Genetic modification is done to protect crops, by making them herbicide and insect resistant and increase crop yield. Commonly genetically modified foods include salmon, pork, corn and cotton, to see a more extensive list follow this link: genetically modified foods. These foods contain genes which have been crossed over and modified, in the short term, these foods are thought to be harmless. The long term effects are lesser known and more research is needed to make a concise conclusion about the the health risks posed to humans.
However, earlier this year, Juan Pedro Ramos, a 31 year old clerk, was the first man to die as a result of consuming a genetically modified product. Initially it was unclear what had caused the death of Mr Ramos, it was later discovered that he died of an allergic reaction to seafood. This was unexpected because he had not consumed any seafood. Then it was found that in the sandwich that he had previously eaten, the tomato was genetically modified and it contained fish genes as well as antibiotic resistant genes which prevented his white blood cells from keeping him alive. This is one of the greatest fears that genetically modified food brings - the transfer of antibiotic resistant genes. However, dieticians claim that the risk of this occurring is extremely low. To read more about the case of Mr Ramos click here.
It is known that genetically modified foods have dangerous effects on animals as was found during the experimentation of GM foods.
Finally, dieticians recommend that as long as you eat a balanced diet which contains foods that also aren't genetically modified, there shouldn't be any major effects on health.
For more information about the safety of genetically modified foods here - click here.
