The Pros And Cons Of Genetically Modified Organisms

Genetically modified organisms have replaced our diet with genetically altered foods. These days, genetically altered foods have become a vital part of our food system. According to the Non-GMO Project, a GMO is a plant, animal, microorganism, or other organism whose genetic makeup have been altered by using gene splicing, gene modification, or transgenic technology (Non-GMO Project). Most genetically modified organism can be engineered with genes from bacteria, viruses, insects, or even animals. Once the desired gene is inserted in the selected organism, the new genetically engineered organism is created to obtain a generation of individuals that possess the desired trait (Center for Food Safety). Unfortunately, researchers are

Genetic engineering in plants is occurring in food crops, trees, grasses, and flowers. For instance, genetic engineering within food crops is altered to create pest and disease resistance, improve crops, and improve crop features. Improved crop plants may have more nutrients, fewer allergens, and more functional attributes (“Harvest on the Horizon: Future Uses of Agriculture Biotechnology,” 2001). In addition to plants, genetic engineering in aquatic animals is being modified to increase growth, stress resistance, disease resistance, and sterility (“Harvest on the Horizon: Future Uses of Agriculture Biotechnology,” 2001). The first genetically engineered animal approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is the AquaAdvantage salmon. The FDA have determined that food from the genetically engineered salmon is safe to eat by humans and animals. The genetic engineering is also safe for the fish and the salmon meets the manufacturer’s claim about increased growth (U.S. Food and Drug

Ultimately, several articles present that GMOs are not safe while others believe that GMOs are safe. Some research shows there are health risk caused by the pesticides in genetically engineered crop. In 2015, the World Health Organization suspected that Monsanto Co.’s best-selling weed killer Roudup (chemical glyphosate) is causing cancer (Kaskey, 2015). On the contrary, a German government evaluation found that glyphosate do not show carcinogenic or mutagenic properties (Kaskey, 2015). In addition, the National Academic of Science, Engineering, and Medicine concluded that they “found no substantiated evidence that foods from genetically engineered crops were less safe than food from non-genetically engineered crops” (Lynas,