Genetically engineered foods are greatly criticized, and often feared, by many people. Initially people feared that exogenous DNA from the food item could then transfer to the consumer’s cells and cause harmful effects. More recently (and with the advent of siRNA technologies) there is a worry that ‘transgenic RNA’ from the food could get into the consumer’s cells and cause misregulation of the consumer’s genes. What is your view on this, and how would you present it to someone who has no biology background?

Although some people still have fears about genetically engineered or modified foods, I believe that they are safe for consumers. There are a couple of reasons that I believe GMO foods are safe for consumers, the first being that research shows that GMO foods are safe. My boyfriend’s mother is very health conscious and her own concerns inspired me to do some research on the subject of GMO produce a few months ago. Through my research I discovered that no significant differences have been found between nations that consume large quantities of GMO produce (ex: USA), and those who don’t (ex: Britain), in the ratings of cancer prevalence, obesity, diabetes, and many other illnesses feared to be associated with GMOs. In addition, I could’t find any studies  that found significant causal or correlational relationships between GMO food consumption and any disease or illness. The second reason that I believe GMO foods are safe is that the digestive system and cells of the body do not take up and use DNA or RNA in food being consumed. Foods that are taken in and processed by the digestive system are broken down into very small particles and molecules. DNA and RNA molecules of other organisms do not have the required signals to pass through the plasma membrane of the cell AND the nuclear membrane, which would be required in order to enter the nucleus of cells and be transcribed. As a result, these molecules are broken down into very basic components that can be utilized by the body to construct other molecules. People should not have a fear that the human body could use or be disrupted by foreign DNA or RNA since the cell highly regulates what enters and leaves its membrane. Even if RNA or DNA were to somehow find its way into the cell, it would need to have very good homology or sequence consistency with the DNA of humans in order to function and induce some sort of change. This is not usually the case since many differences exist between human and plant or animal DNA. In order to diminish some of the fears people have about GMO foods, I would try to present this information to them in a conversation. I would explain how the human body works and why RNA or DNA from a different organism would not be able to induce a change in gene expression in humans if consumed. Educating people on the basics of genetics and the body would probably be the most affective avenue for alleviating fear of GMOs.