Science, Technology, and Society

LESSON 11: GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS GMOs in Food and Agricultural Industries

In 2001, Rosalie Ellasus, attended the Integrated Pest The Center of Ecogenetics and Environmental Health (CEEH,
Management – Farmers Field School and was introduced to Bt Corn. 2013) identified the following roles of GMOs in the food and
Ms. Ellasus volunteered for demo-testing in her field. Bt Corn yielded agricultural industries:
7.2 tons per acre as compared to a regular yield of 4.2 tons per
1) Pest resistance - genetically modified plants to resist certain
hectares. No insecticide spraying was needed. This is one of the
pests. An example is Bt Corn.
success stories of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
(Ongkiko, 2016). 2) Virus resistance - genetically modified plants to resist certain
It was in 1951 that the term genetic engineering was coined viruses. An example is GM papaya or rainbow papaya.
by Jack Williamson, author of the science fiction novel Dragon 3) Herbicide tolerance - genetically modified plants to tolerate
Island (Stableford 2004). Through continuous search for herbicide. An example is Roundup Ready soybean.
development, genetic engineering no longer stayed in science novel.
It became a reality in science laboratories. 4) Fortification - genetically modified plants fortified with certain
minerals. An example is Golden Rice.
The general process of genetic engineering is the deliberate
5) Cosmetic preservation - genetically modified plants resist
manipulation of the organism’s genes, where it may involve transfer
natural discoloration. An example is Arctic Apple.
of genes from other organisms.
6) Increased growth rate - An example is AquAdvantage salmon.
Genetically Modified Organism
GMOs in Non-Food Crops and Microorganisms
Genetically modified organism (GMO) is the term used for an
organism created through genetic engineering. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in non-food crops and
some microorganisms involve the following:
The World health Organization (WHO, 2014) defines GMO as
an “organism, either plant, animal, or a microorganism, in which the 1. Flower production - GMOs in flower production are seen in
genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur modified color and extended vase life of flowers. Examples are
naturally by mating or natural recombination.” the so-called “blue” roses, which are, in reality, lilac or purple.

The development of GMOs was perceived to help in the 2. Paper Production - modified characteristics of trees for higher
advancement of technology for the benefit of humans in different yield of paper production. Examples are poplar trees.
industries like agriculture and medicine.
3. Pharmaceutical productions - modified plants to produce Most of those GMO crops were made to be resistant to pests.
pharmaceutical products. Examples are periwinkle plants. Some examples of common food with GMOs are Kellogg’s Corn
Flakes, Quaker Chewy Granola Bars, Ultra Slim Fast, Quaker Yellow
4. Bioremediation - use of modified plants that can assist in the
Corn Meal, and Alpo Dry Pet Food.
bioremediation of polluted sites. An example is shrub tobacco.
5. Enzyme and drug production - use of modified microorganisms Potential Risks of GMOs
that can produce enzymes for food processing and medicines. 1. Since genetic engineering is still young branch of science,
One example of this is CGTase. Another example is artemisinin. there are inadequate studies on the effects of GMOs to
6. GMOs in the medical field - It helps in the production of drug, humans and the environment.
gene therapy, and laboratory research. One classic example is 2. Genetic engineering promotes mutation in organisms which
Humulin, the genetically engineered insulin used by Type 1 the long-term effect is still unknown.
diabetes patients who are insulin dependent. In 1996, modified
human insulin was approved, called the Humalog. 3. Human consumption of GMOs might have the following
effects:
Benefits of GMOs • More allergic reactions – GMO food may trigger more
• Higher efficiency in farming allergic reactions, more so create new ones, as side effect
• Increase in harvest of the gene alternation.
• Control in fertility • Gene mutation – GMO food may develop abnormalities
• Increasing in food processing and mutation, more than the desired product of the gene
• Improvement of desirable characteristics alternation.
• Nutritional and pharmaceutical enhancement • Antibiotic resistance – GMO food contains antibiotics-
resistant genes; this may be causing disease-causing
• Reduce the use of fertilizer and pesticides.
bacteria likely to be more antibiotic-resistant too,
There are over 400 million of acres of GMO farmlands all increasing the possibility of widespread of the disease.
over the world. The top five countries that operate GMO farmlands • Nutritional value – GMO food may have change in their
are the United States, Brazil, Argentina, India, and Canada. nutritional value.
Some of the GMO agricultural crops that have been approved
for public consumption and are already in the market include
alfalfa, corn, papaya, soya bean, sugar beets, and squash.
 Potential Environmental Risks Caused by GMOs • May have impacts to biodiversity caused by the alternation in
agricultural practices.
Karki (2006) summarized the perceived potential environmental
risks caused by GMOs. The identified major risks are the • May have varied environmental impacts due to GMOs
following: interaction and release in the natural environment.
• Risks in the gene flow
• Emergence of new forms of resistance and secondary pests Potential Human Health Risks caused by GMOs
and weed problems Some potential human health risks are identified (Akhter, 2001),
• Recombination of Virus and Bacteria to Produce New such as:
Pathogens
• Consumption of GMOs may have adverse effects since it is
Other direct and indirect environmental risks caused by GMOs not naturally or organically produced.
(Molfino & Zucco, 2008):
• Consumption of GMOs may alter the balance of existing
1. Direct environmental risks are: microorganisms in the human digestive system.
• Introduction of the GMOs in the natural environment may
• Production of toxins may be detrimental to human health.
cause disruption of the natural communities through
competition or interference. • Production of allergies may have adverse effects on humans.

• The possibility of unexpected behavior of the GMOs in the Other potential risks that raise major concern are:
environment if escapes its intended use and may post threats
• Human Genome Project (HGP)
or become pest.
• Mutation of genetically engineered microorganisms
• May caused harmful effects to ecosystem processes if GMOs • Cloning
interfere with the natural biochemical cycles.
Genetic engineering is perceived to be one of the keys to
• The persistence of GMO genes after its harvest which may preserve lives. Gene therapy and gene alternation are promising
cause negative impacts to the consumer of GMO products. ways to improve human health conditions.
2. Indirect environmental risks are: WHO reported three major issues on GMOs that are in
• Alternation of agricultural practices like managing negative international public debates. These are the potential risks of allergic
impacts of GMOs to the environment such as evolution of reactions, gene transfer/flow, and outcrossing (WHO, 2014).
insects, pest, and weeds that become resistant to GMO
crops.
 The primary issue on GMOs presented in public debate is its 3. International Trade Agreement on labeling of GM food and
unnatural production or what is termed to be violation of nature. food products
Another concern is the potential risks to the environment and - The agreement requires exporters of GM food and food
human health, to which so much is unknown yet. products to label their products and give rights to importing
parties to reject or accept the GM products.
Biosafety on GMOs
- The premise of this policy is that consumers have the right to
These are initiatives for the protection of the general human know and the freedom to choose GM or non-GM products
population regarding the issues and concerns about GMOs: (Whitman, 2000).
1. The Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) The World Health Organization (WHO, 2014) claims that all
- The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) together with GM products that are available in the international market have
the World Health Organization (WHO) created The Codex passed safety assessment by national authorities.
Alimentarius Commission (Codex).
GMOs in Philippine Context
- Codex is an intergovernmental body that develops the Codex
Alimentarius, know us the International Food Code. 1990s The GMO concern started in the 1990s with the creation of
- Codex is responsible for the development of standards, codes the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines
of practices, guidelines, and recommendations on food (NCBP) through Executive Order No. 430 of 1990.
safety. 1998 The NCBP developed the guidelines on the planned
release of genetically manipulated organisms (GMOs) and
- Codex has developed principles for the human health risk
potentially harmful exotic species.
analysis of genetically modified (GM) food products.
2002 The Department of Agriculture released Administrative
- The principles include pre-market assessments of GM food Order No. 8, the guideline for the importation and release
products and its evaluation of direct and indirect effects. into the environment of GM plants and plant products
2. Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety In the same year, the Philippines was marked to be the first
- Established in 2003, Cartagena Protocol is an international country in Asia to approved commercial cultivation of
environmental treaty that regulates the transboundary GMOs when GM corn planting was approved in 2002
movements of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs).
- The Cartagena Protocol requires exporters to seek consent
from the importers before its first shipment of LMOS (WHO,
2014).
2004 Philippines was classified by International Service for March 7, Five government agencies namely:
acquisition of agri-biotech applications as one of the 2016 • Department of Science and Technology
fourteen biotech- mega countries which grow 50,000 • Department of Agriculture
hectares or more of GMO crops annually. • Department of Environment and Natural
In that same year, Senator Juan Flavier authored a Resources
bill on the mandatory labeling of food and food • Department of Health
products with GMOs. The Senate did not pass the bill. • Department of the Interior and Local
2006 Philippines became part of the Cartagena Protocol on Government
Biosafety. passed a Joint Department Circular No. 1, series
of 2016 on rules and regulations for the research and
In the same year, Executive Order No. 514 was issued development, handling and use, transboundary
to address the biosafety requirements of the movement, release in the environment, and
Cartagena Protocol and the establishment of the management of the genetically modified plant and
National Biosafety Framework (NBF). plant products derived from the use of modern
2010 The Organic Agriculture Act was issued, encouraging biotechnology.
organic agriculture than GMO-related agriculture.
This joint department circular paves way to issuance
Davao City passed the Organic Agriculture of new permits for planting and importing GM crops in
Ordinance. This city ordinance helps the prevention the country.
of field testing of GM Bt eggplant in the UP Mindanao
Campus (Aruelo, 2016). From December 2002 to present, there are 70 GMO
2012 Representative Teddy Casiño, together with other applications approved by the Department of Agriculture for the
congressmen, filed a bill pushing for the mandatory release to the environment.
labeling of GM food and food products.
62 GMOs of which are approved for food feed and processing
To date, there is no Philippine biosafety law, only and the remaining 8 were approved for propagation.
biosafety regulations formed under NBF.
December The Supreme Court ordered to put an end to the field
2015 testing of GMO Bt eggplant and declared
Administrative Order No. 8, series of 2002 of the
Department of Agriculture as null and void.