What You Need To Know About Genetically Modified Food
Maybe you've heard or received a chain message that is intensively spread on social media about genetically modified food (PRG) or genetically modified foods. Genetically modified food has recently become an issue that many people worry about. The reason is that genetically modified food is an innovation in agriculture whose safety and benefits have not been recognized by consensus or universally. To understand food, abbreviated as PRG, consider the following information.
What is genetically modified food?
Genetic engineering techniques in food were first developed to answer 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 species. This method is also known as GMO.
What are some examples that have been circulating?
Various types of GMOs that have been available in Indonesia since the late 1990s include soybeans, corn, and sugar cane. Genetically modified food is imported from countries that have grown and produced their own genetically modified food. Indonesia itself has not yet succeeded in developing GMO crops. Around the world, the development of PRG has been more advanced and rampant. The United States is one country that already uses GMO seeds such as corn, tomatoes, potatoes, and papaya.
What are the advantages?
Problems such as population growth and unstable weather conditions due to climate change pose their own challenges for human food sources. Every year, demand for staples such as corn and rice continues to increase while availability continues to decline due to drought or floods. Thus, PRG is designed in such a way as to ensure the availability of superior food ingredients. Usually, PRG has the following advantages.
Modification of food properties so that the results are more in line with needs, for example, GMO potatoes can produce fewer carcinogens when fried
Is genetically modified food safe to consume?
Although food produced from GMO crops has many advantages, many people still doubt GM. Doubts about genetically modified food usually revolve around safety and its side effects on humans, among others as follows.
In fact, GMOs and GMO seeds that have been circulating in the world have now been regulated and passed food safety tests conducted by each country where the products or biodiversity are distributed. In Indonesia, itself responsible for testing and overseeing the PRG is the Biosafety Clearing House and the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency, in accordance with the mandates stated in laws, government regulations, and cross-ministerial joint decrees.
Safety tests carried out include tests of toxicity, allergens, changes in nutritional value related to genetic changes, as well as substantial equivalence in the GMO food. If substances or substances that are potentially harmful to health are found, genetically modified food will not be given permission to sell and distribute. This means that PRG which is available in Indonesia is now 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 PRGs 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 informed if certain ingredients in the product are from GMO crops. So, you must be very observant when choosing food products.
What is genetically modified food?
Genetic engineering techniques in food were first developed to answer 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 species. This method is also known as GMO.
What are some examples that have been circulating?
Various types of GMOs that have been available in Indonesia since the late 1990s include soybeans, corn, and sugar cane. Genetically modified food is imported from countries that have grown and produced their own genetically modified food. Indonesia itself has not yet succeeded in developing GMO crops. Around the world, the development of PRG has been more advanced and rampant. The United States is one country that already uses GMO seeds such as corn, tomatoes, potatoes, and papaya.
What are the advantages?
Problems such as population growth and unstable weather conditions due to climate change pose their own challenges for human food sources. Every year, demand for staples such as corn and rice continues to increase while availability continues to decline due to drought or floods. Thus, PRG is designed in such a way as to ensure the availability of superior food ingredients. Usually, PRG has the following advantages.
- Transgenic plants are more resistant to pests, viruses, and diseases
- Does not require a lot of pesticides because the nature of GMO crops is immune to virus or pest attacks
- GMO plants are more resistant to drought because they only require a few resources such as water and fertilizer
- GMO foods have a stronger and tastier taste
- GMO foods have richer nutrients
- Growth of GMO plants is faster
- The shelf life of GMO food is longer (does not rot quickly) so the food supply increases
Modification of food properties so that the results are more in line with needs, for example, GMO potatoes can produce fewer carcinogens when fried
Is genetically modified food safe to consume?
Although food produced from GMO crops has many advantages, many people still doubt GM. Doubts about genetically modified food usually revolve around safety and its side effects on humans, among others as follows.
- Food products from GMO plants have the potential to contain toxic or cause allergies
- Changes in genes that are dangerous, unexpected, or unwanted
- Decreased nutrients or other ingredients due to the process of gene crossing
- GMO foods cause resistance to natural antimicrobials
In fact, GMOs and GMO seeds that have been circulating in the world have now been regulated and passed food safety tests conducted by each country where the products or biodiversity are distributed. In Indonesia, itself responsible for testing and overseeing the PRG is the Biosafety Clearing House and the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency, in accordance with the mandates stated in laws, government regulations, and cross-ministerial joint decrees.
Safety tests carried out include tests of toxicity, allergens, changes in nutritional value related to genetic changes, as well as substantial equivalence in the GMO food. If substances or substances that are potentially harmful to health are found, genetically modified food will not be given permission to sell and distribute. This means that PRG which is available in Indonesia is now 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 PRGs 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 informed if certain ingredients in the product are from GMO crops. So, you must be very observant when choosing food products.
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