GMOs: Spicy Tomatoes and Banana Vaccines?

Banana vaccines? Spicy tomatoes? Pink pineapples? These fruits may sound like something out of science fiction or weird amalgamations, but, believe it or not, these are all real foods that exist today–albeit rare. 

These “creations” are examples of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or plants, animals, or microorganisms whose genetic material (DNA) was altered through a process called “genetic engineering.” 

Chances are, you are consuming GM food or food products as many foods in the supermarket are genetically modified one way or another. For instance, GM eggplants, GM corn, and Golden Rice are all GM crops that are available in the Philippines.

GM plants provide many benefits compared to non-GM crops, such as enhanced crop tolerance to pests, diseases, pesticides, and environmental conditions. GM crops also prove to have improved growth, enhanced nutritional content, increased sustainability, and greater ease of farming. 

Now, the question is: Are GMOs actually safe? Well, yes–for now. Since the recent introduction of GMOs in the late 20th century, many studies and tests have been run by scientists to ensure their safety. So far, no problems have arisen from the production and consumption of GMOs. According to the Food and Drug Administration or FDA, “GMO foods are carefully studied before they are sold to the public to ensure they are as safe as the foods we currently eat. These studies show that GMOs do not affect you differently than non-GMO foods.” So, don’t worry as

the consumption of GM products is closely monitored by many government agencies and science departments which should alleviate any potential adverse effects.

GMOs may be about to bear fruit (pun intended). In the future, you just might see bizarre fruit hybrids—maybe a cross between fruits, such as an apple and an orange. Thanks to the advancement of genetic modification technology, these things may be possible. 

Now, you may be wondering about the current of GMOs. Well, here are some interesting GM fruits being used today:

GM Tomatoes  (yes, scientifically, tomatoes are fruits) - Researchers are currently exploring ways to activate capsaicinoid-producing genes in tomatoes. Capsaicinoids are the chemicals that give chili peppers their spiciness. If successful, this could lead to the creation of the world’s first spicy tomato. 

Photo taken from CNN

GM Apples - The Arctic apple is a GM apple created to withstand bruising and cutting without turning brown. The goal of this GM fruit is to decrease food waste.

Photo taken from Nature

GM Bananas - Soon, eating a bite of banana could provide vaccination for diseases like hepatitis B and cholera. When patients consume a genetically modified banana loaded with virus proteins, their immune systems produce antibodies to combat the illness.

Photo taken from the Standard

GM Pineapples – Like GMO apples, a genetically altered pink-fleshed pineapple called "Rosé" was created to have reduced levels of the enzymes that make fruit brown.

Photo taken from the Delish

The potential of GMOs is limitless. For now, all we can do is watch and hope for the success of GMOs.