Genetically engineered milk for vegans

Hyderabad: Milk produced from a genetically engineered strain of yeast is being sold in the market for vegans who do not consume any animal products. The yeast produces milk proteins during fermentation.

Milk proteins like whey and casein are mixed with plant proteins to produce the flavour and texture of milk.

Clinical dietician Dr M. Gayathri with Apollo Hospitals said, “There is a whole movement of vegan diet which requires products which are not of animal origin. But these products are at experimental stage. Studies have to conducted on their safety and whether or not they work for all body types.”

Doctors said that genetically engineered foods are a cause for concern as they could increase the risk of cancer.

Senior general physician Dr M. Vamshi said, “There have been six publications of trials on animals where it is shown that genetically modified milk increases risk of breast, colon and prostrate cancer in animals in laboratories.”