Indonesia
Genetic modified tempe via https://en.wikipedia.org
Genetic engineering issue resurfaced in the country. Questions regarding the safety of food and its impact towards health have arised across the nation.
Have you ever heard of genetic engineering done on foods? Lately, it has been done on foods that we eat daily. However, not many people are aware of this issue.
Genetic engineering is done by the application of molecular biology technology in food ingredients, made to enhance desired properties. For example, increased resistance against pests and diseases on plants such as corn and cotton.
Genetic engineering is also done to prevent plants from getting infected by viruses caused by fungi and bacteria. Modifying genes of a plant is indispensable for its survival mainly in harsh weather, dry soil, or in soil with high salt content. Tobacco and potato plants are the common example of plants that have been genetically modified.
The food that we often find in everyday situations such as rice, tempe, and tofu, cannot be separated from genetic engineering. Genetically modified rice, tempe and tofu can have extra vitamins. Swiss federal institute of technology created a kind of golden rice, which contains vitamin content of beta carotene (vitamin A).
Genetic engineering also occurred in pharmaceutical products due to production that are often expensive and require special storage conditions. Currently, researchers are developing edible vaccines through tomatoes and potatoes.
Developing stronger genes and properties of the plant is possible through traditional method, however it takes a long time and the results are inaccurate. Thus, genetic engineering is considered to be able to save time, the cost of reproduction, and reduce agricultural waste.
However genetic engineering of food has raised the pros and cons because of the possibilities of creating harmful side effects on humans. In some cases for example, a food that has been genetically modified can result in low fertility level, allergies, even cancer.
So what’s the solution?
Consuming natural foods that are not produced involving genetic engineering is still the best way of ensuring safety and quality of the foods.
