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PubMed2002

Biotechnology and food allergy.

The production of genetically modified foods for an increasingly informed and selective consumer requires the coordinated activities of both the companies developing the transgenic food and regulatory authorities to ensure that these foods are at least as safe as the traditional foods they are supplementing in the diet. Although the size and complexity of the food sector ensures that no single player can control the process from seed production through farming and processing to final products marketed in a retail outlet, checks and balances are in place to ensure that transgenic foods will provide a convenient, wholesome, tasty, safe, affordable food source. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of companies developing the genetically modified food to provide relevant data to regulatory agencies, such as the US Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, and Food and Drug Administration, to confirm that the transgenic product is reasonably safe for the consumer, as zero risk from allergen sensitization is nonexistent.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Substantial equivalence of antinutrients and inherent plant toxins in genetically modified novel foods.

For a safety evaluation of foodstuff derived from genetically modified crops, the concept of the substantial equivalence of modified organisms with their parental lines is used following an environmental safety evaluation. To assess the potential pleiotropic effect of genetic modifications on constituents of modified crops data from US and EC documents were investigated with regard to inherent plant toxins and antinutrients. Analysed were documents of rape (glucosinolates, phytate), maize (phytate), tomato (tomatine, solanine, chaconine, lectins, oxalate), potato (solanine, chaconine, protease-inhibitors, phenols) and soybean (protease-inhibitors, lectins, isoflavones, phytate). In several documents used for notifications no declarations even on essential inherent plant toxins and antinutrients could be found, for instance data on phytate in modified maize were provided only in one of four documents. Significant variations in the contents of these compounds in parental and modified plants especially due to environmental influences were observed: drought stress, for example, was made responsible for significantly increased glucosinolate levels of up to 72.6micromol/g meal in modified and parental rape plants in field trials compared to recommended standard concentrations of less than 30micromol/g. Taking into account these wide natural variations generally the concentrations of inherent plant toxins and antinutrients in modified products were in the range of the concentrations in parental organisms. The results presented indicate that the concept of the substantial equivalence is useful for the risk assessment of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) used for novel foods but possible environmental influences on constituents of modified crops need more attention. Consistent guidelines, specifying data of relevant compounds which have to be provided for notification documents of specific organisms have to be established. Because of the importance of inherent plant toxins and antinutrients on nutritional safety, also coherent databases of standard parental lines and clear criteria for mandatory declarations are necessary.

Crops, Agricultural↗
PubMed2004

Genetic modification of food allergens.

OBJECTIVE: To review allergen risk evaluation for genetically modified foods and our ability to predict protein allergenicity, methods that are being used to develop foods with reduced allergenic activity, and clinical aspects relative to assessing potentially allergic patients. DATA SOURCES: Information was identified using the MEDLINE database for governmental, international, and industry organizations that have considered possible unintended health effects such as food allergy and how they can be avoided. DATA SELECTION: The author's knowledge of the field was used to select articles for inclusion in this review. RESULTS: Organizations have created a decision process that has generally been successful in avoiding development of products that cause allergic reactions. Since some proteins expressed do not have any history of human exposure, risk evaluation may be more of a challenge for them. Biotechnology has also been used to try to develop foods with reduced allergenicity, and in future years such products should yield safer foods. CONCLUSIONS: Allergy risk evaluation for known allergens and genetically modified foods appears to be reasonable and provides assurance of food safety. Allergenicity evaluation of novel proteins is a more complicated process that needs to be and will be improved as our knowledge of food allergens increases. Biotechnology can be used to produce safer and healthier foods; for example, allergenicity of some foods may be reduced through biotechnology. The role of the health care professional in assessing allergic reactions to genetically modified foods is essential and should play a greater role in the interaction of consumers, industry, and regulators.

Allergens↗
PubMed2002

"It just goes against the grain." Public understandings of genetically modified (GM) food in the UK.

This paper reports on one aspect of qualitative research on public understandings of food risks, focusing on lay understandings of genetically modified (GM) food in the UK context. A range of theoretical, conceptual, and empirical literature on food, risk, and the public understanding of science are reviewed. The fieldwork methods are outlined and empirical data from a range of lay groups are presented. Major themes include: varying "technical" knowledge of science, the relationship between knowledge and acceptance of genetic modification, the uncertainty of scientific knowledge, genetic modification as inappropriate scientific intervention in "nature", the acceptability of animal and human applications of genetic modification, the appropriate boundaries of scientific innovation, the necessity for GM foods, the uncertainty of risks in GM food, fatalism about avoiding risks, and trust in "experts" to manage potential risks in GM food. Key discussion points relating to a sociological understanding of public attitudes to GM food are raised and some policy implications are highlighted.

Edible Grain↗
PubMed2006

A microarray-based detection system for genetically modified (GM) food ingredients.

A multiplex DNA microarray chip was developed for simultaneous identification of nine genetically modified organisms (GMOs), five plant species and three GMO screening elements, i.e. the 35S promoter, the nos terminator and the nptII gene. The chips also include several controls, such as that for the possible presence of CaMV. The on-chip detection was performed directly with PCR amplified products. Particular emphasis was placed on the reduction of the number of PCR reactions required and on the number of primers present per amplification tube. The targets were biotin labelled and the arrays were detected using a colorimetric methodology. Specificity was provided by specific capture probes designed for each GMO and for the common screening elements. The sensitivity of the assay was tested by experiments carried out in five different laboratories. The limit of detection was lower than 0.3% GMO for all tests and in general around 0.1% for most GMOs. The chip detection system complies with the requirements of current EU regulations and other countries where thresholds are established for the labelling of GMO.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Genetic engineering and dental caries.

Dental caries, a multifactorial disease requires four principle factor: the host, the microflora, the substrate & time for its occurrence and can be prevented or managed by elimination/modification of either of the above factors. The conventional preventive measure being followed for long time for the dental caries are not successful to the desirable extent due to their non avaibailaballity in the rural areas, lack of awareness & inaccessibility of dental services. Therefore, the focus has now been shifted to submicroscopic level to ensure that these measures can be reached to the farthest areas & each & every member of the population is benefitted. Few of the measures taken are. i) Genetically modifying the S. Mutans: ii) Searching The antagonist peptides to work against the specific enzyme system (Glucosyltransferase) of S. Mutans. iii) Changing the oral environment by those Genetically modified organisms that will produce bases (instead of acids) & these bases provides a milieu favoring remineralization. This paper discusses various ways in which genetically modified strains of microogranisms or genetically modified strains of microogranisms of genetically modified foods can help in the prevention of caries.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Management strategies for agricultural biotechnology in small countries. A case study of Israel.

Agricultural biotechnology is concentrated in four major countries. This paper suggests strategies for developing it in small countries, based on analysis of the world trends and the characteristics of small countries. Israel is presented as a specific case study. The main relevant trends are domination by big companies, consumer concerns on genetically modified foods, and focusing on consumer benefits and specific market niches. Small countries' disadvantages include companies that are too small to benefit fully from research, difficulty in raising funds, lack of infrastructures and experienced management personnel, and public sector research organizations that are unsuitable for commercializing research. The recommended strategies include: developing a large number of low-volume products and small market niches, forming partnerships with intermediaries (such as food companies), specializing in intermediate products (such as the seed or the gene patent), and conducting market research and cost-benefit analysis in advance. Additional strategies include developing benefits that are unique to genetically modified foods and focusing on benefits specifically for consumers who accept genetically modified foods, rather than on benefits for the average consumer. A national representative organization could buy and rent out expensive equipment, finance specific projects in return for the commercial rights, and perform collective marketing research and marketing. Israel has the advantages of a successful agricultural sector and complementary scientific research, and should focus on those fruits, vegetables, and flowers for which it already has the experience and infrastructure.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

[Genetically modified plants and food safety. State of the art and discussion in the European Union].

Placing genetically modified (GM) plants and derived products on the European Union's (EU) market has been regulated by a Community Directive since 1990. This directive was complemented by a regulation specific for genetically modified and other novel foods in 1997. Specific labelling requirements have been applicable for GM foods since 1998. The law requires a pre-market safety assessment for which criteria have been elaborated and continuously adapted in accordance with the state of the art by national and international bodies and organisations. Consequently, only genetically modified products that have been demonstrated to be as safe as their conventional counterparts can be commercialized. However, the poor acceptance of genetically modified foods has led to a de facto moratorium since 1998. It is based on the lack of a qualified majority of EU member states necessary for authorization to place genetically modified plants and derived foods on the market. New Community Regulations are intended to end this moratorium by providing a harmonized and transparent safety assessment, a centralised authorization procedure, extended labelling provisions and a traceability system for genetically modified organisms (GMO) and derived food and feed.

Consumer Product Safety↗
PubMed2006

IgE binding to proteins from sesame and assessment of allergenicity: implications for biotechnology?

Successful prediction of the potential allergenicity of a protein may be a key factor in the development of novel, genetically modified foods. The use of the decision tree approach for the prediction of allergenicity is discussed. The methods currently used for identifying allergenic proteins (including use of IgE from patient sera for recognition of proteins) are reviewed. Finally, a specific review of the literature concerning identification of allergens from sesame leads to the conclusion that in the absence of validated animal models, identification of allergenicity (and, consequently, prediction of allergenicity) may be problematic.

Allergens↗
PubMed2003

[Studies on protein-based identification method of genetically modified capsicum].

The detection system based on protein is a method to evaluate the safety of genetically modified foods (GMF). Using cecropin BD gene in capsicum, a detecting method was set up. It is a system of evaluating the real expressive condition and safety of the foreign target protein of GMF. In this studies, with the preformative technic method, a satisfactory results by making use of hemolymph of immunized pupae of Antheraea pernyi as standard experimental material was achieved, comparing with the realities of the goal protein expressive condition of cecropin D gene in capsicum. The detecting steps were as following: the goal protein from material was extracted roughly, then with CM-Sepharose-FF ion-exchange chromatography twice, the goal protein was purified moderately. The purified product was identified by detecting the anti-bacterial activity, electrophoresis, biological auto-photography of the goal protein and MADDI-TOF mass spectrum. The results showed that the expressive foreign target protein in transgenic capsicum was in accordance with standard protein in the physical and chemical property, anti-bacterial activity and molecular weight. It indicated that expression of the target gene in capsicum is real, it corresponded to expected value. The separation, purification and identification methods of cecropin D were established in the study. By means of the comparative experiments about anti-bacterial activity and molecular weight of anti-bacterial peptide(ABP) from GM-capsicum and hemolymph of immunized pupae of Antheraea pernyi, the identification method of target protein from GM-capsicum was set up. The method is easy to be operated, fast and feasible.

Capsicum↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Chromatographic determination of amino acids in foods.

Amino acids in foods exist in a free form or bound in peptides, proteins, or nonpeptide bonded polymers. Naturally occurring L-amino acids are required for protein synthesis and are precursors for essential molecules, such as co-enzymes and nucleic acids. Nonprotein amino acids may also occur in animal tissues as metabolic intermediates or have other important functions. The development of bacterially derived food proteins, genetically modified foods, and new methods of food processing; the production of amino acids for food fortification; and the introduction of new plant food sources have meant that protein amino acids and amino acid enantiomers in foods can have both nutritional and safety implications for humans. There is, therefore, a need for the rapid and accurate determination of amino acids in foods. Determination of the total amino acid content of foods requires protein hydrolysis by various means that must take into account variations in stability of individual amino acids and resistance of different peptide bonds to the hydrolysis procedures. Modern methods for separation and quantitation of free amino acids either before or after protein hydrolysis include ion exchange chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography (LC), gas chromatography, and capillary electrophoresis. Chemical derivatization of amino acids may be required to change them into forms amenable to separation by the various chromatographic methods or to create derivatives with properties, such as fluorescence, that improve their detection. Official methods for hydrolysis and analysis of amino acids in foods for nutritional purposes have been established. LC is currently the most widely used analytical technique, although there is a need for collaborative testing of methods available. Newer developments in chromatographic methodology and detector technology have reduced sample and reagent requirements and improved identification, resolution, and sensitivity of amino acid analyses of food samples.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed2006

Food safety--who is responsible?

Though scientists believe that issues of risk can be handled without appeal to values in general or ethics in particular, this is demonstrably false. The very notion of risk is enmeshed in a complex of social ethics. This is clearly true with regard to food safety. With this in mind, it is plausible to affirm that responsibility for food safety at a given point in the chain from producer to consumer rests with the person or entity under whose control the management of that risk most plausibly lies. This principle is illustrated with various examples and with clear cases of industry shouldering and avoiding responsibility. An additional ethical concern relevant to food safety arises from genetically modified foods. Given that the situation here is uncertain and risk unknown, it is hard to see who is responsible for managing such risks. It is arguable that this situation militates in favor of labeling, since consumers are in effect research subjects. The reasonable moral approach to risk we have outlined is jeopardized by the societal tendency towards "victimology" and abrogation of personal responsibility. In such a world, it is incumbent on industry to educate the public with regard to consumer minimization of food safety risks, the impossibility of zero-risk situations, and the economic costs to freedom of protectionism.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Common DNA sequences with potential for detection of genetically manipulated organisms in food.

Foods produced by genetic engineering technology are now appearing on the market and many more are likely to emerge in the future. The safety aspects, regulation, and labelling of these foods are still contentious issues in most countries and recent surveys highlight consumer concerns about the safety and labelling of genetically modified food. In most countries it is necessary to have approval for the use of genetically manipulated organisms (GMOs) in the production of food. In order to police regulations, a technology to detect such foods is desirable. In addition, a requirement to label approved genetically modified food would necessitate a monitoring system. One solution is to 'tag' approved GMOs with some form of biological or genetic marker, permitting the surveillance of foods for the presence of approved products of genetic engineering. While non-approved GMOs would not be detected by such a surveillance, they might be detected by a screen for DNA sequences common to all or most GMOs. This review focuses on the potential of using common DNA sequences as detection probes for GMOs. The identification of vector sequences, plant transcription terminators, and marker genes by PCR and hybridization techniques is discussed.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2002

The impact of consumer food biotechnology training on knowledge and attitude.

OBJECTIVE: Consumer education is an important aspect in the adoption of any new technology. The objective of this work was to determine whether consumer's knowledge and attitudes would be influenced by a face-to-face presentation involving food biotechnology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants (576) were requested to complete a pre-test prior to receiving a 45-80 minute presentation, which was then followed by a post-test. Participants included members from a community organization, undergraduate and graduate college students and cooperative extension educators (county agents). RESULTS: Following training, 98% to 99% correctly indicated that fruits and vegetables contain chromosomes and that foods from biotech crops were currently sold in grocery stores. Prior to training, only 31% felt that these crops were properly regulated by federal agencies, and only 25% were confident that bioengineering was unlikely to make an existing food allergenic. Following training, 83% felt that these crops were properly regulated, and 63% believed that biotechnology was unlikely to add new allergens to our food supply. In addition, 90% of those trained would eat or serve genetically-modified foods to their family, and 90% believed that they or their family would benefit from genetically-modified foods within the next five years. CONCLUSIONS: It is apparent from these results that when provided sound, science-based information, participants are more accepting of this technology and the regulatory process.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Identity preservation of genetically modified organisms in the food chain: requirements, methods, and costs.

The use of the technology of genetic modification (GM) in European agriculture and the food supply chain is currently controversial. Because of strong anti-GM technology sentiments, the use of ingredients derived from plants containing GM have largely been eliminated from foods manufactured for direct human consumption by the food supply chain in much of the European Union (EU). During the past year, the attention of those opposed to the technology has turned to the use of GM ingredients in livestock production systems by incorporation of GM soy and maize in animal feed. A discussion is presented of the key issues relating to this subject, focusing on how supplies of GM or non-GM products are segregated or how their identities are preserved. The discussion is centered on GM maize and soybeans into which agronomic traits, such as herbicide tolerance and/or insect resistance, have been incorporated. These are currently the only crops into which some varieties containing GM have been approved for use in the EU.

Breeding↗