===============================================

 

Even though GM foods, especially in the form of Bt Brinjal, are looming large over our plates (where bacterial genes have been inserted into the brinjal plant unnaturally, with the claim that specific insect-killing toxins will be produced within the plant and that farmers will not have to use much pesticides), many consumers in India are not even aware of GM (Genetically Modified) foods.

 

These GM foods are created by taking genes from unrelated organisms, pretty often cutting across the species/kingdom barriers [bacterial, viral and animal genes in plants etc.] and the very process of random forcible insertion of such genes causes molecular level changes/mutations with unpredictable and irreversible results. Some of the results apparent from scientific studies include health impacts like organ damage (kidney, liver, intestines, brain etc.), cellular level changes, adverse efffects on growth and development of an organism and even inter-generational effects.