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Genetically modified organisms, more commonly known to the public as GMOs, are organisms grown through seeds that have been genetically tailored and engineered with specific DNA in order to produce and upgrade certain characteristics. The manipulation of DNA through the insertion of genetic components in both transgenic and cisgenic modification has been favored to reap potential benefits in agricultural practices. With these desirable modifications and such enhancements, scientists are now able to produce uncommon yielding plants in most unfavorable locations and conditions where they have not been able to grow before. As seen through much speculation of the public eye, although the application of this relatively new and sustainable practice is commendatory in much of today’s society- such cases that involve the genetic modification of species have been known to spark controversy in which the unpredicted reality is the advantage but yet the disadvantage.
While these genetically modified foods compose 90% of staple crops in the US (according to the US Department of Agriculture), the topic of GMOs is a relatively new subject in the field of genetics. This places a question of uncertainty towards the near future regarding the health and agricultural aspect. Although these genetic foods must meet certain criteria and a multitude of safety requirements, critics are more opposed to the potential concerns linked to allergies, bacterial resistance, cancer, and more. The question lies within the matter of the unpredicted future- will the outcome downplay the process?
Health Risks
Adversaries of GMOs support their reasoning through the potential outbreak of health concerns and risks. Food allergies have been on an exponential increase in the US according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Some have drawn conclusions surrounding this spike to be connected through the ever-growing use of genetically modified foods, however, there is no scientific evidence to substantiate this finding. Others have raised concerns about the process of genetic modification itself with the transfer of specific protein genes known to trigger certain reactions from foods such as nuts. In the past, a study conducted through the New England Journal of Medicine founded a genetically modified soybean to be re-engineered with the use of proteins encoded from Brazil nuts, triggering reactions to some consumers. While the World Health Organization has now implemented certain requirements and such protocols to condone the likelihood of this occurrence, some believe that the growth and development of more GMOs will further push the limits of surpassing the boundary. Aside from these short-term effects, most shift their focus to the possibility of life-threatening occurrence of cancer or liver and kidney failure. Studies concluded in laboratory settings with rats showed that the ones that were fed with genetically modified corn and soy substantially showed a much higher risk of developing these problems, however these risks, in general, may not be even transferable to humans- but it could be a possibility in the future.
Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic-resistant germs can resist bacterias giving them the capability to survive and infect other host cells. Scientists have used antibiotic-resistant strains through the genetic modification process to allow foods to sustain certain conditions to increase natural selection and fitness. Some draw lines in between the two and question if there is a link between the increased use of genetically modified foods today and the rising rates of antibiotic resistance bacteria. In an environmental aspect, GMOs have caused more use of pesticides and other chemicals in crops. The irony is that while GMOs were developed to reduce the number of pesticides through the use of genetic resistance strains, farmers use more pesticides as weeds become resistant, knowing the crops will not be affected. The most common pesticide, namely glyphosate, has been applied to crops as a safety net for farmers to ensure the unlikelihood of pests on these GMOs. However, this has led to increased pollution as more than 1.6 billion kilograms have been used in the US alone and occasionally will negatively affect wildlife populations, inadvertently causing death and reducing biodiversity. On top of that, the genetic transfer of antibiotic-resistant plants can create a possible outcrossing of crops and weeds creating plants or “superweeds” that are nearly impossible to decimate.
Reduction of biodiversity
There have been concerns that the use of GMO foods may lead to the reduction of wildlife and biodiversity as a whole due to the prevention of pests and local wildlife impacting another species. If a certain pest is removed from a food chain then other links in the chain will start to become negatively impacted as wildlife will have nothing to eat.
Animal Testing
GMOs need to be tested and experimented to ensure that it meets the criteria mandated by the Food and Drug Administration. Scientists often use animals as a resource for experimentation to calculate and conclude the outcome of their scientific inquiry. To many people, this is often a breach of animal rights and causes more controversy in the speculation of GMOs.
While these negative connotations of GMO foods substantiate the advantages and disadvantages for many, it is only in the hands of our upcoming future to decide whether this unpredicted reality will take a toll on the world for the better or worse.
Bibliography
Colbert, Treacy. “GMOs: Pros and Cons.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 17 May 2013, www.healthline.com/health/gmos-pros-and-cons.
Genetically Modified Food: Pros vs Cons, 1 June 2018, www.aipt.edu.au/articles/2018/05/genetically-modified-food-pros-vs-cons.
Hirsh, Sophie. “Pros and Cons of GMOs: Is Eating GMOs Bad For You?” Green Matters, Green Matters, 13 Sept. 2019, www.greenmatters.com/p/pros-cons-gmo.
Labmate, International. The Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). www.labmate-online.com/news/news-and-views/5/breaking-news/the-pros-and-cons-of-genetically-modified-organisms-gmos/31400.
“Pros and Cons of GMO Foods: Health and Environment.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324576.
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