How do They Test GM Foods?

Testing genetically modified (GM) foods can seem to be a sloppy science to many people, primarily because it is challenging to determine the long-term effects of this still relatively new technology that has emerged over the last several decades.

However, the potential risks to human health, the environment and animals have prompted calls for increased testing of GM foods. Also, many people want to know if the foods they consume contain GM ingredients. In this sense, testing is an important part of labelling.

Labelling GM Foods

There is not yet a single, accurate test to determine if a food product contains GM ingredients. This lack of accurate testing means that for labelling to be properly done, a food's ingredients must each be fully traceable from start to finish in the production process. The only way to truly determine if a product has GM ingredients is to have documentation on each constituent of the food.

Environmental And Health Testing

One type of testing for GM foods is used to assess any unwanted effects when a gene is inserted into another organism. There are concerns that the inserted gene will 'mingle' with the genes present in the organism, which could affect the entire functioning of the plant. The potential for this to affect our health is a real possibility that has to be assessed and considered before a GM food is approved.

Assessing GM Food Toxicity

To make this assessment, there are a number of tests that can be done. One is to look at the chemical makeup of the GM crop and another is to conduct animal feeding trials. In terms of analysing the makeup of the plant, scientists can assess the nutrients in the food as well as the amount of toxins that would typically be found in the foods.

If the GM food is shown to be toxic beyond an acceptable level of the substance of concern, then it would not be approved. If there are any other results that are a potential cause for concern, then these would be investigated in greater detail.

Animal Feeding Trials

To look at the GM crop in a feeding trial, researchers will feed animals – often using rats or a similar animal – the GM food for a specified length of time. If the animal shows any problems such as ones relating to immunity, then these would be investigated and it is unlikely that the GM product would be authorised for use.

Importance Of Testing GM Foods

Although testing GM foods is important for determining if a food is safe and reasonable to provide to the public, there are still many concerns that the technology is an unpredictable one that can't accurately be gauged by current testing methods.

Also worrying are long-term effects that testing simply can't sufficiently assess at this time. However, it is still necessary to use the means we have available for testing, with the hope that any potential issues in a GM food are identified early rather than later. This approach will mean that we minimise the risks as best we can while hopefully developing better ways of testing to ensure the safety of GM foods.