Category: Transgenics
At Biomanantial we advise you on food, transgenic crops and products so that you are informed at all times of the present. You can also ask us what you need.
Articles about GM food and crops, genetically modified organisms. Biotechnology risks and drawbacks.
¿What is a transgenic crop?
Biotechnology transfers a gene from one organism to another to give it some specific quality, for this reason transgenic crops are capable of better pests, endure droughts, pests and other problems, giving fruits of very high quality in almost any type of soil and weather. However there is controversy in its use, due precisely to the genetic manipulation of the species, because these plants to produce food that will be consumed, it is still unknown what effects these transgenics could have on the health of people in the long term. In Europe, transgenics are not authorized, and can not be commercialized.
Controversy about transgenics
Transgenics have followers and detractors. For example, for Greenpeace, transgenics increase the use of toxics in agriculture, accelerate the loss of biodiversity, and the health risks are not known.
Others think that GMOs are a great innovation in food production and there is no known negative effect on human health or the environment. The products that contain transgenics, however, should be labeled, so that the consumer is free to choose the type of food they prefer.
Transgenic foods
Many of the processed foods that we consume today contain transgenic, know the most common:
- Corn: The vast majority of corn grown in E.E. U.U. It is transgenic. Among the processed products are whole corn flakes, breakfast cereals. Corn syrup, corn starch and other products of mass consumption.
- Soy: Pioneer Hi-Bred International developed the genetically modified soybeans approved in 2010 and which contains a high level of oleic acid or monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid.
- Pumpkin and zucchini: The transgenics of this vegetable are small, and contain protein genes that protect against viruses.
- Alfalfa: Transgenic alfalfa was approved in 2011, resistant to Roundup herbicide.
- Canola: The majority of canola crops in the United States are transgenic.
- Beet: The genetically modified sugar beet corresponds to the majority of sugar production in E.E. U.U.
- Milk: Cows are given a bovine growth hormone to increase their milk production, which is not allowed in the European Union.
Until now, it has not been proved that transgenics cause us problems. The Food and Drug Administration of the United States FDA, continually evaluates GM foods to be safe for consumption.