Food nowadays comes with different labels indicating whether they’re organic or non-organic. But maybe, there have been a time while you were grocery shopping for your family, you’ve chance upon a label saying that such food is non-GMO.
The question is what is non-GMO food?
First things first, you need to understand what GMO is.
GMO stands for genetically modified organisms. Meaning an organism is altered through engineering techniques. A DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) of one living thing is recombined into the DNA of another so that a ‘desirable’ trait becomes part of the new, modified, organism. The technology is often called “modern biotechnology” or “gene technology”, at times “recombinant DNA technology” or “genetic engineering.” Genetically modified (GM) organisms are often referred to as GM food.
When it comes to food, an example would be corn. Genetic engineers have transferred genes from a bacterium known as Bacillus thuringiensis or Bt into the DNA of corn. Bt gene contains a protein that kills insects, so transferring the gene of Bt allows the corn to produce its own pesticide.
So, basically non-GMO food means it did not undergo genetic engineering.
Now that you understand that GMO involves DNA modification of food, the next question will be is s it safe to consume?
According to scientists, genetically modified food is as safe as traditionally-cultivated and organic food. Moreover, it contains additional nutrients to supplement the needs of common Filipino families. The Department of Agriculture (DA), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), and Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines (BCP) assures the public that GM food is harmless. This is also backed up by the World Health Organization (WHO), UN Food and Agriculture Organization, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and other national academies of science.
In fact, the Philippines ranked as the top grower of genetically modified crops in Southeast Asia and the 12th biggest producer in 2016. In the same year, GM corn planted in the country reached 812,000 hectares.
There are those who oppose GMO production, calling out potential health risks. But scientists remain positive and convinced that it is risk-free. It is also important to note that GMO food crops and products go into inspection and examination by international and national standards before they are allowed for importation and commercialization.
Considering how the natural state and process of food production is left untouched, does it mean that non-GMO food is organic? The rule of thumb is: organic is non-GMO, but non-GMO is not necessarily organic.
Organic food is food farmed and grown naturally which prohibits the use of GMOs. But Non-GMO labeled food can still be grown with pesticides or other processes that could be damaging to the environment.
Such crops are used as ingredients in making other products like ketchup, chewing gum, fruit juices, and pasta sauce.
At the end of the day, it is important to be aware of what we consume. As much as possible, food with less additives and artificial substances should be avoided to keep you and your family as healthy as you can be. Hotpot not only offers a hearty and healthy meal, but also a time to bond with the family as you all share a hot and delicious feast in a pot.
Wei Wei Cold Store makes sure their products undergo careful and thorough selection process, not only in taste but in overall quality as well. Get your FreshlyFrozen ingredients for your hotpot bonding at Wei Wei Cold Store (in 3 branches in Metro Manila: Arranque, Cubao and BGC; or in leading groceries and supermarkets nationwide). For more information you can visit their website at www.weiweicoldstore.com or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/weiweicoldstore.ph.
Sources:
who.int | modernwellnessguide | non-gmoreport | sphweb.bumc.du.edu | gmanetwork
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