Before beginning to list the examples of transgenic foods , it is pertinent to note that these are those whose composition contains at least one ingredient from a genetically modified organism.
In short, it is not typical of the original species. Only with the optimization of the methods of genetic manipulation of food, is it possible to globalize the use of transgenics.
Currently, it is estimated that almost 70% of the foods consumed regularly have at least one gene that is not intrinsic to their species, such as meat, potatoes, tomatoes, etc.
In this way, the examples of transgenic foods are developed from the selection (among millions of cells of a living being ) of those carriers of the desired chromosomes.
This is an experimental technique, since the cell is not an infallible or perfect machine, so the results may be different.
10 examples of transgenic foods and their characteristics
1. Alfalfa
As of 2011, a genetically modified variety of alfalfa resistant to certain herbicides is being produced.
This allows farmers to spray the field with them without harming alfalfa production.
2. Zucchini and pumpkin
Currently, genetically modified zucchini and squash variants are produced, so among the characteristics of transgenic foods is their resistance to different types of viruses .
3. Leche
One of the processes used in some dairy farms is feeding cows with bovine growth hormone (rBGH), to optimize milk production.
Said hormone has recombinant properties, and is obtained through genetic engineering . However, some countries of the European Union prohibit this type of practice.
4. Corn
It is important to mention that a large part of the cultivated corn is transgenic, and the main reason why it is produced is the reduction of production costs.
Likewise, said genetic modification gives it greater resistance to glyphosate, a herbicide used to exterminate weeds, but which can harm production.
From this corn, it is possible to make different types of products.
5. Pan
Regarding which are the most common transgenic foods , bread stands out even though it does not have direct modification: its raw materials, such as cereals or wheat, are modified.
That being said, the purpose of this modification is to cover the broad global demand for bread.
6. Pope or potato
For its part, the potato is another highly demanded food worldwide, and genetic engineering can boost its production or make it more nutritious and resistant.
For this reason, it is another genetically modified food to be able to feed a greater amount of the world’s population.
7. Sugar beets
Many are unaware that sugar beet is a product in high demand worldwide, due to its importance for sugar production .
Since 2005, a genetically modified sugar beet has been approved. For example, in the US it represents approximately 50% of the production of this item.
8. Soldier
Throughout the world, soybeans are one of the main foods produced using the technique of genetic engineering, especially in countries such as Argentina and the United States.
An outstanding example is that of a US company that in 2010 created a genetically modified soybean, distinguished by its high levels of oleic acid.
This acid has many benefits, where the most important is its contribution to the reduction of bad cholesterol .
9. Tomato
Thanks to its many variants, tomato is one of the most consumed foods in the world today. Consequently, its worldwide demand is very high.
In this situation, genetic engineering drives increased tomato production, making them more nutritious and resistant to processes such as transportation and storage, as well as pests.
10. Grapes
In this order of ideas, the grapes are modified at the genetic level to increase their resistance and remove the seeds that are inside the fruit.
What is its utility?
Before, the diffusion of the use of transgenics increased the demands of consumers and producers, so these alterations are essential to enter the food market.
Among the main benefits of transgenic foods is the fact that they extend the life of food and its resistance to aggressive environmental conditions.
They also increase their resistance to diseases , herbicides and insect pests, along with achieving better nutritional conditions.
The genetic engineering technique favors the development of foods with specific characteristics that make them superior to foods produced by natural means.
On the other hand, it allows growth in the levels of efficiency and productivity of food.
final advantages
About what are the effects of transgenic foods , they are beneficial for health: they add new nutrients and increase the level of vitamins and other natural nutrients.
