• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Nutraceuticals
    • Markets
    • Health
    • Jobs
    • Events
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Showcases
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Markets
  • Health
  • Jobs
  • Events
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Showcases
  • Current & Past Issues
    Features
    Columns
    Editorials
    Digital Edition
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    eNewsletter
    Editorial Guidelines
    Top Features
    Nutraceuticals for Men: Muscle Health and Performance Nutrition

    Aging in Place: Healthy Lifestyles Supplement Science-Based Solutions

    Getting an Edge in Esports: Meeting the Health Needs of Competitive Gamers

    Beyond CBD: Cannabis Compounds Warrant Recognition and More Research

    Leveling Out the Energy Segment for Mainstream, and Rethinking Caffeine
    Breaking News
    Certifications, Approvals and Patents
    Exclusives
    Industry & Market News
    People
    Products
    Regulatory
    Research
    Supplier News
    Supplier Insights
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Nootropics and Adaptogens Respond to Demand for Mind and Mood Support

    Sabinsa Honors 70th Anniversary of Diplomacy Between India and Japan

    Solvay Invests in Suanfarma’s Vanillin Production

    GNC Adds Products from The Honest Company, Hers, and Womaness

    NSF and SCNM’s School of Nutrition Collaborate on Master of Science Program
    Exclusives
    Blogs & Guest Articles
    Health E-Insights
    Area Code 420
    eBook
    Antioxidants
    Dairy-Based Ingredients
    Enzymes
    Fatty Acids
    Fiber & Carbohydrates
    Green Foods
    Herbs & Botanicals
    Marine Nutraceuticals
    Minerals
    Omega 3s
    Probiotics & Prebiotics
    Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
    Sweeteners
    Vitamins

    Nootropics and Adaptogens Respond to Demand for Mind and Mood Support

    Sabinsa Honors 70th Anniversary of Diplomacy Between India and Japan

    Solvay Invests in Suanfarma’s Vanillin Production

    Tocotrienols May Aid Weight Loss and Cognitive Performance, Animal Study Finds

    Leaven Essential to Launch Branded Botanical Extracts to Global Markets
    Consumer Trends
    Contract Manufacturing
    Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
    Delivery & Dosage Technologies
    Dietary Supplements
    Flavors & Colors
    Functional Foods & Beverages
    Healthcare Trends
    Medical Nutrition
    Mergers & Acquisitions
    Natural/Organic
    Nutrition Bars
    Packaging
    Pet Nutraceuticals
    Quality & Safety
    Regulations
    Research
    Testing
    World Markets

    Nootropics and Adaptogens Respond to Demand for Mind and Mood Support

    Sabinsa Honors 70th Anniversary of Diplomacy Between India and Japan

    Experts Debate Role of Supplements in Improving Public Health in EU

    Solvay Invests in Suanfarma’s Vanillin Production

    GNC Adds Products from The Honest Company, Hers, and Womaness
    Bone & Joint Health
    Cancer Risk
    Cardiovascular Health
    Cognitive Function
    Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
    Digestive Health
    Energy
    Eye Health
    Healthy Aging
    Immune Function
    Infant & Children's Health
    Inflammation
    Men's Health
    Mood Health & Sleep
    Oral Health
    Sexual & Reproductive Health
    Skin Health
    Sports Nutrition
    Weight Management/Weight Loss
    Women's Health

    Nootropics and Adaptogens Respond to Demand for Mind and Mood Support

    Experts Debate Role of Supplements in Improving Public Health in EU

    GNC Adds Products from The Honest Company, Hers, and Womaness

    Tocotrienols May Aid Weight Loss and Cognitive Performance, Animal Study Finds

    Red Seaweed Digestive Supplement for Cattle Could Reduce Enteric Methane Emissions by 80%
    Industry Events
    Live From Show Events
    Webinars
    All Companies
    Categories
    Trade Associations
    Company Capabilities
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Atlantia Clinical Trials

    Xsto Solutions

    Ecuadorian Rainforest

    Nutrition21, LLC

    Applied Food Sciences, Inc.
    Companies
    Product Releases
    News Releases
    Literature / Brochures
    White Papers
    Jobs
    VIdeos
    Services
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Atlantia Clinical Trials

    Xsto Solutions

    Ecuadorian Rainforest

    Nutrition21, LLC

    Applied Food Sciences, Inc.
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issue
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Trade Associations
      • Company Capabilities
    • Nutraceuticals
      • Antioxidants
      • Dairy-Based Ingredients
      • Enzymes
      • Fatty Acids
      • Fiber & Carbohydrates
      • Green Foods
      • Herbs & Botanicals
      • Marine Nutraceuticals
      • Minerals
      • Omega 3s
      • Probiotics & Prebiotics
      • Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
      • Sweeteners
      • Vitamins
    • Markets
      • Consumer Trends
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
      • Delivery & Dosage Technologies
      • Dietary Supplements
      • Flavors & Colors
      • Functional Foods & Beverages
      • Healthcare Trends
      • Medical Nutrition
      • Mergers & Acquisitions
      • Natural/Organic
      • Nutrition Bars
      • Packaging
      • Pet Nutraceuticals
      • Quality & Safety
      • Regulations
      • Research
      • Testing
      • World Markets
    • Health
      • Bone & Joint Health
      • Cancer Risk
      • Cardiovascular Health
      • Cognitive Function
      • Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
      • Digestive Health
      • Energy
      • Eye Health
      • Healthy Aging
      • Immune Function
      • Infant & Children's Health
      • Inflammation
      • Men's Health
      • Mood Health & Sleep
      • Oral Health
      • Sexual & Reproductive Health
      • Skin Health
      • Sports Nutrition
      • Weight Management/Weight Loss
      • Women's Health
    • Online Exclusives
    • Webinars
    • Slideshows
    • Blogs & Guest Articles
    • Health E-Insights
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • eBook
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • TrendSense
      • Monograph Center
      • White Papers
      • Research News
    • Jobs
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Supplier Showcases
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • News Releases
      • Literature / Brochures
      • White Papers
      • Jobs
      • VIdeos
      • Services
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Online Exclusives

    Report Concludes GE Crops Are Safe

    National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine said lines are blurring between GE and conventional plant breeding.

    Report Concludes GE Crops Are Safe
    Related CONTENT
    • Organic Foods Found in 80% of U.S. Households
    • MusclePharm Launches Natural Series
    • Hain Celestial Features 75 New Natural Products
    • Blueberries May Improve Cognition in Older Adults
    • Understanding GMO Labeling Legislation
    05.25.16
    An extensive study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has found that new technologies in genetic engineering and conventional breeding are blurring the once clear distinctions between these two crop-improvement approaches.
     
    In addition, while recognizing the inherent difficulty of detecting subtle or long-term effects on health or the environment, the study committee found no substantiated evidence of a difference in risks to human health between current commercially available genetically engineered (GE) crops and conventionally bred crops, nor did it find conclusive cause-and-effect evidence of environmental problems from the GE crops. However, evolved resistance to current GE characteristics in crops is a major agricultural problem.
     
    A tiered process for regulating new crop varieties should focus on a plant’s characteristics rather than the process by which it was developed, the committee recommends in its report. New plant varieties that have intended or unintended novel characteristics that may present potential hazards should undergo safety testing—regardless of whether they were developed using genetic engineering or conventional breeding techniques. New “-omics” technologies, which dramatically increase the ability to detect even small changes in plant characteristics, will be critical to detecting unintended changes in new crop varieties.
     
    The committee used evidence accumulated over the past two decades to assess purported negative effects and purported benefits of current commercial GE crops. Since the 1980s, biologists have used genetic engineering to produce particular characteristics in plants such as longer shelf life for fruit, higher vitamin content, and resistance to diseases. However, the only genetically engineered characteristics that have been put into widespread commercial use are those that allow a crop to withstand the application of an herbicide or to be toxic to insect pests.
     
    The fact that only two characteristics have been widely used is one of the reasons the committee avoided sweeping, generalized statements about the benefits and risks of GE crops. Claims about the effects of existing GE crops often assume that those effects would apply to the genetic engineering process generally, but different characteristics are likely to have different effects. A genetically engineered characteristic that alters the nutritional content of a crop, for example, is unlikely to have the same environmental or economic effects as a characteristic for herbicide resistance.
     
    The committee examined almost 900 research and other publications on the development, use, and effects of genetically engineered characteristics in maize (corn), soybean, and cotton, which account for almost all commercial GE crops to date. “We dug deeply into the literature to take a fresh look at the data on GE and conventionally bred crops,” said committee chair Fred Gould, University Distinguished Professor of Entomology and co-director of the Genetic Engineering and Society Center at North Carolina State University. In addition, the committee heard from 80 diverse speakers at three public meetings and 15 public webinars, and read more than 700 comments from members of the public to broaden its understanding of issues surrounding GE crops.
     
    In releasing its report, the committee established a website that enables users to look up the places in the report that address comments received by the committee from the public, and also find the reasoning behind the report’s main findings and recommendations. “The committee focused on listening carefully and responding thoughtfully to members of the public who have concerns about GE crops and foods, as well as those who feel that there are great benefits to be had from GE crops,” said Gould.
     
    Effects on human health. The committee carefully searched all available research studies for persuasive evidence of adverse health effects directly attributable to consumption of foods derived from GE crops but found none. Studies with animals and research on the chemical composition of GE foods currently on the market reveal no differences that would implicate a higher risk to human health and safety than from eating their non-GE counterparts. Though long-term epidemiological studies have not directly addressed GE food consumption, available epidemiological data do not show associations between any disease or chronic conditions and the consumption of GE foods.
     
    There is some evidence that GE insect-resistant crops have had benefits to human health by reducing insecticide poisonings. In addition, several GE crops are in development that are designed to benefit human health, such as rice with increased beta-carotene content to help prevent blindness and death caused by vitamin A deficiencies in some developing nations.
     
    Effects on the environment. The use of insect-resistant or herbicide-resistant crops did not reduce the overall diversity of plant and insect life on farms, and sometimes insect-resistant crops resulted in increased insect diversity, the report said. While gene flow—the transfer of genes from a GE crop to a wild relative species—has occurred, no examples have demonstrated an adverse environmental effect from this transfer. Overall, the committee found no conclusive evidence of cause-and-effect relationships between GE crops and environmental problems. However, the complex nature of assessing long-term environmental changes often made it difficult to reach definitive conclusions.
     
    Effects on agriculture. The available evidence indicates that GE soybean, cotton, and maize have generally had favorable economic outcomes for producers who have adopted these crops, but outcomes have varied depending on pest abundance, farming practices, and agricultural infrastructure. Although GE crops have provided economic benefits to many small-scale farmers in the early years of adoption, enduring and widespread gains will depend on such farmers receiving institutional support, such as access to credit, affordable inputs such as fertilizer, extension services, and access to profitable local and global markets for the crops.
     
    Evidence shows that in locations where insect-resistant crops were planted but resistance-management strategies were not followed, damaging levels of resistance evolved in some target insects. If GE crops are to be used sustainably, regulations and incentives are needed so that more integrated and sustainable pest-management approaches become economically feasible. The committee also found that in many locations some weeds had evolved resistance to glyphosate, the herbicide to which most GE crops were engineered to be resistant. Resistance evolution in weeds could be delayed by the use of integrated weed-management approaches, said the report, which also recommended further research to determine better approaches for weed resistance management.
     
    Insect-resistant GE crops have decreased crop loss due to plant pests. However, the committee examined data on overall rates of increase in yields of soybean, cotton, and maize in the U.S. for the decades preceding introduction of GE crops and after their introduction, and there was no evidence that GE crops had changed the rate of increase in yields. It is feasible that emerging genetic-engineering technologies will speed the rate of increase in yield, but this is not certain, so the committee recommended funding of diverse approaches for increasing and stabilizing crop yield.
     
    Regulation Should Focus on Novel Characteristics and Hazards
    All technologies for improving plant genetics—whether GE or conventional—can change foods in ways that could raise safety issues, the committee’s report notes. It is the product and not the process that should be regulated, the new report said, a point that has also been made in previous Academies reports.
     
    In determining whether a new plant variety should be subject to safety testing, regulators should focus on the extent to which the novel characteristics of the plant variety (both intended and unintended) are likely to pose a risk to human health or the environment, the extent of uncertainty about the severity of potential harm, and the potential for human exposure—regardless of whether the plant was developed using genetic-engineering or conventional-breeding processes. ” –omics” technologies will be critical in enabling these regulatory approaches.
     
    The United States’ current policy on new plant varieties is in theory a “product” based policy, but USDA and EPA determine which plants to regulate at least partially based on the process by which they are developed. But a process-based approach is becoming less and less technically defensible as the old approaches to genetic engineering become less novel and as emerging processes—such as genome editing and synthetic biology—fail to fit current regulatory categories of genetic engineering, the report says.
     
    The distinction between conventional breeding and genetic engineering is becoming less obvious, said the report, which also reviews emerging technologies. For example, genome editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 can now be used to make a genetic change by substituting a single nucleotide in a specific gene; the same change can be made by a method that uses radiation or chemicals to induce mutations and then uses genomic screening to identify plants with the desired mutation—an approach that is considered to be conventional breeding by most national regulatory systems. Some emerging genetic engineering technologies have the potential to create novel plant varieties that are hard to distinguish genetically from plants produced through conventional breeding or processes that occur in nature. A plant variety that is conventionally bred to be resistant to a herbicide and one that is genetically engineered to be resistant to the same herbicide can be expected to have similar associated benefits and risks.
     
    Regulating authorities should be proactive in communicating information to the public about how emerging genetic-engineering technologies or their products might be regulated and how new regulatory methods may be used. They should also proactively seek input from the public on these issues. Not all issues can be answered by science alone, the report said. Policy regarding GE crops has scientific, legal, and social dimensions.
     
    For example, on the basis of its review of the evidence on health effects, the committee does not believe that mandatory labeling of foods with GE content is justified to protect public health, but it noted that the issue involves social and economic choices that go beyond technical assessments of health or environmental safety; ultimately, it involves value choices that technical assessments alone cannot answer. 
     
    The study was sponsored by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the New Venture Fund, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with additional support from the National Academy of Sciences. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are private, nonprofit institutions that provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions related to science, technology, and medicine. They operate under an 1863 congressional charter to the National Academy of Sciences, signed by President Lincoln. 
    Related Searches
    • EPA
    • labeling
    • Regulations
    • Nutritional Content
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Natural/Organic
    • Quality & Safety
    • Regulations
    Suggested For You
    Organic Foods Found in 80% of U.S. Households Organic Foods Found in 80% of U.S. Households
    MusclePharm Launches Natural Series MusclePharm Launches Natural Series
    Hain Celestial Features 75 New Natural Products Hain Celestial Features 75 New Natural Products
    Blueberries May Improve Cognition in Older Adults Blueberries May Improve Cognition in Older Adults
    Understanding GMO Labeling Legislation Understanding GMO Labeling Legislation
    EFSA Assesses Process Contaminants In Vegetable Oils & Foods EFSA Assesses Process Contaminants In Vegetable Oils & Foods
    Power To The People Power To The People
    NPA Submits Comments on Voluntary Labeling of Foods Derived From GE Plants NPA Submits Comments on Voluntary Labeling of Foods Derived From GE Plants
    FDA Extends Comment Period for ‘Natural’ Food Labeling to May FDA Extends Comment Period for ‘Natural’ Food Labeling to May
    GMA’s SmartLabel Initiative Offers Access to Detailed Product Information GMA’s SmartLabel Initiative Offers Access to Detailed Product Information
    FDA Approves Application for GE Salmon FDA Approves Application for GE Salmon
    FDA Publishes Guidance on Voluntary Labeling of GE Food FDA Publishes Guidance on Voluntary Labeling of GE Food
    FDA Requests Comments on Use of the Term ‘Natural’ on Food Labeling FDA Requests Comments on Use of the Term ‘Natural’ on Food Labeling
    Genetic Engineering & GMOs: What You Rarely Hear Genetic Engineering & GMOs: What You Rarely Hear
    Calcium May Help Prevent Bone Loss Associated with Pregnancy Calcium May Help Prevent Bone Loss Associated with Pregnancy

    Related Content

    • Breaking News | Consumer Trends | Industry & Market News | Natural/Organic
      Organic Foods Found in 80% of U.S. Households

      Organic Foods Found in 80% of U.S. Households

      Organic food sales in the U.S. total around $40 billion annually, according to the Organic Trade Association.
      03.28.17

    • MusclePharm Launches Natural Series

      MusclePharm Launches Natural Series

      New line to meet growing consumer demand for all-natural, organic, vegan nutritional supplements.
      03.15.17

    • Hain Celestial Features 75 New Natural Products

      Products will be coming to market now through the end of 2017 and sold at selected retailers in markets throughout the U.S.
      03.15.17


    • Antioxidants | Breaking News | Cognitive Function | Healthy Aging | Herbs & Botanicals | Research | Research News

      Blueberries May Improve Cognition in Older Adults

      Supplementation with freeze-dried powder led to fewer repetition errors in California Verbal Learning Test.
      03.13.17

    • Natural/Organic | Packaging | Quality & Safety | Regulations | Testing
      Understanding GMO Labeling Legislation

      Understanding GMO Labeling Legislation

      Here’s a primer on the U.S. law that mandates a national standard for disclosing bioengineered foods.
      Todd Harrison & Michelle Jackson, Venable 01.04.17

      Breaking News
      • Nootropics and Adaptogens Respond to Demand for Mind and Mood Support
      • Sabinsa Honors 70th Anniversary of Diplomacy Between India and Japan
      • Solvay Invests in Suanfarma’s Vanillin Production
      • GNC Adds Products from The Honest Company, Hers, and Womaness
      • NSF and SCNM’s School of Nutrition Collaborate on Master of Science Program
      View Breaking News >
      CURRENT ISSUE

      May 2022

      • Aging in Place: Lifestyle Supplements Science-Based Solutions
      • Getting an Edge in Esports: Meeting Health & Nutrition Needs
      • Nutraceuticals for Men: Muscle Health and Performance Nutrition

      Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
      You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

      • About Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms And Conditions
      • Contact Us

      follow us

      Subscribe
      Nutraceuticals World

      Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

      Nootropics and Adaptogens Respond to Demand for Mind and Mood Support
      Sabinsa Honors 70th Anniversary of Diplomacy Between India and Japan
      Solvay Invests in Suanfarma’s Vanillin Production
      Coatings World

      Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

      DIC’s Indian Subsidiary Begins Construction of Coating Resins Production Facility
      Celanese Declares Force Majeure on Acetyl Chain and Acetate Tow Products
      CPI Announces New Hybrid Professional Development Program for 2022
      Medical Product Outsourcing

      Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

      Linear Health Sciences’ Orchid SRV Receives FDA & Health Canada Approval
      Vivasure Medical Raises $23 Million in Series D Financing Round
      New Patents Add Value to Know Labs' Bio-RFID Tech
      Contract Pharma

      Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

      Evotec SE and Sernova Corp Announce Partnership in the Field of Diabetes
      Emergex COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate Successfully Coated onto Zosano Micro-Needle Patch
      Thabor Therapeutics Appoints Jérémie Mariau as CEO
      Beauty Packaging

      Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

      Aveda is Leaping Bunny Approved by Cruelty Free International
      Smashbox Expands Becca Highlighter Collection
      Bite Beauty Is Closing Later This Year
      Happi

      Latest Breaking News From Happi

      Filipino Cosmetics Company Sunnies Face Enters US Market
      Selig Group Names Adam Sheridan Next President
      Nautica Introduces Oceans Pacific Coast Vegan & Sustainable Fine Fragrance Collection
      Ink World

      Latest Breaking News From Ink World

      Nazdar Ink Technologies to Manufacture VFP Ink Technologies Electronic Inks for US
      Sun Chemical Heads to Flexo and Labels 2022
      PETRONAS Chemicals Group to Acquire Perstorp Group
      Label & Narrow Web

      Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

      Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press
      Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market
      SunDance moves into flexible packaging with HP Indigo
      Nonwovens Industry

      Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

      H&V Appoints Vice President and General Counsel
      The Honest Company to Sell Diapers, Wipes at Walmart
      Jim Cree Joins Monadnock Nonwovens
      Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Paragon 28 Launches Grappler Suture Anchor System
      Paul Stellato Appointed Chief Accounting Officer at Zimmer Biomet
      DuPuy Synthes’ INHANCE Shoulder System Cleared by FDA for Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
      Printed Electronics Now

      Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

      Jabil Strengthens Additive Manufacturing Offerings
      Avery Dennison, Wiliot Partner to Build and Scale the Future of IoT
      HP Delivers Enhanced Platform Capabilities to Accelerate Additive Manufacturing Production at Scale

      Copyright © 2022 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

      AD BLOCKER DETECTED

      Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
      Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


      FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login