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Introduction
The issue of genetic enginnering in the food system is one that is often charged with emotion and strong opinion. Indeed, there has been much concern voiced over the years about the potential harms to both human health and the environment of genetically-modified (or more accurately, genetically-engineered) crops.
Some concern takes the form of outright hysteria, while other concerns are more nuanced and subtle. Among these concerns, which have good evidence to support them? What regulation is currently in place? Why are their differences between the US and the EU?
On the opposite side, there are clear advantages to GE crops; including disease resistance, herbicide tolerance, and even enhanced nutritional content. But are these advantages possible without harm? Do the pros outweigh the cons?
In this episode, Alan and Danny discuss the current evidence on genetically engineered crops (or GMOs) and their effect on human health, biodiversity, and the economy.
Related resources
- [00:57]Framing of the GMOs debate
- [12:47]Key definitions
- [19:29]Where do GMOs show up in the food supply? And jurisdiction differences
- [32:35]Impacts on human health and nutritional differences
- [44:11]Impact on biodiversity
- [1:00:52]What’s the deal with glyphosate herbicide?
- [1:04:29]Concluding thoughts
- [1:09:42]Key Ideas segment (Premium only)
The Hosts
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Dr. Alan Flanagan has a PhD in nutrition from the University of Surrey, where his doctoral research focused on circadian rhythms, feeding, and chrononutrition.
This work was based on human intervention trials. He also has a Masters in Nutritional Medicine from the same institution.
Dr. Flanagan is a regular co-host of Sigma Nutrition Radio. He also produces written content for Sigma Nutrition, as part of his role as Research Communication Officer.
Danny Lennon has a master’s degree (MSc.) in Nutritional Sciences from University College Cork, and he is the founder of Sigma Nutrition.
Danny is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the Sports Nutrition Association, the global regulatory body responsible for the standardisation of best practice in the sports nutrition profession.
Key Ideas
Key Idea #1
When people refer to GMOs they are usually referring to crops developed through genetic engineering. Genetic Engineering is the name for certain methods used to introduce new traits or characteristics to an organism typically involving the use of recombinant DNA methods. While these techniques are sometimes referred to as “genetic modification”, it is “genetic engineering” that is the more precise term for what is typically discussed.
Key Idea #2
While it’s clear that most claims highlighted the dangers of GMOs/GE crops are hyperbolic and lacking in evidence, this is not to say that:
- There is no chance of any risks ever being found
- The food industry players are always honesty, ethical actors
- The food system doesn’t need reform
Key Idea #3
- Anti-scientific thinking often is borne out of a craving more certainty.
- People who attempt to get rid of the uneasy feeling of uncertainty, attempt to create certainty by claiming something is definitely dangerous or incredibly beneficial.
- We must be comfortable with saying, we can’t know for sure, but based on current best evidence, and what is likely to be correct, our current position is X.
- There needs to be an ability to sit with ambivalence and make probabilistic decisions.