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What are the disadvantages of genetically modified foods (GMOs)?
Are genetically modified foods bad for You?
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Are genetically modified foods safe?
Jul 12, 2017 · Here are some of the additional advantages and disadvantages of genetically modified foods to think about. What Are the Advantages of Genetically Modified Foods? 1. Food supplies become predictable. When crop yields become predictable, then the food supply becomes predictable at the same time.
- But What Does Being Genetically Modified Mean?
- Disadvantages of Genetically Modified Foods to Humans
- Disadvantages of Genetically Modified Foods on The Environment
- Social and Ethical Concerns
Being genetically modified means that a “Gene of Interest” from one organism is extracted and inserted into the target organisms’ genes. For example, if researchers want to make a particular organism produce a nutrient that it naturally isn’t capable of producing, they will look for another organism that can produce that specific nutrient. The “Gen...
Allergic reaction
In humans, the number one most common side effect of consuming GM foods is allergic reaction. This allergic reaction happens when a certain protein/allergen present in the GM crop enters the body and stimulates an immune response. As alluded to earlier, genetically modified foods are created by inserting foreign genes into an organism. This process is considered to have adverse effects on humans because these inserted genes may carry specific allergens that trigger such an immune response. In...
Production of toxins
GM food may also increase its production of toxins at levels already harmful to humans. Such may result from toxins produced when there is damage in the “Gene of Interest” during the insertion process. Another reason is when the inserted gene is not generally accepted by the recipient organism because it interferes with its metabolic pathway. Thus, by eating such foods with toxins, the possibility of ingesting the toxin and being harmed by it may happen.
Reduced nutritional value
Ironically, some genetically modified foods have been reported to be void of nutritional value. As genetic engineering tends to focus more on increasing their production, prolonging their lifespan, and deterring pests, the nutritional value of some crops is sometimes compromised. In fact, in a study published in the journal Food Chemistry, it has been found out that organic soybeans are far higher in nutritional components like healthy sugar, proteins, selenium, and zinc, as compared to genet...
Release of toxins to soil
As you can see, the disadvantages of GM crops are much larger than simply harming our health. Regarding its environmental effects, toxicity is a huge issue concerning GM crops. One particular example is the Bt Corn(Bacillus Thuringensis Corn), which is widely known for its pest controlling ability. Bacillus thuringensis is a soil bacterium that has a gene that produces certain protein toxins that effectively destroy pests and insects, like larval caterpillars. This gene is then inserted into...
Resistance of pests to toxins
In addition to that, the long-term effects of GMOs are not certain. Scientists fear that excessive production of genetically modified foods with toxin-producing properties will be rendered ineffective over time. This is because the pests that these toxins used to deter might eventually develop resistance towards them.
Disruption of biodiversity
The production of GM foods imposes high risks to the disruption of biodiversity. This is because the “better” traits produced from engineering genes can favor one organism. Furthermore, the introduction of genetically modified organisms can eventually disrupt the natural process of gene flow. So what does this mean? Disrupted gene flow can also lead to these genetically modified crops becoming weeds because they breed so rapidly and out-compete other crops.
In addition to health and environmental issues, the production of GM crops and animals has become the center of social and ethical debates. And at present, it is still challenging to decipher their long-term effects, hence, leaving consumers the fear for safety. Arguably, every food carries along with its associated health benefits and risks. Upon ...
Jan 5, 2024 · Cons of GMOs. Genetically engineering foods is a relatively new practice, which means the long-term effects on safety are not yet clear. Many concerns about the disadvantages relate to human...
Jan 9, 2024 · GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, can help farmers increase yields, but may also have potential negative effects. Learn the pros and cons and how to identify GMO foods.
Oct 24, 2022 · Hybrid Images/Getty Images. GMO foods are designed to be healthier and cheaper to produce. Advantages of GMO foods include added nutrients, fewer pesticides, and cheaper prices. Disadvantages of...
Dec 19, 2012 · Controversies and public concern surrounding GM foods and crops commonly focus on human and environmental safety, labelling and consumer choice, intellectual property rights, ethics, food security, poverty reduction and environmental conservation.
May 17, 2016 · In this chapter, the committee examines the evidence that substantiates or negates specific hypotheses and claims about the health risks and benefits associated with foods derived from genetically engineered (GE) crops.
