Genetically Modified Foods
Introduction
The
genetically modified, foods are those, which are produced by adopting the
system of genetic engineering. The foods from which they are produced are changed
specifically in their DNA. This is a technical process and should be done with
all the latest equipment, so that the best results can be adopted.
.
The
commercial availability of these foods started in the year 1994, and even
today, the genetically modified crops are very much in demand, such as corn,
soybean and cotton seed oil. These days lots of techniques are applied over
food so that its production can be improved with the help of food biotechnology.
Various processes are used in this study to improve and create better food
products with more advantages. (WHO, 2014)
To
start the process initially, it was tested upon plants; genetically engineered
plants, and alterations were made in their makeup, which was tested in a
laboratory to check the quality. Basically they add genes to the plant genome,
with the help of techniques and this is how this whole process works. As per
the latest studies, many genetically modified crops are a good food source, and
no animals are used in its production. Mostly, such crops are sold which are
further processed, but sometimes, directly plants are consumed. Many fruits and
vegetables, milled corn products, soy products, flour are generally produced
this way. (WHO, 2014)
Advantages
The
genetically modified foods have been claimed to be very beneficial by some
people, the biggest advantage is that they are safe and can help many starving
famished people. They also claim that they have many nutritional benefits. They
have better taste and good quality. They also help in saving time, as they produce
better food in less time and make it available for a larger number of people. With
the help of these foods, we get the advantage to eat all the fruits and vegetables
throughout 12 months. They are friendly to the environment as fewer pesticides
are used and have better immunity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. They
are very good for use in the long run, as they have long life. And if produced
in quantities, they can reach many people, to whom the non -genetic foods were
not available. (Maghari & Ardekani,
2011)
They
can also grow in adverse climatic conditions, with less water and soil. One
more advantage is that, these can be very easily transported long distances,
as they have a better shelf life. They are non-allergic compared to others. If
we compare their production and supply aspect, they are more economical. They
are more powerful and resistant towards weeds, pests, and other sorts of
diseases. These foods have better flavors. With their development, the problems
of soil, water and climate can also be solved, and thus in less time better
food can be available for all of us. From the sustainability point of view also,
these foods are better and thus, it can be said that they have many advantages
and should be promoted so that we can provide food to more and more people for
a long duration. (Maghari & Ardekani,
2011)
Disadvantages
Like
advantages, genetically modified foods, have disadvantages too. These foods are
considered as more toxic, and thus are quite risky. These crops can cause harm
to another crops such as BT corn. But the BT gene, which produces, toxicants
kills the bacteria that cause diseases in many crops. (Maghari & Ardekani, 2011)
They reduce the
effectiveness of pesticides. Some crops are immune to some
pesticides like mosquitoes are resistant to DDT, insects are
resistant to the BT gene which can save the crops from diseases. (Maghari & Ardekani, 2011)
Gene
transfer to non-target species. Plants which are genetically modified are
herbicide and insect resistant, Some weeds are also resistant
and superweeds are produced, which are also herbicide tolerant. So many crops
as well as weeds became genetically modified because of cross breeding. (Maghari & Ardekani,
2011)
In
humans, some genetically modified nuts and foods cause allergies. Because of the
transfer of unexpected and non - target gene, unwanted plant foods are formed
which cause harmful diseases and have a negative impact on human health.
Economic
concern. Genetically modified foods are economically very expensive .because
production and bringing to market is costly and their patent process is also
lengthy and expensive and even difficult. (WHO, 2014)
So,
we can say that these are harmful from seeds, to crops, humans, animals and to
the whole economy, and thus we should think twice before using them and getting
addicted to them.
Health hazard
The
best way to live safely sand happily is to live healthy; thus it can be said
that health is of utmost importance. Genetically modified foods are very
hazardous to the human health. Major health issues are related to resistance to
antibiotics, allergies, formation of toxins and many more. These entire issues
can have serious implications on human bodies, and all antibiotics-resistant diseases
will become active and will have an ill effect on the human body. There is also
a possibility that such food increases the chances of viral infection. Studies
have shown that the gene, which is required for movement, can get from the
neighboring genes and thus the chances of viral infection increases manifold. (Maghari & Ardekani,
2011)
In
fact animals are also having risks, using these foods; there are many kinds of
issues found such as early deliveries, abortions, infertility and many more. In
fact it is very difficult to assess the allergen; city of the crop; it is a very
complex process. So, if we have to live a long and healthy life, it is
advisable to reduce the usage of such foods, and find other healthier ways for
long availability of foods. (WHO, 2014)
Ethical Issues
Many
ethical issues have been attached to the use of genetically modified foods, one
such principle is of general welfare, which means protecting and promoting the
interest of all the people. Another principle is the maintenance of the rights
of people, and the principle of justice. Let’s discuss them in detail. (NCB)
The
question still remains the same, as the result of using these foods is still not
very clear. There might be some unknown risks associated with these foods, and
thus the basic principle of general risks gets affected.
Every
citizen has got the right to information; he should always know what is
included in the food, its ingredients, and everything. Apart from consumers,
even scientists, have the right to do research on their favorite subjects, with
intellectual integrity. So the right to be informed should be protected and
full and complete information should be shared. The new technology is surely
beneficial for some people, but this benefit. is enjoyed with the loss of the
other. And thus, the principle of social justice is affected and not completed.
(NCB)
Hence,
the introduction, of genetically modified foods, ethically affects all and not
only has positive effects with it; rather its ill effects are more dominant. Also
many ethical values are being violated, with the use of such food. The affects
to the society as a whole, must always be considered as a priority and they
should be handled with care and concern. (NCB)
Conclusion
Thus,
it can be very rightly said, that the development of these foods is not
natural, though their development has improved the yield, as the resistance
power has increased. But it is strongly recommended, that all such foods should
be tested prior to their introduction in the market. They can be taken both
ways, good or bad as discussed above. But still if we look presently, they have
more disadvantages, and are thus not recommended everywhere. The major concern has
been whether such foods should be labeled specifically with regard to their effect on health,
environment, their pesticides resistance, the effect on farmers; all these
questions are still unanswered and need attention.
Though
after all this controversy, many research works and studies have been done over
this, and not all ill effects are being found. Many countries require such
foods to be labeled, but some do not recognize any difference between
genetically modified and non-modified. Apart from all this, governments have also taken various approaches, to
assess the risk associated with these and to regulate the technology used and the
development of these foods. Such regulations vary from country to country depending
upon the use of these foods and their implications. The research work is
continuously going on to find out more and more results. It is believed that
even now, it will take several years, to find out the results and effects of
these foods. So, we can conclude, that the use of such foods is not very safe
and thus their use should be minimized and different and better ways should be
introduced, which can have benefits but no ill effects like them.
Bibliography
Maghari, B. M., & Ardekani, A. M. (2011).
Genetically Modified Foods and Social Concerns. Avicenna J Med Biotechnol.
, 3 (3), 109-117.
NCB.
(n.d.). Genetically modified crops: the ethical and social issues.
Retrieved May 31, 2014, from Nuffield Council of Bioethics:
http://www.nch.go.jp/imal/Ethical_Com/Nuffield_Coouncil/gm_crops_summary.pdf
WHO.
(2014). Food, Genetically modified. Retrieved May 31, 2014, from World
Health Organization: http://www.who.int/topics/food_genetically_modified/en/
