Let me begin by first unravelling what GMOs are, GMOs are “ genetically modified organisms”. It’s when an organism has been changed through biotechnology using In vitro nucleic acid techniques or fusion of cells beyond the taxonomic family as an organism whose DNA has been altered by genetic engineering. Before you start zoning off and start to imagine that consuming one of these GMO crops, you’re going to grow an extra limb or start mutating like Ninja Turtles. Let’s be clear that artificial selection is nothing new.

There is evidence that one of the first crops to be artificially selected is wheat this was found in archaeological sites in southwest Asia that dated back to 7800 BCE (Rangel, 2015). While, corn or maize is one of the major crops that has undergone substantial genetic alterations (Rangel, 2015). It began as a wild grass called teosinte that had tiny ears with very few kernels (Rangel, 2015). Numerous plant crops have undergone genetic modification to increase their resistance to diseases, insects, drought, heat, and saline conditions (Al-Salameen et al., 2012). As well as, improve the colour, flavour, texture, nutrient value, and shelf life of foods (Al-Salameen et al., 2012). So all these wonderful benefits come from GM production, which enables us to feed the masses. On the other hand, some concerns are attached to it also, which are; is that they might cause cancer, contribute to resistance to certain antibiotics in humans, resistance to pests and, herbicides, impact livestock, and last but not least the focus of our topic cause “allergic reactions”.

The top ten foods that contain GMOs are; corn, soy, yellow zucchini, papaya, milk, canola oil, canned soup, meat, alfalfa and potato. There was this case where a woman named Grace Booth, 35 in California went into anaphylactic shock after consuming chicken enchilada which was later found to be a result of the taco shells containing a genetically modified type of corn called StarLink (Kaufman, 2001). This was a result of ingesting genetically engineered BT corn that not only invoked an anaphylaxis response within the body but could also deregulate several proteins, inhibit fertility, and alter the overall immunological responses in the body (Cyran et al., 2008) (Damato, n.d.). As, during digestion, natural Bt-toxins are not entirely destroyed, and they do react with mammals (Verma et al., 2011). Therefore, there may be serious consequences of gene transfer if Bt toxin causes allergies (Verma et al., 2011).

So the situation is that Kuwait does not regulate GM produce for the marketplace and has no form of labelling. In a study on the “Detection of genetically modified DNA in fresh and processed foods sold in Kuwait” conducted by Al-Salameen et al., (2012) it was determined that out of 89 food samples examined (raw and processed), 19 of them contained GM DNA elements. All I am asking for is mandatory labelling of GM foods so that there is a sure way to trace back any effects on the general public and that we are all reassured of our safety and freedom of choice!

“So what do we want? Better quality assurance! When do we want it? NOW!”

Reference List

Al-Salameen, F., Kumar, V., Al-Aqeel, H., Al-Hashash, H., & Hejji, A. Bin. (2012). Detection of genetically modified DNA in fresh and processed foods sold in Kuwait. GM Crops & Food, 3(4), 283–288. https://doi.org/10.4161/gmcr.21364

Cyran, N. Gully, S., Handl, G., Hofstatter, F. Meyer, Skalicky, M., & Steinborn, R. (November 11, 2008). Biological effects of transgenic maize NK603xMON810 fed in long term reproduction studies in mice. Unpublished report: Institute fur Ernahrung, Austria.

D’Agnolo, G. (2005). GMO: Human health risk assessment. Veterinary research communications, 29, 7.

Damato, G. Latest GMO Research: Decreased Fertility, Immunological Alterations and Allergies.‏
Rangel, G. (2015). From corgis to corn: A brief look at the long history of GMO technology. Science in the News

Kaufman, M. (2001). Biotech Corn Is Test Case For Industry. The Washington Post. Viewed 12 May 2022. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2001/03/19/biotech-corn-is-test-case-for-industry/57734822-b8c1-4215-af91-b12267d06dcb/.

Verma, C., Nanda, S., Singh, R. K., Singh, R. B., & Mishra, S. (2011). A review on impacts of genetically modified food on human health. Open Nutraceuticals Journal, 4, 3–11. https://doi.org/10.2174/1876396001104010003