the previous year by 10% to 365 million acres (147.7 million hectares). 
Farmers prefer to biotech varieties, which have increased resistance to herbicides and pesticides. This improves productivity by reducing the use of chemical pesticides. 
Largest producer of GM products are the USA, in 2010, crops biotehnlogicheskih soy, corn, cotton and canola accounted for in the country of 165 million acres (66.8 million hectares).