Genetically Modified Food Duscussion

There has been an exquisite debate going on the genetically modified food subject. The GMOs are increasingly turning into common in many nations no matter receiving as much criticism. They are the latest genetically engineering science contribution (Hallman, 2013). The genetically modified food is made by the insertion of the genes to the meals items DNA. The experts are stated to be working on the development of food which is in a position to cure some illnesses. The available GMO meals in the market is inclusive of the eggplant, lettuce, tomatoes, canola, potatoes, strawberries, carrots, cantaloupe and others. Some people look at the GMOs as damaging and dangerous. Many people avoid it as an end result of the animal studies which have shown unexpected deaths, abnormal tumor growth and some changes in the internal cell structure. Prior opting for this particular kind of food, it is important to understand the pros and cons in details that they are associated with.

Pros of GMOs

Avoiding allergies

The GMO are able to control occurrences of some illnesses in the body. There are some food stuffs which are able to generate illnesses in the body when consumed. Through the modification, elimination of the allergies has been very successful.

Faster production

From a practical investigation, it is clear that the GMOs grow faster in comparison to the traditional grown food. As a result, the world productivity grows which leads to the reduction in the drought level (Jacobsen, 2013).

Better overall taste and quality

The food’s flavor is easily enhanced through the modification of food. The corns and peppers are able to become sweeter and spicier. The flavors which are difficult are able to become palatable through the modification.

More resistance to diseases and pesticides

The plants and animals are modified in a manner that they are resistance to the unexpected pesticide and disease problem. The vaccine that they are modified with is able to withstand plenty of pesticides and diseases.

Sturdier crops

A normal crop usually grows in a favorable climate condition or in a particular season. But from studies it is clear that the genetically modified crops can be grown in areas with unfavorable climate conditions. There are claim that the places with soil incompetent for agriculture experience frequent drought due to inability of the crops to survive there. But with the modification, it is possible to people in very dry areas to be self-sufficient through the growth of the GMOS (Flynn, 2013).

Lower production costs

The GMOs seeds are really expensive but the overall production cost is really less in comparison to the normal ones. The reduced cost is as a result of natural resistance of the crop from the insects and pests. Hence, unless normal crops which need to be sprayed with pesticide ad insecticides now and then, they do not spend much on the same. Hence, the genetically modified crops do not need to be exposed to the harmful chemicals which make them to be environmental friendly as well as economical to grow.

Longer shelf life

The GMOs can be said to have longer shelf life in comparison to the traditionally grown ones, hence, they are not easily rotten. They are as well more preferable in comparison to the normal ones due to their more nutrients, better taste and quality products.

GMOs Cons

Effects on the human health

The key disadvantages of consuming the food is the believed harm they can cause to the human body. It is believed that they are capable of causing illnesses which are immune to the antibiotics. Development of cancer is another health condition they are believed to cause.

Environmental damage

Through the growth of the GMOs in areas where supporting them is an issue, they are likely to affect the environment in a manner the situation is irrevocable. Also the cross pollination method is able to cause damage to other organisms thriving in the environment.

Economic reliance

The experts think that the industrial nations are able to increase in their food production leading to the developing countries dependence in them. The GMOs take long to grow at times leading to no economic value on the nation as compared to the normal food (Legge, 2010).

Allergies reactions growth in the general population

The studies have shown that the GMOs are able to increase the food-based allergies in people. For example, if the animal develop an allergy as a result of the eating a genetically modified soy, then, humans who eat meant is likely to suffer from the allergy reactions (Walters, 2010).

Less is known on the long-term effect of the GMOs on the human health.

From the evaluated pros and cons of the GMOs, it is evident that they have essential benefits and some risks. Due to the increased drought level in the LDCs I am in support of the use of the GMOs. The expert needs to improve on their modifications to ensure that the health effects which could affect the human beings are reduced to the minimum. Hence, with the improved expertise in the GMOs modification, they should be highly adopted to eradicate the drought issue.

References

Hallman, W. K., Hebden, W. C., Aquino, H. L., Cuite, C. L., & Lang, J. T. (2013). Public perceptions of genetically modified foods: A national study of American knowledge and opinion.

Jacobsen, S. E., Sørensen, M., Pedersen, S. M., & Weiner, J. (2013). Feeding the world: genetically modified crops versus agricultural biodiversity. Agronomy for sustainable development, 33(4), 651-662.

Legge Jr, J. S., & Durant, R. F. (2010). Public opinion, risk assessment, and biotechnology: Lessons from attitudes toward genetically modified foods in the European Union. Review of Policy Research, 27(1), 59-76.

Walters, R. (2010). Crime, Political Economy and Genetically Modified Food. Routledge.

Flynn, K. J., Mitra, A., Greenwell, H. C., & Sui, J. (2013). Monster potential meets potential monster: pros and cons of deploying genetically modified microalgae for biofuels production. Interface Focus, 3(1), 20120037.