Genetically modified organisms have been another topic of much debate since the turn of the 21st century. More than ever, the debate about whether GM foods are safe and ethical have come up in discussion. However, what exactly is a genetically modified organism or GMO?
GMO’s are organisms whose genetic material have been altered in a laboratory setting. The gene combinations of these organisms could not have been created by traditional, standard cross-breeding techniques. As a result, these organisms have the ability to withstand pesticides that are commonly used in commercial farming. The biotech industry has claimed that GMO’s can withstand droughts, create higher crop yields, and increase nutrition. Although, these benefits sound enticing, there is still a great deal of skepticism regarding the safety of GMO food. Due to genetically modified organisms being around for more than twenty years, supporters have argued that if there were any health issues related to GMO, it would have been detected by now.
The effects of GMO’s is by far one of the biggest concerns everyday people have. There is still not a general consensus regarding the health repercussions of these organisms in the long run. Although certain hormones or injections within the GMO’s may be dangerous for other species, there is not enough research about the effect they may have on humans. For example, coffee is harmful to insects, but it is safe for humans. It’s not dangerous for you and, let’s say your friend, to have a nice cup of coffee. The same argument can be said for GMO’s. Just because certain crops are resistant to insects (in fact, some may be harmful to unwanted insects), it does not mean that these same crops are going to put human beings in danger if ingested. GM corn was shown to give rats liver and kidney problems, but the same cannot be said about us.
Whether you support or disagree with the implementation of genetically modified food, they have become ubiquitous in just about everyone’s life. Perhaps the most common GMO crop is corn. GM corn is resistant to insects such as corn root worms and the Asian corn borer. With the use of biotechnology, both field and sweet corn can grow in greater abundance without the harm of pests ruining them. Other common examples of GMO’s include squash and arctic apples. Genetically modified squash contains an enzyme to fight against viruses, while GM arctic apples have the ability to turn off an enzyme that causes them to turn brown after being cut or bruised.
Due to higher yields, GMO’s are popping up more frequently in supermarkets nearby you and I. However, is it possible to know if the food we purchase is genetically modified? Within the U.S., it is not required for GMO’s to be labeled. Countries such as Japan, Australia, and those in the European Union do require labeling of these food products. The U.S. has followed suit and will require the labeling of GMO foods by the year 2022. At the current moment, it is not always possible for a consumer to go into a supermarket and be aware of where there food is coming from. This creates trust issues and a sense of uncertainty. Where is our food coming and what techniques are used to grow these crops? I believe that the U.S. is making the correct decision to make it mandatory for all food products to be clearly labeled in a way that allows the consumers to avoid GMO’s if they want to.
Not only do GMO’s affect consumers, but they also have a large impact on farmers and the environment. Legal battles have occurred between farmers and the large biotechnology companies. These large biotech companies hold the patents to the genetically engineered seeds. Therefore, if farmers’ crops become contaminated with GMO’s, these companies can sue the farmers (even if this was the result of the drift of pollen or the fact that other farms are within the vicinity). Due to the large monetary value these companies gain from these crops, it seems that the growth of GM crops will not be slowing down any time soon.
Another area of concern, deals with the environment itself. Due to these crops being resistant to herbicides and pesticides, more of these chemicals have actually been used. For example, the use of Roundup has been more prevalent than ever. In fact, its usage has increased by fifteen fold since GMO’s were introduced. Different species of weeds and bugs have also emerged as GMO’s have increased. Not only are supersedes undesirable for appearance sake, they are also harder to get rid of. Stronger chemicals are needed to get rid of them. Also, once GMO’s are introduced into the environment, there is no turning back. One cannot magically get rid of them or undo the process of growing them.
I believe that it is essential to take a few steps back to think about the impact GMO’s are causing in today’s society. Although our food may last longer, taste better, and be “more nutritious, ” it is not natural. At the end of day, I feel that more research needs to be conducted to determine whether or not GMO’s are the best alternative to traditional methods of farming. The amount of solid and credible research does not exist yet. Not enough studies have been done to make a conclusion about the safety of these crops. During this day in age, it is hard to reach a compromise between the scientists and the big businesses. Even if there is evidence of GMO’s being detrimental to one’s health, it will be hard to shut down this billion dollar industry.
Sources:
https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/genetically-modified-organisms-gmos-transgenic-crops-and-732
https://www.labmate-online.com/news/news-and-views/5/breaking-news/the-pros-and-cons-of-genetically-modified-organisms-gmos/31400
I am still very wary of GMOs. Their benefits are unquestionable: who doesn’t want food with a longer shelf life and more nutrients? However, since the process is new (in relation to farming, that is), the long-term effects of GMOs are largely unknown. That being said, I still think that it is worth the effort.