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May 9, 2023 · Overall, studies have shown GMOs can have positive environmental impacts and can be important tools for addressing the causes and effects of climate change. [ 1, 2] Insect-resistant...
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Are GMOs good for the environment?
Are GMO foods safe?
Do GMOs affect human health?
Are GMO foods harmful to human health?
WHO explains what GM foods are, why they are produced, how they are assessed and regulated, and what are the main issues of concern for human health and the environment. The web page does not address the question of whether GM foods are safe for the environment directly.
- Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be defined as organisms (i.e. plants, animals or microorganisms) in which the genetic material (DNA) has...
- GM foods are developed – and marketed – because there is some perceived advantage either to the producer or consumer of these foods. This is meant...
- Generally consumers consider that conventional foods (that have an established record of safe consumption over the history) are safe. Whenever nove...
- The safety assessment of GM foods generally focuses on: (a) direct health effects (toxicity), (b) potential to provoke allergic reaction (allergeni...
- While theoretical discussions have covered a broad range of aspects, the three main issues debated are the potentials to provoke allergic reaction...
- Environmental risk assessments cover both the GMO concerned and the potential receiving environment. The assessment process includes evaluation of...
- Issues of concern include: the capability of the GMO to escape and potentially introduce the engineered genes into wild populations; the persistenc...
- Different GM organisms include different genes inserted in different ways. This means that individual GM foods and their safety should be assessed...
- 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
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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...
Learn how genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can improve food quality, resilience, and nutrition, as well as the potential risks and challenges. Find out how to identify GMO foods and where to get non-GMO alternatives.
Jul 27, 2021 · The hugely controversial concerns over the GMO foods in terms of consumer safety and environmental sustainability seem to remain unchanged. There are tangible reasons for the world to still worry about GMO, although new techniques emerged and are getting popularity in Biotechnology.
- Tadesse Fikre Teferra
- 2021
Jan 9, 2024 · Learn what GMOs are, how they are used in food production, and their potential effects on health and the environment. Find out how to identify GMO foods and the current labeling requirements in the United States.
Dec 11, 2020 · Learn how GMO crops are safe for human, plant and animal health, and how they are regulated by federal agencies in the U.S. Find out how GMO technology supports food production system sustainability and social opportunities for farmers and food producers.
Learn how GMOs can have positive environmental impacts and can be important tools for addressing the causes and effects of climate change. Find out how insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant crops can reduce pesticide use, soil erosion, and carbon footprint.
