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Friday, Nov. 13, 2020

Is there any evidence of linkages between genetically modified foods and diseases?

Jacob Alabab-Moser, Gigafact Foundry
no

According to a 2016 U.S. National Academy of Sciences literature review, no significant correlation has been observed between the growing prevalence of genetically modified foods and any increase in disease or chronic conditions.

GM foods are are made from plants and animals with lab-altered DNA. They're produced to improve crop yields, lower prices and increase nutrition.

Safety assessments of GM foods focus on toxicity, allergies, nutrition and genetic stability. Though certain conditions have become more common in recent years—including kidney disease, celiac disease and some cancers—these trends were not found to be attributable to GM foods.

Approved GM foods "are not likely to present risks for human health," the World Health Organization says. Their consumption has shown "no effects on human health" in countries where they've been approved.

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