Risks of GMO Foods

GMO foods may cause allergies.

According to the Institute for Responsible Technology, GMO foods have the ability to cause allergies. There are records of workers who were exposed to Bt cotton who developed allergic symptoms of the skin, eyes, and upper respiratory tract. It was noted that one doctor treated 250 workers who came in contact
with the cotton, and that employees at a cotton gin factory take antihistamines daily.

When GM soy was introduced in the UK, soy allergies increased.

Apparently, GMO's are also able to trigger a food allergy in humans since soy allergies increased by five percent in the UK in 1999. Just before 1999, GM soy was imported into the country. Antibody tests can verify that some people have a different reaction to GM and non-GM soy varieties. Besides the possibility of causing allergies, GMO's change the protein in plants and take away some of the vital nutrients that are necessary for health. GM soybeans are known to produce fewer isoflavones that are cancer fighting agents.

GMO's can have unintended changes.

Scientists who develop GMO foods may have the intention of designing more healthy foods for the world, but in reality, GM) crops have been shown to have fewer nutrients and more toxins, allergens, and small molecule products of metabolism. Safety assessments and testing do not measure the changes in GMO foods, so when you eat them, you have no idea of their true nutritional value or of their safety.

People with a food allergy could consume allergens without knowing it.

One of the main dangers of GMO foods is that these genetically engineered foods have been shown to transfer allergenic proteins to other foods. When a gene from a Brazil nut was inserted into soybeans, a scientific project was cancelled because people allergic to Brazil nuts would react to the GM soy. The World Health Organization (WHO) offers criteria to minimize the likelihood that allergenic GM crops are approved, but GM soybeans, corn,and papaya have failed the criteria. The GM proteins in these foods are too similar to known allergens.

More testing is needed to ensure the safety of GMO foods

Many people try to avoid GMO foods, especially if they have a food allergy that could cause anaphylaxis,or even a less severe allergic reaction. It is simply too risky to eat any foods with unknown content when you or your child have a food allergy. More food manufacturers are beginning to label their products "Non GMO," so that consumers can lower their risk of an allergic reaction by accidently eating foods that may contain allergens.

Source: Institute for Responsible Technology, http://responsibletechnology.org/gmo-dangers/65-health-risks/3notes#braz...