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Nov 23, 2013 | | | 7:08 am |
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The fact that microorganisms can produce food additives and other valuable substances is nothing new. Genetic engineering, however, has made it possible to modify bacteria and fungi to make them produce substances at an economic advantage to conventional, industrial methods. Additives, Genetically modified microorganisms are now not only used to produce pharmaceuticals, vaccines, specialty chemicals, and feed additives, they also produce vitamins, additives, and processing agents for the food industry. Here are a few examples:
Genetically modified microorganisms: Better yields, simple systems. Genetic engineering provides many ways of optimising methods for producing various substances including vitamins, enzymes, and amino acids.
Even the nutritive medium used to grow bacteria and fungi is often made from GMOs. Certain Biotechnological production methods. The production of substances with the help of genetically modified microorganisms takes place in fermenters. These closed, stainless steel tanks are used to set up optimal conditions so that microorganisms can thrive and produce the desired product in large quantities. When the growth and production phase ends, the substance of interest is isolated and purified. No traces of microorganisms are present in the final product, and no microbial DNA is detectable. Safety. Legally specified saftey standards set purity requirements for vitamins and additives. Whether they were produced chemically, biologically, or with GMOs is not a factor. The final product must always be chemically pure. All systems that use genetically modified microorganisms must be reported to governmental agencies. There are EU-wide laws governing the facilities and microorganisms used for genetic engineering as well as the safety and quality of the resulting products. Labelling. Additives that are produced with the help of genetically modified microorganisms do not require labelling beacuse GMOs are not directly associated with the final product. Because the final product is carefully purified and does not contain any genetically modified organisms, vitamins and additives made in this way are not subjected to special regulations or labelling requirements. In some cases, amino acids and enzymes are not legally considered foods. Rather, they are known as processing aids. This is why there is no legal requirement to declare these additives on the list of ingredients. See also on GMO-Compass:
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