All you need to know about genetically modified food & bull; hello healthy

Maybe you have heard or received the chain messages that are heavily circulated on social media about genetically modified foods (PRG) or genetically modified foods. Genetically modified food has recently become an issue that is of concern to many people. The reason is, genetically modified food is an innovation in agriculture whose safety and benefits have not been recognized by consensus or universally. To understand the sundries of food that is abbreviated as PRG, consider the following information.

What is genetically modified food?

Genetic engineering techniques in food were first developed to address various problems such as food security and climate change. PRG was created through modern biotechnology techniques. PRG has undergone changes or modifications to genes that are not natural (engineered by humans) by crossing or transferring genes from other biological types. This method is also known as GMO.

What are the examples that have been circulating?

Various types of PRG that have been available in Indonesia since the late 1990s include soybeans, corn and sugar cane. The genetically modified food is imported from countries that have grown and produced genetically modified food themselves. Indonesia itself has not succeeded in developing transgenic plants. All over the world, the development of PRG has been more advanced and widely carried out. The United States is one of the countries that has used GMO seeds such as corn, tomatoes, potatoes, and papayas.

What are the advantages?

Problems such as population growth and unstable weather conditions due to climate change pose challenges of their own to human food sources. Every year, the demand for staple foodstuffs such as corn and rice continues to increase while their availability continues to decline due to drought or floods. Thus, PRG is designed in such a way as to ensure the availability of superior foodstuffs. Usually PRG has the following advantages.

Transgenic crops are more resistant to pests, viruses and diseases
It does not require a lot of pesticides because the nature of transgenic plants is already immune to viruses or pests
GMO crops are more drought tolerant because they require less resources such as water and fertilizer
GMO food has a stronger taste and tastes better
Transgenic food has richer nutrients
The growth of transgenic plants is faster
Transgenic food has a longer shelf life (does not rot quickly) so that the food supply increases
Modify the nature of the food so that the results are more suitable for the needs, for example transgenic potatoes can produce fewer carcinogens when fried

Is genetically modified food safe for consumption?

Although food produced from GMO crops has many advantages, there are still many people who doubt PRG. Doubts about genetically modified food usually revolve around its safety and side effects for humans, including the following.

Food products from GMO crops have the potential to contain toxic or allergenic properties
Genetic changes that are dangerous, unexpected, or unwanted
Reduction of nutrients or other ingredients due to the process of crossing genes
Transgenic food causes resistance to natural antimicrobials

In fact, PRG and transgenic plant seeds that have been circulating in the world have been regulated and passed food safety tests conducted by the respective countries where the products or biological products are distributed. In Indonesia, the responsibility for testing and supervising PRG is the Biosafety Clearing Center and the Food and Drug Administration, in accordance with the mandate stated in laws, government regulations, and joint cross-ministerial decrees.

The safety tests conducted include tests for toxicity, allergenicity, changes in nutritional value related to genetic changes, as well as the substantial equivalence in the transgenic food. If substances or ingredients that are potentially harmful to health are found, genetically modified food will not be licensed for sale and distribution. This means that PRG which is already available in Indonesia is safe for consumption.

How do you distinguish it from ordinary food?

Government Regulation no. 69 of 1999 concerning Food Labels and Ads, requires producers to include information for PRG products. Since most PRG are imported products, pay attention to the labels attached to these food products. If the product is affixed with a sticker or label with a 5 digit serial number starting with number 8, then the product is genetically modified food. For processed products, pay attention to the composition that is usually listed on the back of the package. There should be a statement if certain ingredients in the product come from transgenic plants. So, you have to be really observant when choosing food products.