GM Food Products Research Articles

Preliminary assessment of the safety of genetically modified food products

Numerous studies on genetically modified food products indicate their safety and their potential to alleviate hunger worldwide. However, the issue of GM products and feeds remains relevant in the realm of food security. The purpose of this study is to present a comprehensive scheme of methods for determining the safety of GM food products and to develop a new method for assessing the safety of GM food products. This new method is based on the use of a biotest and the employment of Paramecium caudatum infusoria. In the study, GTS 40-3 and GTS 40-3-2 (Venus variety) soybeans, MON 00603 (NK 603) maize line, and non-GMO soybeans and maize were used as controls. Infusoria were prepared by culturing them in room temperature water (18- 23°C) without direct sunlight, with the addition of non-GMO yeast powder as a nutrient solution and senna extract. Subsequently, the initial material containing approximately 100 infusoria was transferred to 100 ml flasks and incubated for 2-3 days. At the initial stage of the experiment, from day 1 to day 15, daily records and visual assessments were conducted. The assessment included the quantity of infusoria, motility (chemotaxis), size, shape, and the percentage of dead infusoria. Venus soybeans (GTS 40-3-2) exhibited a toxic effect on the protozoa, which died in repeated trials on the 14th-15th day of feeding. It was observed that infusoria fed with soybeans containing the GTS 40-3-2 (Venus) transformation event changed their shape after 3 days from the start of the experiment. Over the course of 10 days from the beginning of the study, a decrease in movement, motility, and the quantity of infusoria was noted. On the 14th-15th day, mortality was observed. Negative changes were also observed in infusoria that were fed with MON 00603 (NK 603) maize. The application of this method in the practice of assessing the safety of GM food products can provide a preliminary evaluation of long-term effects over a relatively short period

Consumer Attitude towards Genetically Modified Foods in Iran: Application of Three-Dimensional Model of Corporate Social Responsibility

Although GM food production is considered an important strategy to meet the growing food needs of the population around the world, a majority of the GM food consumers express doubts about purchasing and eating them. However, it can be argued that consumers have different opinions about GM foods and their influence on human health and the natural environment. GM food producer Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) may significantly affect such opinions, but the effect of this variable has been partially neglected in previous research studies. To address this gap, the present study investigates Iranian consumers' concerns about GM foods, trust in these products, and perception of GM food producer CSR as determinants of attitudes towards GM food. Data were collected from Iranian consumers. A cross-sectional survey research with a multi-stage random sampling approach was employed to capture the responses of 372 Iranian consumers. The results showed that consumers have both negative and positive attitudes towards GM foods. Perceived social equity, trust, and health concerns were the most important determinants of attitude towards GM foods. According to the results, these variables could account for 52.9% (Cox and Snell R2) and up to 70.6% (Nagelkerke R2) of the variance of the dependent variable. Furthermore, results revealed statistically significant differences among the consumers with different educational levels in terms of perceived social equity, perceived environmental responsibility, and environmental concern. The research contributes to the body of knowledge in GM food consumption by evolving the CSR to assess attitudes of users concerning GM foods.

Divergence and convergence in international regulatory policies regarding genome-edited food: How to find a middle ground.

Regulations for organisms and products to which genome-editing technologies are applied are increasing in diversity, with the path-dependent effect of previous regulations for genetically modified organisms. Regulations for genome-editing technologies are a patchwork of international regulations that are difficult to harmonize. However, if the approaches are arranged in chronological order and the overall trend is examined, the regulation of genome-edited organisms and GM food products has recently been trending toward a middle ground which can be characterized as "limited convergence." There is a trend toward the adoption of two approaches: one that considers GMOs but tries to apply simplified regulations and another that excludes them from the scope of regulations as non-GMOs but requires confirmation. In this paper, we discuss why there is a tendency toward convergence of these two approaches and examine the challenges and implications of these two approaches for the governance of the agricultural and food sectors.

FACTORS OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION AND THE POSSIBILITY OF AGRICULTURAL GMO PRODUCTION IN GHANA

This research work aims to pinpoint the actual production factors that are deteriorating and explore the essence of genetically modified organism (GMO) in helping to combat the degrading nature of production factors in Ghana. Agriculture has always employed dynamic processes from seed sowing to harvest over the years, but there are key factors that are non-negotiable in the sector, production factors. There has been diverse research and view on what production factors are inclusive in agriculture’s production factors. This notwithstanding, aside these divergent views, land, labour and capital still remain the most essential part of the production factors in agriculture. Ghana just like any other country has employed these factors but is lagging in hitting the productivity mark. There has been numerous research works, to dissect the roadblocks to agriculture yields in Ghana. Genetically modified organism as a section of biological innovation will be of an immerse and complete supplement to the production factors in Ghana if we look forward to achieving a bountiful agriculture harvest. The paper comprises selected facts and opinions on the GMO production development in Ghana in the nearest future and some factors influencing the development of GM food production, including land, labour and capital in Ghanaian agriculture.

English

The increasing presence of food and feed products derived from genetically modified organisms (GMO) has led to the development of detection methods that distinguish between foods derived from biotechnology and conventional foods. Many countries have implemented the Regulations for GM products labelling, therefore the need of establish reliable and accurate detection methods for GMO in raw materials and food products. The aim of the present study was to screen foods sold in the selected Mozambican markets for the presence of GMOs. Out of 47 samples analysed, 22 (46%) were positive either for 35S promoter or t-NOS terminator. Results of the event-specific analysis indicated the presence of RRS, Mon863 and TC1507 in 8, 6 and 1 sample respectively. None of the positive samples had a GM label. This study demonstrates for the first time, as far as we know, the presence of GM food products circulating in Mozambican markets, therefore strengthening the need for establish of labelling system and quantitative methods in routine analyses, to ensure compliance with existing regulations.   Key words: Genetically modified organisms, roundup ready soybean, P35S, food.

7students’ Awareness and Perception About Genetically Modified Food

Genetic engineering and Biotechnology are the promising discipline of study in the global market. Genetic alterations are carried in indigenous species with increased sophisticated strategies and techniques to yield hybrid varieties. In Food biotechnology, Genetically Modified Foods have become new, revolutionary and emerging concepts to fulfil the food crisis encountered by developing countries such as India. Genetically Modified foods are produced from the native species by genetically modifying the genes and the modifications are created in accordance to the requirement of the end users. Different indigenous ancient species have been merged to produce new hybrid varieties that are healthy and offers many benefits. Many GM food products are accessible in the markets like grain hemp, honey, tomato, sweet potato, sweet corn, meat, essential oils etc. Developed countries possess a wide understanding about GM foods, its labelling and traceability. However in Developing countries like India, the individuals are unaware about GM foods and they ingest the food without knowing that it is genetically altered. Since awareness about GM foods are less amongst the population, Government need to take necessary measures to analyse about impacts caused by GM foods on human population and implement legislations in order to label the GM food items. As students are definitely the asset and the back bone in developing country they must be conscious of what they consume. The current study is in order to know about students’ awareness on genetically modified food products and their perception towards GM foods. The Sample involves 163 college students of arts and science in and around Chennai metropolis.

Consumers’ Switching Preference from Conventional Food to Genetically Modified Food

Today, the demand for quality food is increasing and genetically modified food has become part of the Asian diet. Based on the potential of GM food products and Malaysia’s plan to expand its biotechnology industry, the market for GMO will surge if Malaysian consumers are well-informed on the advantages of GM food products. Therefore, this study proposed nine hypothesis to understand Malaysia consumers’ preference for switch from conventional food to genetically modified food. The result indicates that utilitarian, aversive and informational reinforcement will increase consumers’ preference towards genetic modified food if they are aware that genetically modified food brings more advantages than disadvantages to human being. In addition, result shows that consumer who switch will have higher intention to recommend GMO food to others and willing to pay more for GMO food.

AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF LATVIAN CONSUMER’S ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS

Genetic modification and genetically modified organisms (GMO) remains a controversial issue. Latvian consumers’ attitude towards genetic modification and GMO have been characterized as negative using Eurobarometer data, but so far no specific investigation of Latvian consumers has been done in this field. The aim of this study was to analyse Latvian consumers’ attitude towards genetic modification and GMO, the subjective and objective knowledge about this questions and acceptability of use of GMO in different application areas. Main task in frame of this research is to summarize different literature and data available to outline some of factors that influence attitudes towards GMO: mainly public subjective and objective knowledge, perception on risk and benefits, and ethical concerns. The survey method was chosen as a tool to collect data and elicit Latvian consumers’ attitude towards use of GMO in different industries. The survey was composed of 18 questions; seven of them have been structured on one to ten-point scale. The survey data of Latvia’s inhabitants (N = 1184) were collected by the telemarketing company from September 2014 until June 2015. To select the units to be included in the sample systematic sampling was applied - every twentieth inhabitant was approached by phone call and invited to answer on survey questions. The results of Latvian consumers’ survey showed that Latvians’ acceptability of genetic modification varies by application area; genetically modified non-food products are more accepted than GM food and feed products. Ethical and moral aspects play essential role among Latvian consumers. Respondents’ subjective and objective knowledge of genetic modification and GMO differs. The findings would be essential to policy makers when designing risk-communication strategies targeting different consumer segments to ensure proper discussion and addressing potential concerns about genetic modification. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.eis.0.10.14628

Consumer perception: an analysis on second generation genetically modified foods

Purpose Genetically modified (GM) food consumption causes discussions among consumers. So, the present research is aimed to study the hypothetical consumption of a particular kind of GM food products in Italy, which are from the second generation. Design/methodology/approach This research suggests both information about this particular kind of consumption and factors that determine their purchase through statistical techniques for testing and estimating causal relations, using data derived from carrying out sample surveys. Above all, the factor analysis and the cluster analysis are used for the aim of the study. Findings The proposed study shows that transgenic consumption is especially linked to knowledge and impact on health, but also the possibilities that they are able to give when special properties, that can be added to food products, are considered. Moreover, it was possible to identify three kinds of consumer-of-food under investigation: the agree one (37 per cent of the sample), with highest level of perceived expectation and willingness to pay; the half-agree one (27 per cent), with lowest level of desire but highest level of satisfaction; and the disagree one (36 per cent), with negative relationship with all of the factors, particularly with the perceived expectation. Originality/value The research considers a topic not addressed in details; moreover, it is also based on the author's own previous research and is its natural continuation and development, but also important for future researches.

Attitudes toward genetically modified organisms in Poland: to GMO or not to GMO?

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are a subject of on-going scientific, political and social discussions in Member States of the European Union (EU) concerning their use, benefits, risks, safety and limitations. EU societies have every right to substantive information and education in biotechnology, yet they appear to be misinformed by contradictory views and sensationalism. The present study investigated the level of knowledge and the attitude of citizens of Poland (n = 1021) towards the various uses of GMOs. As found, the use of GMOs in medicine and pharmacy received slight approval from the surveyed group, and was generally perceived as the greatest benefit of GMOs. In contrast, most respondents were against the production and distribution of GM food products on the Polish market or at least favoured the labelling of any product that contains a GM component. The majority of individuals who were willing to accept GM foods also demanded their labelling. The studied group revealed various concerns related to the safety of GM foods, particularly their potential effect on health and the environment. Generally, the greatest scepticism towards GMOs and GM foods was expressed by farmers, medical workers and school teachers while the greatest enthusiasm was shown by students of medical and life sciences, and researchers/academicians. Importantly, most of those taking part in the survey admitted that their knowledge of GMOs was insufficient, expressed a willingness to improve it, and expected school teachers, academicians and researchers to be actively involved in this process. In conclusion, the present study underlines the urgent need to implement evidence-based educational programmes so as to raise the public understanding of the current possibilities and limitations of GMO-based technology in Poland.

Consumers’ Preference Heterogeneity for GM and Organic Food Products in Germany

ABSTRACTAccording to the EU co‐existence strategy, no form of agricultural food production system should be excluded. The driving force for this policy is the need to ensure consumers' freedom of choice. The aim of this study is to analyze whether preference heterogeneity for a GM and an organic variant of the same product exists among German consumers. The analysis is based on a survey conducted in spring 2007 in Germany. The specified mixed‐logit and latent class model show significant preference heterogeneity for both production technologies. We found one consumer segment with opposing preferences for GM and organic products and a second one exhibiting positive preferences for GM and organic products. The consumers in the second segment are possibly those who would most benefit from the EU co‐existence strategy and would probably be willing to cover the additional costs associated with a co‐existence strategy in the existing food value chains (D12). [EconLit citations: D12].

New multiplex PCR methods for rapid screening of genetically modified organisms in foods

We present novel multiplex PCR methods for rapid and reliable screening of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). New designed PCR primers targeting four frequently used GMO specific sequences permitted identification of new DNA markers, in particular 141 bp fragment of cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter, 224 bp fragment of Agrobacterium tumefaciens nopaline synthase (NOS) terminator, 256 bp fragment of 5-enolppyruvylshikimate-phosphate synthase (epsps) gene and 258 bp fragment of Cry1Ab delta-endotoxin (cry1Ab) gene for GMO screening. The certified reference materials containing Roundup Ready soybean (RRS) and maize MON 810 were applied for the development and optimization of uniplex and multiplex PCR systems. Evaluation of amplification products by agarose gel electrophoresis using negative and positive controls confirmed high specificity and sensitivity at 0.1% GMO for both RRS and MON 810. The fourplex PCR was developed and optimized that allows simultaneous detection of three common transgenic elements, such as: CaMV 35S promoter, NOS terminator, epsps gene together with soybean-specific lectin gene. The triplex PCR developed enables simultaneous identification of transgenic elements, such as: 35S promoter and cry1Ab gene together with maize zein gene. The analysis of different processed foods demonstrated that multiplex PCR methods developed in this study are useful for accurate and fast screening of GM food products.

A review of key regulatory issues for genetically modified foods in Kenya

The production and consumption of genetically modified foods has faced public criticism in Africa. Genetically modified foods offer a solution to food insecurity thus African countries are readily producing and/or accepting aid for GM food products. This paper reviews the controversial issues surrounding the production of GM foods such as consumer autonomy and right to know, costs to the consumer, stigmatisation, food security and environmental concerns. A section of this paper also reviews the regulation of GM food products in Kenya, where biosafety laws were recently enacted and whether the regulatory framework adequately addresses these concerns. In addition, there is a discussion on the level and extent of compliance with regulatory standards under international law.

The Costs of GM and Non-GM Co-existence in Processed Food Systems – Demonstrated for the Cases of the German Supply Chains of Chocolate and Frozen Pizza

Abstract In contrast to the increasing use of GM plants in agriculture worldwide, the acceptance of GM food is still low in the European Union. If GM food products were introduced in the EU, the German food industry would be confronted with increased efforts to separate GM and non-GM processing lines and it would have to perform compulsory quality management. This paper analyses the costs of co-existence for producers of frozen pizza and chocolate in Germany. In order to provide an idea of the general magnitude of these costs, an adaptive calculation model was developed, supported by qualitative information from expert interviews for both sectors. The case studies reveal that the possibilities of the companies are quite different in terms of size, infrastructure, and available resources to operate parallel production. Companies which already have sufficient existing facilities to run separated production lines might have the opportunity for specialisation and could manage a possible emerging GM market situation.

GM FOOD PRODUCTS AND TOWARD CHALLENGES FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF BIOETHICS AND RIGHT TO FOOD

In the framework of international human rights, the« right to adequate food» is a fundamental right of everyone to access to food which is safe and Nutrient. Risks which associated with GM food products for consumers and full control of biotech companies on the research process of safety of these foods, has been arisen concerns of human right activists. These companies on the base of art 15 of (ICSESC) consider that, any type of intervention and supervision of the public sector in the process of their investigations as a violation of the international obligations of states. They avoid to disclose the results of scientific research conducted in laboratories under their control and always claim that GM foods are no different from conventional foods. The situation that not only violated the « right to adequate food » but also is contrary to the « principle of non malfeasance». But, the main question, which is our major concern, is about the conflict created between the « right to adequate food » and principles of « Bioethics» on the one hand and the «right to freedom of scientific research and creative activity» on the other hand. It is obvious that the recent procedures are not enough good for respond to the need to secure the « right to adequate food » and « Bioethics». So that governments and biotechnology companies are required to modify their existing practices and balance different interests to adhere the fundamental principles of human rights and principles of Bioethics.

A Game Analysis between GM Food Production Enterprises and Regulators in Information Asymmetry

Information asymmetry exists in a game relation between GM food Production enterprises and Regulators. Thus the market equilibrium depends on the strategy of GM food Production enterprises and Regulators.This paper argues that the probability of GM food Production enterprises paying attention to the propaganda and labeling GM food Consciously increase along with the probability of Regulation whether in Dynamic Game or Static Game. For the sake of Consumers,the Regulation of GM food is Essential.

Safety assessment of Cry1C protein from genetically modified rice according to the national standards of PR China for a new food resource

The Cry1C protein produced in Escherichia coli was used for in vitro evaluation and animal studies to support the safety assessment of GM food or feed products containing the Cry1C protein. The Cry1C protein does not have any sequence homology with known allergens or toxins. Although the Cry1C protein was heat stable it was rapidly degraded in vitro with simulated gastric or intestinal fluids. It did not cause adverse effects in mice as administered by gavage at a high level dosage of 5 g (Cry1C protein)/kg body weight. The mutagenicity of this protein was evaluated according to the national standards of People’s Republic of China (PR China) for a new food resource. In mutagenic tests, the Cry1C protein caused <4 micronucleated cells per 1000 cells, <16 sperm abnormalities per 1000 cells and was not associated with any increased mutations in the Ames test. Taken together, these data indicate that the Cry1C protein is not a potential allergen or toxin.

Errors in text

It is curious that a respected medical journal would publish this discussion of GM food and other GM products (JRSM 2008;101:290–298) without at least some oversight related to the validity of the content.1 I view the promotion of GM food as directly analogous to the promotion of a new pharmaceutical product without any testing for safety. The only difference is that GM food could alter the health of a much larger population, and without any element of product choice. I will address three specific errors of fact and logic-there are many more. ‘GM plants undergo extensive safety testing’. This is absolutely false. In the US, while the GM food plants must go through the FDA for approval, there is NO REQUIRED safety testing: it is up to the producer, and if anything is done it is minimal. These has been essentially no long term animal toxicology on any GM product, something the medical community should be concerned about.2,3 ‘GM crops consumed… with no reported ill effects’ – therefore they are safe. This statement is illogical and the conclusion is not valid. There is no assay and there is no epidemiology. If any GM food product did cause harm it would be impossible to pick up within the constant background of disease, particularly since in the USA, the biggest consumer, there are no labelling requirements. For an example of the necessary data to make a conclusion of harm, see Schubert.4 ‘Increased yields’: there have been none with the current GM crops.5

Determinants of Voter Support for a Five‐Year Ban on the Cultivation of Genetically Modified Crops in Switzerland

AbstractWhile much effort has been devoted to estimating market premiums for non‐genetically modified (GM) food, the results of such research are largely silent about the preferences for the public good aspects, or externalities, of GM food production. For public goods, the closest substitute of private consumption decisions is voting on referenda. In November 2005, 55.7% of 2 million Swiss voters approved a five‐year moratorium (ban) on the commercial cultivation of GM plants in Switzerland. The present study examines how individual voting decisions were determined by: (i) socioeconomic characteristics; (ii) political preference/ideology; and (iii) agreement with a series of arguments in favour and against the use of GM plants in Swiss agriculture. The analysis is based on the data of the regular voter survey undertaken after the national‐level voting in Switzerland. The results suggest that current concerns about the use of genetically engineered plants in agriculture may not automatically decrease with higher levels of education/knowledge and generational change. Furthermore, analysis of voter motives suggests that public support for a ban on GM crops may be even larger in other countries, where industrial interests in crop biotechnology are less pronounced.

A differentiated account of the role of trust in consumers' acceptance of genetically modified foods in Germany

This paper proposes a sequential model to contrast the causal chain and associationist models on the role of trust in GM food acceptance. Data from 60 laddering interviews suggest the role of trust in evaluating the perceived consequences of GM food production and consumption is small and that the link between risk and trust is rather weak, too. Lending further support to the relevancy of the proposed model, the data support the hypothesis that respondents who are likely to accept GM food raise trust issues significantly less often than respondents who are unlikely to accept GM food. The analysis further identifies the segment with intermediate acceptance likelihood as most important for the future uptake of the technology.