18. Main issues of concern of GM food on human health

the three main issues are tendencies to provoke allergic reaction (allergenicity), gene transfer and outcrossing.

Allergenicity.

the transfer of genes from commonly allergenic foods is discouraged unless it can be demonstrated that the protein product of the transferred gene is not allergenic. While traditionally developed foods are not generally tested for allergenicity, protocols for tests for GM foods have been evaluated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and WHO. No allergic effects have been found relative to GM foods currently on the market.

Gene transfer

Gene transfer from GM foods to bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract would cause concern if the transferred genetic material adversely affects human health if antibiotic resistance genes, used in creating GMOs, were to be transferred.

Outcrossing

it is referred to as the movement of genes from GM plants into conventional crops or related species in the wild as well as the mixing of crops derived from conventional seeds with those grown using GM crops. Several countries have adopted strategies to reduce mixing, including a clear separation of the fields within which GM crops and conventional crops are grown.

Reference:

World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/biotech/20questions/en/