Genetically Modified Organisms - GMOs

Since the mid 1970's progress in biology has enabled scientists to identify, copy or delete genes from an organism and to insert them into another, possibly unrelated organism. This targeted transfer of genetic information is known as gene technology, genetic engineering or genetic modification.

Biotechnology in plants falls into two major categories: those with improved agronomic traits and those with altered quality traits. These produce the "GM foods" under debate at the moment.

1. What is biotechnology?

Biotechnology is the name given to the very wide range of agricultural, industrial and medical technologies that make use of living organisms to create new products.

2. What is a GMO?

A genetically modified organism (GMO) is any living organism that contains genes not normally found in it. This genetic material will have been transferred into the organism using genetic modification technology.

3. What is genetic modification technology?

GM technology can move one or more genes from an animal, a plant or a micro-organism into another animal, plant or micro-organism. This is the precise movement of specific genes that are well studied and understood.

4. Will this new gene increase the toxicity or allergenicity of commonly eaten foods? Is GM food safe to eat?

All genetically modified foods are carefully assessed by independent laboratories to ensure that they are equal or better in all ways to the conventional product and will not increase allergies or toxicity.

5. Who checks the safety of GM products in South Africa?

For the last 10 years the South Africa Committee for Genetic Experimentation (SAGENE) has advised government, industry and the public on the safety of GMO's.
The GMO Act (No 15, 1997) implemented in 1999, makes provisions for new biosafety structures: an independent decision making body and a new scientific advisory committee.

Existing legislation (Act 54 of 1972 Foodstuffs, Cosmetic and Disinfectants) oversees the safety of food in South Africa.

6. Will the foreign genes move from the crops or production animals into natural plants and wildlife, ultimately impacting on the health and balance of natural ecosystems?

It would be unacceptable to release any GMO that will cause long term damage to ecosystems. During the testing phase gene movement is restricted to the trial site. Biosafety review committees carefully assess gene movement before approving commercial release of GMOs.

7. How much is really known about the environmental consequences of GM crops?

Stable, long term safety of GMO's and their products is a major issue in all safety assessments. Biosafety review committees carry out this assessment in South Africa. Any sign of instability is considered unsafe for general release. Stability in crops is assessed over 6 or more growing seasons.

8. Will commercial GMO crops influence organic crops?

Pollen moves naturally between crops. Pollenation will only occur between the same species. It is possible to protect organic fields and seed production centres from genetically modified pollen using spatial and herbaceous borders.

9. Is it ethical to move genes between organisms?

Many scientists see gene modification as a natural progression in breeding, selection and drug development, however, need to take into account ethics when designing GM products.

For example, a single fish protein gene confers frost tolerance on tomatoes. As this may upset vegetarians, the researchers will probably use a mushroom gene that does the same thing.

There are no human or animal genes in commercialised GM foods.

Individuals can base their decisions on their religious, spiritual and personal beliefs.

10. Should GM foods be labeled?

Consumers should be empowered to make informed choices about whether they choose to use GM products or not. Using the term "GMO-free" on the label is irresponsible as it infers that such a product is preferred, and that all other products contain GMO's, which scientifically is not correct. Regulators, consumers and industry are currently discussing methods to accurately inform consumers about which foods are GM.

11. Is genetic modification restricted to the food industry only?

The economic impact of biotechnology will be enormous and will affect many sectors of the economy including the food industry, health care applications, computing materials and environmental protection. Over 1000 companies worldwide are developing products using gene technology. Already medicines are produced by genetic modification.

12. Will an animal which eats GM feed become a GMO?

A genetically modified animal must have a new gene permanently inserted into its body. Every gene codes for a protein. The GM plant is digested in the animal gut and the foreign gene and its protein are digested like any other food protein. In the future, some foreign proteins will be designed to be absorbed by an animal for a particular purpose eg. edible vaccines. The animal does not become genetically modified, it simply absorbs a foreign protein from a GM plant which gives it tolerance or resistance to a disease in the same way that small pox vaccinations immunise us against small pox disease.

13. What is the situation in South Africa with regards to the growing of GM crops?

The South African Department of Agriculture has given approval for the planting of two GM crops - insect resistant cotton and insect resistant maize.

14. What are the benefits of these two insect resistant crops and do we really need them in this country?

• Considerably less use of insecticides beneficing farm workers, farmers, consumers and the environment.
• Better quality food as there is less fungal infection, less insect damage and less residual insecticide. 
• Better safety for farm workers and those living near the fields. 
• Less impact on the birds and beneficial insects around the fields. Insect resistant crops are very selective and only control very specific insect pests. 
• Less time and energy spent by farmers in producing the crop. 
• Contributes to more efficient, sustainable food production.

For some 12 or more years import of all GMO's has been subject to a special import permit under the Agricultural Pests Act (36/1983). Food safety is controlled under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act (54/1972).

Currently there are no fresh GM fruits and vegetables on sale in South Africa. Some GM maize imports have been approved for animal feed. The genes in these are also safe for human consumption.

Imported processed foods from the USA, Argentina and China may contain GM tomato, soya and maize ingredients.

16. Is there legislation in South Africa which manages the marketing and advertising of genetically modified foodstuffs?

The GMO Act (No. 15 of 1997), together with existing labeling legislation will regulate the safe introduction of GMO's into South Africa.