Religious views on genetically modified foods

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Religious views on genetically modified foods have been mixed, although as yet, no genetically modified foods ("GM" foods) have been designated as unacceptable by religious authorities. [1]

Contents

Background and history

Genetic engineering is a laboratory process that alters the DNA make-up of an organism. This may include deleting or adding a segment of DNA. [2]

Genetically Modified Organisms typically refers to food products that have been altered using genetic engineering. This is done by adding DNA to a single cell, that will later be present in the rest of the organism due to cell reproduction. [3]

Around 8000 BCE, humans used agricultural techniques such as Cross breeding to breed animals and plants with preferred traits. [4]

In 1982, the FDA approved the first genetically modified product, insulin, for public use in the United States. In 1994, a genetically modified tomato was approved for public use by the FDA in the United States. [4]

Common genetically modified foods include corn, soybeans, potatoes, and squash. [5]

Judaism

There is no consensus in the views of Jewish religious leaders, scholars and commentators on whether Jews can eat GM food products or engage in research in the area of GM food technology. [6]

One perspective emphasizes that humanity was created in God's image and this means that humanity can "partner with God in the perfection of everything in the world," and therefore Jewish law accepts genetic engineering to save and prolong human life as well as increase the quality or quantity of the world's food supply. [6]

Other perspectives hold that GM food technology is a violation of Kil'ayim, the mixed breeding of crops or livestock, and that because God made "distinctions in the natural world", Jews must honor them. [6]

Kashrut

Kashrut laws state that all plants are considered Kosher.

Many Rabbinic authorities believe that genetic material separated from the parent organism is "inert," or separate from the parent organism. Thus, genetic material that is transferred from a non-kosher species is no longer considered food, as it does not have taste and is considered separate from the non-kosher species. Rabbinic authorities generally assert that genetic material from non-kosher species is not in itself non-kosher and does not render the new organism non-kosher. [7]

Some may argue, however, that food made with genes from pigs or other non-kosher animals would likely be non-kosher. [8]

Genetic engineering also poses Kashrut concerns regarding the changing of physical characteristics of animals. Kashrut only permits eating animals with split hooves that chooses their cud. However, genetic engineering may permit a traditionally non-Kosher animal to attain these characteristics. This has a difficult response, according to Halakha. [7]

Islam

Islam too forbids eating of pork, and Islamic scholars have also raised concern about the theoretical production of foods with genes from pigs. [9]

And there are varying perspectives. A seminar of Islamic scholars in Kuwait on genetics and genetic engineering in October 1998 concluded that although there are fears about the possibility of the harmful effects of GM food technology and GM food products on human beings and the environment, there are no laws within Islam which stop the genetic modification of food crops and animals. [6] And in 2003, the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) approved the importation and consumption of genetically modified food products by Indonesian Muslims. [6] Others have written that while there are Quranic verses forbidding humanity from defacing God's creation, these "cannot be invoked as a total and radical ban on genetic engineering ... If carried too far, it would conflict with many forms of curative surgery that also entail some change in God's creation". [6]

Voices in opposition to GMOs argue that there is no need for genetic modification of food crops because God created everything perfectly and man does not have any right to manipulate anything that God has created. [6]

Christianity

Roman Catholic Church

Views of Rome on genetic engineering In 1999, after two years of discussions, the Vatican's Pontifical Academy for Life stated that modifying the genes of plants and animals is theologically acceptable. The Guardian reported that "Bishop Elio Sgreccia, vice- president of the pontifical academy, said: 'We are increasingly encouraged that the advantages of genetic engineering of plants and animals are greater than the risks. The risks should be carefully followed through openness, analysis and controls, but without a sense of alarm.' Referring to genetically modified products such as corn and soya, Sgreccia added: 'We give it a prudent 'yes' We cannot agree with the position of some groups that say it is against the will of God to meddle with the genetic make-up of plants and animals.'" [10] [11]

In 2000 as part of the Great Jubilee Pope John Paul II gave an address concerning agriculture, at which he said: The "famous words of Genesis entrust the earth to man's use, not abuse. They do not make man the absolute arbiter of the earth's governance, but the Creator's "co-worker": a stupendous mission, but one which is also marked by precise boundaries that can never be transgressed with impunity. This is a principle to be remembered in agricultural production itself, whenever there is a question of its advance through the application of biotechnologies, which cannot be evaluated solely on the basis of immediate economic interests. They must be submitted beforehand to rigorous scientific and ethical examination, to prevent them from becoming disastrous for human health and the future of the earth." [12] [13]

Other studies and statements

A 2002 meeting between bishops and scientists in the Philippines concluded that biotechnology could be an important stepping stone in the struggle against hunger and environmental pollution. [14]

A 2003 symposium gathered by Cardinal Renato T. Martino has examined the use of GMOs in modern agriculture. [15] The symposium's study argued that the future of humanity is at stake and that there is no room for the ideological arguments advanced by environmentalists. [16] Velasio De Paolis, a professor of canon law at the Pontifical Urban University, has said that it was "easy to say no to GM food if your stomach is full". [16]

In 2008, Fr. Sean McDonagh, an Irish Columban priest and "well-known commentator on environmental issues", questioned whether hosts from transgenic wheat could ever be approved by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith because of the Church's strict rules regarding sacramental bread. He specifically cited canon 924, which stipulates the bread must be wheaten only, and recently made, so that there is no danger of corruption. [17]

A 2009 study on genetically modified organisms sponsored by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences came to a favorable conclusion on GMOs, viewing them as praiseworthy for improving the lives of the poor. [18]

Philippines

The Philippines is a predominantly Catholic country, and official pronouncements of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) exert a strong influence in policy making and the CBCP has not supported biotechnology, and probably will not until there is an official endorsement from the Pope. [19] President Arroyo’s visit to Rome on September 27, 2003, she apparently consulted Pope John Paul II about the Church position on biotechnology. On the basis of that meeting, she issued a statement indicating that she felt it was important that opponents of GMOs knew that according to the Vatican, GMOs are not immoral. [19] The CBCP issued a statement in response stating that the Pope had not endorsed GMOs. [20] In 2009 Bishop Vicente Navarra of the Diocese of Bacolod in the Philippines issued a pastoral letter calling on the Negros Occidental and Bacolod City governments to continue banning the entry of GMO products. [21]

Anabaptist Christianity

About 550 Amish farmers in Pennsylvania have adopted nicotine-free tobacco since 2001, because it pays "about $1.50 per pound for the nicotine-free tobacco, nearly double the 80-cent-per-pound rate for traditional tobacco. [22] GMO crops do not conflict with the Amish lifestyle. [23] [ failed verification ]

Anglican Communion

In 2004, the Church Environmental Network, representing members of the Anglican church of South Africa, [24] spoke out against the South African government's backing of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). [25]

Christian Aid, a British ecumenical group, released a paper in 2000 that expressed sharp concerns about the agricultural biotechnology industry, particularly with regard to its potential effects on impoverished people and economic development in the developing world. [26]

Rastafarian

While the Rastafari Movement as a whole has no central authority, a Rastafari Code of Conduct was ratified in July–August 2008 at a meeting in Jamaica of the Nyah Binghi Order, one of the three houses of the Rastafari movement; that Code defines GM food as not Ital. [27]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Biotechnology</span> Use of living systems and organisms to develop or make useful products

Biotechnology is a multidisciplinary field that involves the integration of natural sciences and engineering sciences in order to achieve the application of organisms, cells, parts thereof and molecular analogues for products and services.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Genetically modified maize</span> Genetically modified crop

Genetically modified maize (corn) is a genetically modified crop. Specific maize strains have been genetically engineered to express agriculturally-desirable traits, including resistance to pests and to herbicides. Maize strains with both traits are now in use in multiple countries. GM maize has also caused controversy with respect to possible health effects, impact on other insects and impact on other plants via gene flow. One strain, called Starlink, was approved only for animal feed in the US but was found in food, leading to a series of recalls starting in 2000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Genetically modified organism</span> Organisms whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering methods

A genetically modified organism (GMO) is any organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. The exact definition of a genetically modified organism and what constitutes genetic engineering varies, with the most common being an organism altered in a way that "does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination". A wide variety of organisms have been genetically modified (GM), including animals, plants, and microorganisms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Genetic engineering</span> Manipulation of an organisms genome

Genetic engineering, also called genetic modification or genetic manipulation, is the modification and manipulation of an organism's genes using technology. It is a set of technologies used to change the genetic makeup of cells, including the transfer of genes within and across species boundaries to produce improved or novel organisms. New DNA is obtained by either isolating and copying the genetic material of interest using recombinant DNA methods or by artificially synthesising the DNA. A construct is usually created and used to insert this DNA into the host organism. The first recombinant DNA molecule was made by Paul Berg in 1972 by combining DNA from the monkey virus SV40 with the lambda virus. As well as inserting genes, the process can be used to remove, or "knock out", genes. The new DNA can be inserted randomly, or targeted to a specific part of the genome.

Kashrut is a set of dietary laws dealing with the foods that Jewish people are permitted to eat and how those foods must be prepared according to Jewish law. Food that may be consumed is deemed kosher, from the Ashkenazi pronunciation of the term that in Sephardic or Modern Hebrew is pronounced kashér, meaning "fit". Food that may not be consumed, however, is deemed treif, also spelled treyf.

Agricultural biotechnology, also known as agritech, is an area of agricultural science involving the use of scientific tools and techniques, including genetic engineering, molecular markers, molecular diagnostics, vaccines, and tissue culture, to modify living organisms: plants, animals, and microorganisms. Crop biotechnology is one aspect of agricultural biotechnology which has been greatly developed upon in recent times. Desired trait are exported from a particular species of Crop to an entirely different species. These transgene crops possess desirable characteristics in terms of flavor, color of flowers, growth rate, size of harvested products and resistance to diseases and pests.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Genetically modified food</span> Foods produced from organisms that have had changes introduced into their DNA

Genetically modified foods, also known as genetically engineered foods, or bioengineered foods are foods produced from organisms that have had changes introduced into their DNA using various methods of genetic engineering. Genetic engineering techniques allow for the introduction of new traits as well as greater control over traits when compared to previous methods, such as selective breeding and mutation breeding.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Genetically modified crops</span> Plants used in agriculture

Genetically modified crops are plants used in agriculture, the DNA of which has been modified using genetic engineering methods. Plant genomes can be engineered by physical methods or by use of Agrobacterium for the delivery of sequences hosted in T-DNA binary vectors. In most cases, the aim is to introduce a new trait to the plant which does not occur naturally in the species. Examples in food crops include resistance to certain pests, diseases, environmental conditions, reduction of spoilage, resistance to chemical treatments, or improving the nutrient profile of the crop. Examples in non-food crops include production of pharmaceutical agents, biofuels, and other industrially useful goods, as well as for bioremediation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Genetically modified food controversies</span> Controversies over GMO food

Genetically modified food controversies are disputes over the use of foods and other goods derived from genetically modified crops instead of conventional crops, and other uses of genetic engineering in food production. The disputes involve consumers, farmers, biotechnology companies, governmental regulators, non-governmental organizations, and scientists. The key areas of controversy related to genetically modified food are whether such food should be labeled, the role of government regulators, the objectivity of scientific research and publication, the effect of genetically modified crops on health and the environment, the effect on pesticide resistance, the impact of such crops for farmers, and the role of the crops in feeding the world population. In addition, products derived from GMO organisms play a role in the production of ethanol fuels and pharmaceuticals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plant genetics</span> Study of genes and heredity in plants

Plant genetics is the study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity specifically in plants. It is generally considered a field of biology and botany, but intersects frequently with many other life sciences and is strongly linked with the study of information systems. Plant genetics is similar in many ways to animal genetics but differs in a few key areas.

The United States is the largest grower of commercial crops that have been genetically engineered in the world, but not without domestic and international opposition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Non-GMO Project</span> Non-profit organization

The Non-GMO Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focusing on genetically modified organisms. The organization began as an initiative of independent natural foods retailers in the U.S. and Canada, with the stated aim to label products produced in compliance with their Non-GMO Project Standard, which aims to prevent genetically modified foodstuffs from being present in retail food products. The organization is headquartered in Bellingham, Washington. The Non-GMO label began use in 2012 with Numi Organic Tea products.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Genetically modified soybean</span> Soybean that has had DNA introduced into it using genetic engineering techniques

A genetically modified soybean is a soybean that has had DNA introduced into it using genetic engineering techniques. In 1996, the first genetically modified soybean was introduced to the U.S. by Monsanto. In 2014, 90.7 million hectares of GM soybeans were planted worldwide, this is almost 82% of the total soybeans cultivation area.

Genetically modified canola is a genetically modified crop. The first strain, Roundup Ready canola, was developed by Monsanto for tolerance to glyphosate, the active ingredient in the commonly used herbicide Roundup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Regulation of genetic engineering</span> Overview of the regulation of genetic engineering

The regulation of genetic engineering varies widely by country. Countries such as the United States, Canada, Lebanon and Egypt use substantial equivalence as the starting point when assessing safety, while many countries such as those in the European Union, Brazil and China authorize GMO cultivation on a case-by-case basis. Many countries allow the import of GM food with authorization, but either do not allow its cultivation or have provisions for cultivation, but no GM products are yet produced. Most countries that do not allow for GMO cultivation do permit research. Most (85%) of the world's GMO crops are grown in the Americas. One of the key issues concerning regulators is whether GM products should be labeled. Labeling of GMO products in the marketplace is required in 64 countries. Labeling can be mandatory up to a threshold GM content level or voluntary. A study investigating voluntary labeling in South Africa found that 31% of products labeled as GMO-free had a GM content above 1.0%. In Canada and the USA labeling of GM food is voluntary, while in Europe all food or feed which contains greater than 0.9% of approved GMOs must be labelled.

Genetic engineering in the European Union has varying degrees of regulation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">March Against Monsanto</span> International protest movement

The March Against Monsanto was an international grassroots movement and protest against Monsanto, a producer of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and Roundup, a glyphosate-based herbicide. The movement was founded by Tami Canal in response to the failure of California Proposition 37, a ballot initiative which would have required labeling food products made from GMOs. Advocates support mandatory labeling laws for food made from GMOs.

India and China are the two largest producers of genetically modified products in Asia. India currently only grows GM cotton, while China produces GM varieties of cotton, poplar, petunia, tomato, papaya and sweet pepper. Cost of enforcement of regulations in India are generally higher, possibly due to the greater influence farmers and small seed firms have on policy makers, while the enforcement of regulations was more effective in China. Other Asian countries that grew GM crops in 2011 were Pakistan, the Philippines and Myanmar. GM crops were approved for commercialisation in Bangladesh in 2013 and in Vietnam and Indonesia in 2014.

Genetic engineering in North America is any genetic engineering activities in North America

This article discusses topics relating to genetic engineering within Oceania. Currently New Zealand and Australia require labeling so consumers can exercise choice between foods that have genetically modified, conventional, or organic origins.

References

  1. ↑ Food Biotechnology in the United States: Science, Regulation, and Issues Archived 2009-12-28 at the Wayback Machine Congressional Research Service: The Library of Congress 2001
  2. ↑ "Genetic Engineering". Genome.gov. Retrieved 16 December 2023.
  3. ↑ "What are GMOs?". Purdue University - College of Agriculture.
  4. 1 2 Nutrition, Center for Food Safety and Applied (19 April 2023). "Science and History of GMOs and Other Food Modification Processes". FDA. Retrieved 16 December 2023.
  5. ↑ "All the GMOs Approved In the U.S." Time. 30 April 2015.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Omobowale EB, Singer PA, Daar AS. (2009) The three main monotheistic religions and gm food technology: an overview of perspectives. BMC Int Health Hum Rights. 2009 Aug 22;9:18.
  7. 1 2 "Jewish Perspectives on Genetic Engineering". www.jcpa.org. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  8. ↑ Steven M. Druker, Executive Director, Alliance for Bio-Integrity (1997) Are Genetically Engineered Foods in Accord with Jewish Law? Published on Ag Biotech InfoNet
  9. ↑ Islam and GMOs Archived 2009-04-30 at the Wayback Machine
  10. ↑ Antony Barnett for the Guardian. November 27, 1999 GM food: special report. Vatican theologians say 'prudent yes' to GM foods
  11. ↑ C.S. Prakash for AgBioWorld. June 15, 2001. The Catholic Church is Not against the Use of Biotechnology in Agriculture But Simply Advocates Prudence and Regulation
  12. ↑ John Paul II. 11 November 2000 Address to the Jubilee of the Agricultural World.
  13. ↑ Eric Lyman (2000) Pope Expresses Opposition to GMOs, Cites Need for 'the Respect of Nature' Daily Report for Executives 221:A-6. Bureau of National Affairs, Inc., ISSN 1523-567X
  14. ↑ Biotechnology seen as a key help for developing countries
  15. ↑ Symposium Looking at Genetically Modified Organisms Archived 2009-06-27 at the Wayback Machine
  16. 1 2 Vatican says GM food is a Blessing
  17. ↑ Jerome Reilly for Independent.ie August 24, 2008 Eucharist from GM wheat 'contravenes canon law'
  18. ↑ Vatican study endorses GMOs for food security
  19. 1 2 Liborio S. Cabanilla, University of the Philippines at Los Banos. (2007)Socio-Economic and Political Concerns for GM Foods and Biotechnology Adoption in the Philippines. AgBioForum, 10(3), 178-183.
  20. ↑ Staff. Asia Africa Intelligence Wire. October 03, 2003 CBCP refutes GMA on GMOs Originally published in Philippine Daily Inquirer
  21. ↑ Bishop issues pastoral letter backing anti-GMO stance
  22. ↑ Davis, Joshua, [www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.02/smoking.html "Come to LeBow Country"] Wired, February 2003
  23. ↑ "Amish Farmers Grow Biotech Tobacco, Potatoes". Council for Biotechnology Information. n.d. Archived from the original on 2008-01-01. Retrieved 2008-12-31.
  24. ↑ "Celebrating God's Creation: Ukuvuyisana Ngendalo kaThixo" ENVIRONMENT NETWORK Archived 2008-11-21 at the Wayback Machine
  25. ↑ Environmental Writer for Independent Online News. December 6, 2004 Anglican church group hits at government stand on GMOs
  26. ↑ Christian Aid International Policy Briefing Jan 2000 Biotechnology and genetically modified organisms Archived 2014-03-27 at the Wayback Machine
  27. ↑ "The Rastafari Code of Conduct". Archived from the original on 2013-05-24. Retrieved 2014-01-07.
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