Facts About GM Food & Cancer

Genetically modified (GM) food has been altered at the DNA level from its natural form. GM ingredients are now widely present in the U.S. food supply, prompting concern over their safety for the human body.

Characteristics

• GM or genetically engineered (GE) food is made from plants or animals whose genes have been altered through the cutting and splicing of genes from another organism. This transfer of genes is conducted to encourage the presence of traits that increase nutritional value and resistance to pests and pesticides.

GM vs. Interbreeding

• Farmers and biologists have crossbred crops and food animals for thousands of years. However, genetic modifications traverses the traditional boundaries of selective breeding through the transfer of DNA into unrelated species.

Mycotoxin Reduction

• Felicia Wu, Ph.D., of University of Pittsburgh's Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, claims that GM corn can reduce the presence of fungus-caused mycotoxins, which are known to cause cancer in humans and other animals.

Cancer and rBGH

• Monsanto's genetically engineered recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH) has been used to increase production of dairy cows. Accoriding to Ronnie Cummins of the Campaign for Food Safety/Organic Consumers Association, an increase of the hormone Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF-1) has been found to increase cancer risk in humans consuming rBGH milk.

Conclusion

• Current evidence shows that GM foods may indirectly cause cancer, as in the case of rBGH milk. However, there is no conclusive evidence as to whether the genetic modification of foods in itself leads to carcinogenic qualities.