Ok, so maybe it’s because Halloween is coming up and everyone has trick-or-treating, ghosts, goblins and monsters on their minds, but when the term “genetic engineering” is thrown around, most people think of crazy scientists piecing together body parts to make some sort of monster (or glow in the dark fish). But fear not…genetic engineering isn’t necessarily scary or confusing. As a matter of fact, genetic engineering has allowed scientists to develop new and innovative technology, and there are tons of benefits for consumers and producers as well.
Genetic engineering refers to the combination of two pieces of DNA (the use of recombinant DNA, or rDNA techniques) to create new traits in an organism. Basically, an animal or organism is considered genetically altered if its genes have been modified, or if genes from a different animal are added. Animals and crops can be genetically modified to produce healthier foods and medicines for consumers, or help farmers cut costs by raising crops that are able to withstand pests and diseases.
Recombinant DNA techniques have been around for quite a while, and there’s a good chance the food we already eat has been genetically altered. Scientists started using them in the 1980s to create crops modified to resist bugs and weeds the same way they would if the farmer had used pesticides and herbicides instead. It’s a pretty common practice in agriculture to modify corn and soy crops with pest resistant genes. Genetic engineering has also been successfully used in medicine. By altering the genetic code of certain microbes, scientists can use the same bacteria that causes colds to create inexpensive and effective medicines. And the grilled cheese sandwich you ate for lunch? There’s a good chance it contained genetically altered microorganisms as well, since they are commonly used in baking, brewing and cheese-making.
Recently, the FDA proposed regulations allowing for the commercial use of genetically altered animals. This is pretty exciting because, as a result, cheaper medicines and more nutritious food may become available to consumers. Different types of genetically engineered animals are in development, but this research is still in the laboratory stage and has yet to be approved for commercial use.
If the new FDA guidelines are approved, more genetically altered animals could become available to consumers. Scientists are now using rDNA technology to develop animals that can produce medicines, such as insulin, and be a source of cells, tissue and organs for human transplants. The production of food animals, like pigs with high levels omega-3 fatty acids, are also in the developmental stages with a goal of providing healthier meats.
Despite the concerns many may have towards “Frankenfoods,” we’ve been eating genetically engineered foods for years. And the new FDA regulations should help ensure that genetically engineered foods enter the market with their safety assured. Producers seeking FDA approval will be required to show that food from a genetically engineered animal is not only safe for consumption, but that the process does not harm the animal’s health.
So stay tuned. The FDA is accepting public comments on these guidelines until November 18. If they’re approved, hopefully by next Halloween we’ll be able to modify treats to be sugar and calorie free. What’s that? We already have rice cakes? Oh.
Read more: Genetically engineered animals in the food supply [JAVMA News]
