Are we becoming lab rats? In all likelihood, the first GM food - Bt Brinjal, will soon be launched in India on a commercial basis. Genetically Modified (GM) food is created by taking genes from one organism like bacteria, spiders, frogs etc. and inserting them into the genome (gene sequence) of another unrelated organism like rice, wheat, brinjals etc.
The insertion disrupts the genome and it is modified in ways one can't predict. These unpredictable modifications can result in adverse health impacts for those who consume GM food. Studies with lab rats fed on GM, linked GM to adverse health results like stunted growth, impaired immune systems, bleeding stomachs, liver and kidney lesions etc. So, it is no surprise that majority of countries around the world have rejected GM food. The only proof in support of GM food safety comes from the companies themselves, who stand to gain from this. It is time we stood up and refused to become lab rats in some genetic experiment of big companies. Mathew Mattam, CYDA, Pune
