By Food Futurist, Tony Hunter
Worryingly, we currently have some organisations that are distinctly anti some food technologies, particularly in the US. This is a dangerous path since we need new technologies if we’re to feed 10 billion people sustainably and equitably by 2050.
This stance is typified by the Non-GMO Project, whose recent rant about synthetic biology dairy products was particularly bizarre, inconsistent, and riddled with inaccuracies. They even claim that a risk of such dairy products is “Continued reliance on fossil fuels for GMO growth media and the incineration of waste”. Why is this and what does it even mean? Does this suggest that conventional dairy products using pasteurization and refrigeration mean continued reliance on fossil fuels for energy supply? Obviously not. They also claim that ‘animal-free dairy proteins…are actually unlabeled and unregulated GMOs’. This is factually incorrect as these products are regulated by the applicable food laws.
The most ironic part of their rant is their complete, perhaps intentional, failure to mention that synthetic biology is used in cheese production. Since 1990, the enzyme used to make 80-90% of all cheeses has been made using genetically modified organisms. So, if you’ve eaten cheese you’ve highly likely eaten a food made with the product of a genetically modified organism and have for up to 32 years. And all without problem. I wonder how many people would be so anti-GMO if they knew that simple fact? I’ve told this enzyme story to thousands of people and then asked if they’re going to stop eating cheese; no one, not one, has said yes.
They also promote that there are GMOs in these products, as if GMOs are dangerous substances rather than actual organisms. These foods are or contain the non-GMO product(s) of GMOs, not GMOs. They seek to provoke fear and distrust of these technologies using vague terminology and cherry pick the information they supply to consumers. They claim to champion transparency but don’t practice it themselves.
Organisations like this are a clear and present danger to the future of food. Their selective anti-technology stance and fear mongering have no place in the quest to sustainably and equitable feed 10 billion people by 2050.
Tony Hunter is a global futurist, food scientist, speaker and foresight strategy consultant. He consults and speaks globally, using his distinctive combination of scientific qualifications, business experience and detailed understanding of exponential food technologies to deliver a unique perspective on the future of food.
The information and opinions within this column are not necessarily the views or opinions of Hot Source, NZ Food Technology or the parent company, Hayley Media.
