Genetically Modified Food Genetically modified maize is being produced in many countries.   Genetically modified organism (GMO) is a plant or animal that possesses specific traits or genes transferred to it from another organism. Much concern has been raised over inadequate testing of the effects of genetic engineering on humans and the environment, and the lack of regulations to label GMO food in most places, including Hong Kong.   GMO crops have been commercially grown since early 1990s. The global planted area of GM crops has increased by more than fifty-fold from 1.7 million hectares in six countries in 1996 to 90 million hectares in 21 countries in 2005. The major reasons of growing GMO crops are:   Make the crops resistant to insects, weeds and diseases   Make the crops mature more quickly, yield earlier and yield more   Improve the taste and quality of food; increase the nutritional content   Increase the ability to survive extreme weather   Use GMO plants to produce vaccines against diseases   Grow plants to produce new plastics with unique properties   Major crops with GMO versions:   Soybeans     Papaya Maize   Sugar beet Canola     Sweet potatoes Cotton     Taro Rice   Coffee   Some brewers, baby food makers and cereal companies have refused to buy rice that has been genetically altered. To play safe, it is advisable for consumers to avoid genetically modified food.   Potential problems of GMO crops: 1. Unknown adverse effects on human health   Pests and weeds can survive in some of the toughest environment. Since even these organisms choose not to eat GMO crops or grow in their vicinity, it poses question on the long-term safety for human beings to consume GMO crops. 2. May carry allergens after genetic modification   For example, according to studies, genetically modified papaya contains a protein similar to allergenic protein, which might increase the risk of developing an allergic reaction among humans. 3. May transfer antibiotic-resistant marker in genetic engineering   GMO crops may carry an antibiotic-resistance gene that increases antibiotic-resistance among germs. 4. Unknown impact on other organisms in the environment   GMO crops may pose a danger to the traditional crops; or reduce flora and fauna biodiversity, including the soil microbes. 5. Unintended and uncontrolled transfer of modified genes to other crops through cross-pollination   It may result in a disaster of crop contamination in case anything goes wrong in the genetically engineered crop.   Countries growing GMO crops: In 2003, 6 countries that grew 99% of the global transgenic crops were the United States (63%), Argentina (21%), Canada (6%), Brazil (4%), China (4%), and South Africa (1%). Many developing countries are experimenting with GMO crops in their strife to feed a rapidly growing population.   Deep penetration of GMO ingredients in processed food Seventy percent (70%) of processed foods in American supermarkets now contain genetically modified ingredients, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. There is no formal figure for Hong Kong.   Regulation of global GMO trade The Cartagena Protocol, which went into effect in 2003, aims for greater transparency and control of global GMO trade. Over 130 other countries signed the treaty, including Brazil. However, some large GMO exporters, such as the United States, Argentina, Canada and Australia, have not signed the protocol, with the fear that it would allow importing countries to use it as a de facto trade barrier. Under the treaty's provisions, a country may reject GMO imports if it fears they pose a danger to traditional crops, undermine local cultures or cut the value of biodiversity, even without scientific proof.