14/08/2024
GMO Foods: THE ARGUMENTS
From benefits to concerns, regulations to consumer preferences, the global argument on GMO and non-GMO foods continues to steam.
MEANING & HISTORY:
GMO, which stands for genetically modified organism, refers to any organism (plant or animal) whose genetic material or DNA has been altered or modified using genetic engineering techniques. For example, genetic modification in plants can include introducing new genes to change, removing already existing/unwanted genes, or imbuing/enhancing desirable traits such as resistance to pests and drought.
Genetic modifications have been in theory until the half of the 20th century when, in 1973, Biochemists, Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen made the first successful genetically modified organism by inserting the DNA from a bacterium that provided resistance to the antibiotic kanamycin into another through a plasmid to make it resistant to the antibiotic kanamycin. After this feat that turned mere theories into realities, the genetic modification of animals and plants gained speed and popularity. It is important to mention that this science was the foundation of the development of bacteria to produce human insulin for diabetic patients, which became the first consumer GMO product to be approved by the U.S. in 1982.
Non-GMOs on the other hand are organisms (plants or animals) that are in their natural state. This means that they have not been genetically altered or modified. According to some schools of thought, non-GMOs represent a pure piece of natural foods that are safer, not just for consumers and future generations, but also for the environment.
PROPOSED BENEFITS OF GMOs:
Proponents of GMOs argue that there are enough practical benefits that accrue from GMO foods to warrant their global acceptance. They advocate that through this science;
i) Crops can be improved to have more growth and nutritional value and also modified to survive natural threats such as droughts, diseases, pests, etc. to deliver a higher yield for farmers.
ii) Food security will be ensured for the planet's fast-growing population.
iii) There will be a reduced need for chemical products such as pesticides and increased environmental safety.
iv) Medicine can be incorporated into crops through fortification with targeted nutrients to address a local or regional health challenge.
According to some scientists and schools of thought, the projection of relatable benefits of GMOs cannot be measured as its application is as broad as the future.
CONCERNS:
The adoption of GM Foods is currently witnessing resistance from some scientists, governments, NGOs, farmers, and consumers globally. Their arguments are hinged on health, environmental, and regulatory concerns for these products. Some of these concerns include the;
i) Fear of the safety of these crops and their impact on consumers' health, allergies, etc.
ii) Sustainability and safety of the environment they are grown in. For example, new superweeds or super pests may emerge that are resistant to traditional control methods as a result of using herbicide-resistant GMO crops. Or, the soil may no longer germinate non-GMO crops due to its alteration by previous GMO plants, hence the soil may be recompositioned to grow only GMO crops.
iii) Impact of GMOs on pollinators such as bees and the possible cross-pollination or contamination of non-GMO ecosystem, up to its extinction.
iv) Homogenization of biodiverse crops.
v) Monopoly/Consolidation/Control of the global seed markets (production and distribution) or economies by a few large biotech companies and agribusinesses could lead to the exploitation of farmers and consumers.
vi) Fear of imposition of GMOs by biotech and super agribusiness companies by lobbying and political influence in the approval and regulation of GMOs. Hence, such undue influence over government agencies may lead to regulations that favor corporate interests over public health and environmental protection.
vii) Transparency in the development and approval processes for GMOs
viii) Possibility of the enactment of laws that will enforce the labeling of foods containing GMOs to allow consumers to make informed choices on a right-to-now basis.
CONCLUSION:
The argument surrounding GM foods is one of the most contentious topics in modern agriculture, science, and public health. GM food advocates uphold that there should be a global acceptance of GM Foods due to its potential contribution to food security, medical projects, and global health. For non-GMO advocates, GM Foods represents a fearful unknown of the possible consequences of scientists playing God with our food, health, and environment. Yet, there exists another group that opines that a balance should be found where both GMO and non-GMO foods can co-exist under strict regulations that direct and monitor the activities of core parties (biotech and super agribusiness companies), to ensure transparency and protect global health, the environment, and farmers.
To add confusion to an already tense argument, the scientific community itself is not entirely unified on issues of GMOs. Conflicting research fuels the debate and makes it difficult for the public to discern the truth. Also, the legal and regulatory status of GM foods varies by country, with some nations banning or restricting them, and others permitting them with widely differing degrees of regulation.
While some countries and regional blocks are skeptical about GMO regulations, the U.S. has the record for the highest acceptance of GM foods. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (2024), more than 90% of U.S. corn, upland cotton, and soybeans are produced using GE (Genetically Engineered) varieties. Over 70% of processed foods in U.S. grocery stores contain at least one genetically engineered ingredient.
Ultimately, the GMO vs Non-GMO argument is about more than just food, it's about the kind of world we want to live in. It's about balancing our food needs, health, and the responsibility to care for our planet. It's about respecting both the power of science and the wisdom of nature.
These arguments will continue at government, health, and economic levels...
