Background
A genetically modified organism (GMO) is one where the organism’s genetic material has been altered in one way or another through genetic engineering. The modification process is used when the DNA of another organism a bacterium, plant, virus, or animal bringing about organism referred to as transgenic. The domestication of plants and animals has been present since the 12,000 years ago. However, in the early 1970s, practitioners in the field of biological engineering began tests to combine DNA from a monkey virus with Lambda virus. In this practice, the professionals would be able to modify the genetics in such a way making the monkey immune to the disease. The technological development has also enabled similar practices in illnesses affecting human beings. Plants have also been modified to help in the continued growth such that they are resistant to harsh weather conditions. Majority of these plants are those that provide food including tomatoes, potatoes, corn, and soy.
As the years go by, more and more agricultural crops particularly in the US are genetically engineered. This has led to widespread concern in the country as it raises questions on the possible harm that could occur. In this case, the GMOs particularly for plants have been noted to have significant effect on the human health and the environment as well. Russia is one of the numerous countries to affect a ban on GMOs and the pesticides that accompany them. The ban is intended to emphasize that human beings do not have the necessary knowledge and understanding of the organisms to effectively make a conclusive judgment on whether to consume them or not (Mufson, 2013). The research has shown that there are cases where genetic alterations of GM food products may transfer common food allergens including milk, fish, peanuts, shellfish, soy, wheat, and tree nut. The studies show that this occurrence may create difficulty in making foods that are healthy for all people to consume.
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Opposing Viewpoints
There have been fears from the public on the adverse effects that the GMOs can have on human health. Many members of the modern society remain paranoid and refuse to accept reports provided by the government agencies. However, more than 100 research studies have been carried out across the world seeking to compare the effect of traditional food to the GM foods (Schiffman, 2013). The primary aspect of comparison is the questionable issue on gene transfer, toxicity, and mutation. The studies have concluded that the GM foods are safe for consumers. This conclusion is backed by the American Medical Association along with the World Health Organization. The increased prevalence of GM foods is a welcoming factor owing to the various problems of the modern world (Krimsky, 2015). Climate change continues to affect the rate of growth of plants. However, with the availability of GM foods, it is evident that the there are now crops available to feed the world. The issue of world hunger could soon be eradicated with the help of such foods.
Strengths and Weaknesses
In the view that GM foods may cause adverse health effects on the individuals consuming them, one of the major strengths of the study is its reference to the knowledge on the organism. It is evident that genetic alteration through genetic engineering only took place less than five decades ago. In this short period, transformations have taken place in food, animals, and plants. However, these changes cannot be fully accepted as true due to the lack of extensive knowledge on genetic alterations and their effects on human health (Phillips, 2008). However, the various research studies that have identified the adversities of GM foods fail to replicate the studies in identifying the problem associated with the organisms. An anti-GMO advocacy group known as Institute for Responsible Technology (IRT) has identified the possibility of GM foods being toxic after a GMO potato consumed by rats, led to their death after ten days. The study could not be replicated by team of scientists in National Institute of Toxicological Research in Seoul, Korea. This is a clear indicator of discrepancies in the former research.
The research supporting the continued consumption of GM foods shows significant benefits in that it multiple researches have been used to identify the benefit of the foods. According to the report by Norris (2015), more than 100 studies have been conducted in an aim to address the concerns that have become common in the modern society. The author identifies that studies have shown that there is no difference between traditional food and the GM foods in their effect on human health particularly on damage caused on the stomach, heart, liver, kidney, or reproductive organs (Kumar, 2016). The research supporting consumption of GM foods however fails to address the concerns of environmental effects. In this case, it is evident that while some of these crops are resistant to various diseases and pests, they will require the use of increased pesticides. Additionally, there have been concerns that organizations that sell GM foods wrongfully label their products so as to prevent a negative perception of the available product (Jalonick, 2016).
Conclusion
While GM foods provide an effective solution to issues like world hunger and effective production of medicines and immunity to particular illnesses, it is evident that the adversities outweigh the benefits. The issue of health and environmental issues is of particular concern. There have been numerous studies carried out by independent groups showing significant adversities that affect the consumers. It is difficult to support continued production of the produce when there are lingering questions that the major health organizations cannot seem to answer. It is concerning that the various studies that refute the consumption of GM foods highlight issues that could potentially lead to the end of human existence. Therefore, the major groups should provide a widespread openly accessible research to disapprove the adverse outcomes.
References
Jalonick, M. C. (2016) GMO Labeling Law Worries Food Groups . US News, Retrieved from https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2016-02-04/food-industry-looks-to-congress-as-gmo-labeling-law-nears
Krimsky, S. (2015). An illusory consensus behind GMO health assessment. Science, Technology, & Human Values, 40 (6), 883-914. DOI: 10.1177/0162243915598381.
Kumar, A. (2016). The Future of Genetically Modified Crops: Reflections on the NAS Report. Asian Biotechnology & Development Review, 18 (2): 59-67.
Mufson, S. (2013). Unapproved genetically modified wheat from Monasanto found in Oregon field . The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/unapproved-genetically-modified-wheat-from-monsanto-found-in-oregon-field/2013/05/30/93fe7abe-c95e-11e2-8da7-d274bc611a47_story.html?utm_term=.d822e652a8dd
Norris, M. L. (2015) Will GMOs Hurt My Body? The Public’s Concerns and How Scientists Have Addressed Them . Harvard University. Retrieved from http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2015/will-gmos-hurt-my-body/
Phillips, T. (2008) Genetically modified organisms (GMOs): Transgenic crops and recombinant DNA technology. Nature Education 1 (1):213.
Schiffman, R. (2013). GMOs aren’t the problem. Our industrial food system is . The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com
