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May 6, 2024 · In summary, growing GMO crops is neither safe for the environment nor suitable for human consumption. Making a firm decision about whether or not GMO foods should be harvested requires further research.
May 1, 2014 · 1 May 2014 | Q&A. These questions and answers have been prepared by WHO in response to questions and concerns from WHO Member State Governments with regard to the nature and safety of genetically modified food. What are genetically modified (GM) organisms and GM foods? Why are GM foods produced?
- What are genetically modified (GM) organisms and GM foods?Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be defined as organisms (i.e. plants, animals or microorganisms) in which the genetic material (DNA) has...
- Why are GM foods produced?GM foods are developed – and marketed – because there is some perceived advantage either to the producer or consumer of these foods. This is meant...
- Is the safety of GM foods assessed differently from conventional foods?Generally consumers consider that conventional foods (that have an established record of safe consumption over the history) are safe. Whenever nove...
- How is a safety assessment of GM food conducted?The safety assessment of GM foods generally focuses on: (a) direct health effects (toxicity), (b) potential to provoke allergic reaction (allergeni...
- What are the main issues of concern for human health?While theoretical discussions have covered a broad range of aspects, the three main issues debated are the potentials to provoke allergic reaction...
- How is a risk assessment for the environment performed?Environmental risk assessments cover both the GMO concerned and the potential receiving environment. The assessment process includes evaluation of...
- What are the issues of concern for the environment?Issues of concern include: the capability of the GMO to escape and potentially introduce the engineered genes into wild populations; the persistenc...
- Are GM foods safe?Different GM organisms include different genes inserted in different ways. This means that individual GM foods and their safety should be assessed...
- How are GM foods regulated nationally?The way governments have regulated GM foods varies. In some countries GM foods are not yet regulated. Countries which have legislation in place foc...
- Allergic Reactions
- Cancer
- Antibacterial Resistance
- Changes in Human DNA
- Toxicity For Body Organs
There is a small risk that GMO foods can trigger an allergic reaction, but this will only happen if the genetic change triggers the production of an allergen. For instance, if scientists combine a gene from a Brazil nut with a soybean, there is a slight chanceTrusted Sourcethat a person with a nut allergy could have an allergic reaction to products...
There have been concerns that eating GMO foods can contribute to the development of cancerby raising levels of potentially carcinogenic substances in the body. The American Cancer SocietyTrusted Sourcestates there is no evidence that currently available GMO foods either increase or reduce the risk of cancer. While cancer rates have changedTrusted S...
Some GMOs contain changes that make them resistant to certain antibiotics. In theory, the genes from these plants could enter humans or animals when they eat them. As a result, the person or animal could also develop antibiotic resistance. The likelihood of this happening is very small, but the WHOTrusted Sourceand other health authorities have gui...
In older research from 2009Trusted Source, some food scientists noted that food DNA can survive as far as the gut, and there have been concerns that this could affect the immune system. Some people have also raised fears that eating GMO food could lead to genetic changes in humans. However, most of the DNA in food — whether GMO or not — either is d...
In older research from 2009Trusted Source, some researchers suggested that GMO foods might impact the liver, kidney, pancreas, and reproductive system. They did not have evidence to confirm this and called for further studies. The use of GMO crops may even reduceTrusted Sourcethe risk of toxicity from some substances, as farmers may be able to redu...
Jan 9, 2024 · Cons. Identification. Bottom line. Although most notable organizations and research suggest that GMO foods are safe and sustainable, some people claim they may harm your health and the...
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Jan 14, 2024 · The major issue raised by society concerning this technology pertains to whether genetically modified foods should be banned for people’s benefit. The gene transfer techniques are not entirely foolproof, thus raising fears that faults may emerge and lead to many unprecedented events.
Apr 23, 2018 · Although about 90 percent of scientists believe G.M.O.s are safe — a view endorsed by the American Medical Association, the National Academy of Sciences, the American Association for the...
Are GM foods assessed differently from traditional foods? Q4. How are the potential risks to human health determined? Q5. What are the main issues of concern for human health? Allergenicity.
