These genetically engineered whole foods are also used as ingredients in processed foods, and have been reported to be present in a number of mass consumed food products from major soy-based baby formulas to some of the most popular corn chip brands. Because of FDA's failure to require labeling, millions of American infants, children and adults are consuming genetically engineered products each day without their knowledge. The most pressing health concern involves the impact of inserting novel genes into fruits, vegetables and other food products. Each gene insertion creates the possibility that a nontoxic element in the food could become toxic and endanger human health. This remains the most probable explanation for the dozens of deaths and hundreds of serious illness caused by the genetically engineered food supplement L-tryptophan several years ago.
Food allergies are another major health concern.
Those with food allergies will have no way of knowing what foods to avoid. One basis for concern is a recent study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, which tested the effects of including a gene from a Brazil Nut in a soybean. The study found that people who were allergic to Brazil Nuts were also allergic to the genetically engineered soybean. Health professionals are also concerned that the mass consumption of genetically engineered foods could make treating infections more difficult because some genetically modified foods contain antibiotic resistant genes. In addition to health concerns, millions of Americans feel obligated to avoid genetically engineered foods based on their ethical and religious principles.