Genetically modified (GM) foods are organisms whose DNA has been interfered with so that it can they can occur differently from their natural way after recombination. The GM foods were introduced for several reasons. Comparatively, GM plants express more resistance to herbicides than native plants, hence less work to the farmer and good harvest. Herbicides are a significant challenge to farmers since they kill a plant or controls its growth. Besides, GM plants have high resistance to insects since toxin production genes are incorporated into a food plant. As a result, high and healthier yields are attained. Such benefits drove the background idea of developing GM foods (World Health Organization, 2014). However, there are several issues raised against this type of foods. Despite the advantages that come with the GM food, there is a potential of it provoking allergic reactions, outcrossing, and gene transfer.
Basic arguments and their strengths and weaknesses
Arguably, the world’s population is growing at a very high rate, leading to a need for an increase in food production. With genetically modified organisms being capable of massive and cheaper production, they are a great source of food security. Additionally, GM crops are relatively stable to fight pesticides hence increasing survival chances for the plant. Flavor and texture of GM foods are also enhanced, thus improving their taste (Debating Europe, n.d). Besides, biotech is capable of making the food healthier through starch reduction, lowering of saturated-fat content, and giving a greater nutrients concentration. In contrary, GM organisms pose a severe hazard to the environment. Cross-pollination enables herbicides to be resistant, hence threatening wild plants and other crops. Also, GM foods are a source of human health problems (Debating Europe, n.d). They cause allergies and increase antibiotics resistance in human bodies. Similarly, they are the source of reproduction malfunction, cancer, and digestive disorders. GMO production seems to favor big businesses, forcing small farmers to practice monoculture growing (A Seed Europe, 2010). Lastly, GM foods alter the natural food taste by artificially sweetening it. Therefore, according to this argument, although GM foods increase production and are more resilient to diseases and pests, they are said to be a threat to human health and the environment at large.
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Conclusion
In consideration of the argument in question, GM foods are causing more problems than good in society. Although they make food healthier, they create more health problems for the consumers. Cancer is a significant challenge worldwide, mainly if not detected early enough. Many lives have been lost as a result. The individuals who have been lucky to survive from cancer, they have spent relatively vast amounts of money on treatment. The abolishment of GM foods could avoid such losses and expenses. Arguably, GM foods are healthier, but the role they play can be naturally regulated. For instance, the amount of starch and cholesterol consumed can be controlled by the consumer avoiding it. Allergies and antibiotics resistances are severe hazards to human health. In conclusion, GM foods cause more problems than benefits to society at large.
References
A Seed Europe (2010). Arguments Against GM. Retrieved from https://aseed.net/en/arguments-against-gm/
Debating Europe (n.d). Arguments for and against GMOs. Retrieved from https://www.debatingeurope.eu/focus/arguments-gmos/#.XFf7ElUzbIU
World Health Organization (2014). Food Safety. Frequently asked questions on genetically modified foods. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/foodsafety/areas_work/food-technology/faq-genetically-modified-food/en/
