Ask a Dietitian

As seen on BCTV July 6/99

ENGINEERED FOOD – WHAT IS IT AND SHOULD WE BE CONCERNED?

What?
Genetically engineered (GE) foods come from plants or animals that have been modified by genetic techniques not possible with traditional selective breeding. Foods from one species may contain genetic material (DNA) from another species. For example, the genes from a fish could be inserted into a tomato to create a more durable product. Although GE has been around for decades, it is about to boom as the Canadian government is currently looking at approving several products.

Why Is It Done?

• Largely for commercial gain via higher yields.
• To make plants and animals more resilient to environmental conditions.
• To make foods last longer and possible create more food sustainability.Some Issues of Concern
• GE may not be an exact science. Questions arise as to whether science can truly predict the effects of adding new genes to animals and plants.
• It may create new diseases in humans and animals.
• Because genes are proteins, new allergies may develop for vulnerable individuals.
• There may be more environmental pollution if crops can stand more chemical exposure.
• It may upset the ecological balance.
• It may create foods that are “fake”. Produce may look plump and ripe but actually still have low nutritional value.What Can We Do?
• Stay educated on the subject and keep your ear to the ground.
• Buy certified organic produce.
• Read labels.
• Know that GE has been used successfully in canola, soy, corn, cheese and other products for decades, however, reducing your intake of low nutrient, processed foods that may have also been exposed to GE such as chips, pop, artificial sweeteners and fast food is a wiser thing to do at this point. There is currently not a lot of sound research supporting the avoidance of soy, canola, etc. There is more proven evidence of the benefits of these foods.
• Know that there are many other proven diet-health connections that still remain of greater concern such as the link between hydrogenated fat and heart disease, alcohol and liver problems or excess calories and weight problems.
• If you are very concerned, tell people. Write your MP and even tell your grocery store manager you may shop elsewhere if GE foods become widely available.

Watch for the Eating for Energy segment every Tuesday on BCTV’s Noon News Hour!