Recent Developments Suggest More Omega 3 Food Sources Will Be Genetically Modified

Two recent developments have raised issues for those concerned with ensuring an adequate intake of omega 3. Monsanto, the giant, biotechnology company has reached its pre-launch phrase of modifying Omega 3 rich soya beans and Aqua Bounty is waiting for US regulators to approved their GM salmon. For the consumer the choice will be between taking fish oil from organic sources and risking the depletion of fish stocks, or purchasing genetically modified products. Arguments against GM food are now raging on several fronts.

The Facebook campaign “Millions Against Monsanto”, started by the Organic Consumers Association, is receiving huge support with over 120,000 members on Facebook alone and many other websites promoting it. Environmentalists, although worried about overfishing, are also concerned about genetically modified fish. If the GM salmon, which grows twice as fast as non-modified fish, is approved as safe, other fish are likely to be similarly treated. Both Monsanto and Aqua Bounty claim their products are safe to eat and point out the benefits obtained from eating products with high levels of Omega 3.

Two major concerns regarding the development of GM crops are firstly, the possibility of cross pollination with plants in neighboring fields and secondly, the harmful effect on insects feeding on the pollen. This could be controlled by developing male only (sterile) strains of the crop. The salmon produced by Aqua Bounty are sterile and Aqua Bounty claims there is no danger of cross breeding with wild fish. However the reassurances given by the companies, do not allay fears that GM food is harmful in some way. Fear is so widespread that the public worldwide demands further reassurance, yet many are unaware of the extent of genetic engineering. The Telegraph newspaper has reported that major supermarket stores in the UK cannot guarantee all their meat and dairy products have not been produced using GM feed, only food labelled organic would be non-GM.

Demand for omega 3 products continues to grow as the public becomes more aware of its nutritional value.
“The benefits of Omega 3 are particularly important for children,”says Margaret Tye who runs the child related website Omega 3.
Research has shown that it can improve brain power and increase the ability to concentrate. Reading levels of children given Omega 3 supplements showed considerable improvement and it is often recommended for children suffering from ADHD. Many elderly people also rely on Omega 3 to keep their joints supple and its ability to help lower cholesterol makes it a popular supplement for maintaining a healthy heart. Unfortunately fish are the best source of Omega 3, as non-GM plants produce so little.

With demand so high, producers are looking for ways to increase the supply and consumers are faced with the choice of whether to use organic sources and risk depleting fish stocks, or use modified products. For many people this is a bewildering choice between the strong arguments put forward by large companies like Monsanto and those who believe that genetic engineering is dangerous.

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