Pink pineapple & purple tomatoes should be healthy?

Pink pineapple and purple tomatoes for health?

05/04/2015

In Germany, the majority of the population is very critical of genetically modified foods. Even in the US, the manufacturers of such food get more headwinds. These companies now want to convince consumers of genetically modified fruits and vegetables, which should serve the health.

Companies want to win consumers
Genetically modified foods are highly critically evaluated by the majority of the German population. In the United States this looks - still - a little different. For example, not recently tanning GM apples have been approved in the US. But even in the US, the manufacturers of genetically modified food are getting more and more headwinds from consumer advocates. Companies are now trying to highlight the perceived health benefits of their products and to win over consumers. In the coming years, genetically modified food may be approved by the competent authorities. Then you could find in the supermarket purple tomatoes to protect against a heart attack or pink pineapple to fight cancer.

Critics demand labeling
Producers hope that consumers will appreciate potential health benefits and the practical benefits of these foods, as well as less concern about genetic modification. Michael Firko, head of the GMO regulatory body in the US Department of Agriculture, said: „As soon as people see the benefits, they will also accept the technology better.“ Critics, however, call for stricter regulations and a labeling requirement for such foods. However, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is solely responsible for the plant health of GMOs. Normally, obtaining approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by manufacturers is voluntary. „Many of these things can be achieved by conventional breeding“, said Doug Gurian-Sherman of the Consumer Organization Center for Food Safety. „Skepticism is needed.“

Cultivation outside the USA
The news agency describes how this could go on. Del Monte, for example, created a pink pineapple that contains lycopene. The substance gives tomatoes their red color, is one of the antioxidants and may play a role in the prevention of cancer. The import has already been approved, the fruit is grown outside the USA. According to information, a British company in America wants to apply for permission to grow and sell purple tomatoes. The bioflavonoids contained therein are said to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. But there are many more examples. For example, seed companies such as Monsanto are developing genetically modified soybeans, oilseed rape and sunflower oils with less saturated fat and more omega-3 fatty acids. A citrus company uses a spinach gene to develop genetically modified orange trees that are said to be immune to a particular citrus disease. And the Canadian company that created the non-browning apple is also experimenting with peaches and cherries.

Many US citizens are critical of genetic engineering
Some genetically modified fruits and vegetables are already available in the US. For example Hawaiian papaya or some zucchini and pumpkins as well as a small amount of corn for human consumption. However, the majority of GMO products are maize and soybeans used as animal feed or processed into food additives such as corn starch, soybean oil or corn syrup. But even in the US, the use of genetic engineering will see critical. According to a poll by the AP news agency and pollster GfK in December, two-thirds of US citizens are in favor of labeling GMO products.

Use growing interest in healthy nutrition
Therefore, producers are trying to capitalize on the growing interest of many consumers in healthy eating. Doug Cole of J.R. Simplot, the company that has developed potatoes that are less susceptible to staining, said the new products would benefit both manufacturers and consumers. Farmers would have higher yields with them and consumers less preparation work. Cathie Martin, the British scientist who developed the purple tomatoes, wants to sell them as juice in the United States. She said that health-conscious consumers who are critical of genetic engineering should be attracted to a product that could help reduce cancer risk. Martin said: „This product was created to benefit you.“

Retail is still waiting
At present, the retail trade is weighing up its approach. McDonald's fast food chain, for example, buys Simplot's traditional potato products in the US. The company said there are currently no plans to purchase GMO potatoes. Other retail chains have promised not to sell genetically modified salmon, which is currently under FDA approval. Although labeling of ingredients consisting of genetically modified plants is mandatory in the European Union (EU). But time and again, consumer advocates or organizations such as Greenpeace point to products that contain genetically modified ingredients such as soybeans, sugar or corn starch. According to environmental activists, the affected foods are almost always from the USA. (Ad)