Genetic engineering means changing the DNA, the nucleic acid that contains the 'blueprints' of our organism, and the genes (the chains of DNA are made of genes), by mixing different types of DNA and genes between them. For example mixing the genes from a normal bear with the ones from a polar bear, so that the normal bear could resist lower temperatures.



The first genetically modified commercial food was created in 1992, but it had no market success then because it wasn't too useful, but as technology developed people's interest started to grow, and now fish that grow quickly and plants that produce plastic are being researched.

Nowadays, genetic engineering has radically evolved, scientists are able to cross-breed animals or plants of different species, even plants with animals or animals with plants.

The country that cultivates the largest number of genetically modified food is the United States, followed by Argentina and Canada. In Europe the situation is different, because due to a series of food crises the care for 'food safety' increased and changed the public's trust in the food industry.

However it is impossible to anticipate all the effects that genetically modified food could have on our environment or health. Some of the new genes inserted in the genetically modified food may be resistant to antibiotics, or maybe new allergens or toxic proteins can be created.

Also, genetically modified food poses ethical and religious concerns for many people, and even political worries, because it is feared that the production of much more food than needed to feed the world can unfortunately lead to...hunger.

So, there are many reasons to avoid genetically modified food, but if you are interested in buying some you can consult the Greenpeace 'True food guide'.

In conclusion, this subject is still a controvert one, but time and science will surely help us decide for or against genetically modified food.