Genetically Modified Foods: Advantages and Dangers

Genetic modification is the use of certain technologies to alter the genetic structure of a variety of organisms, including bacteria, animals and plants. Recombinant DNA technology involves combining genes from different organisms, the outcome of which is an organism which is "transgenic", "genetically modified," or "genetically engineered". Genetically modified products present in the market as well as those being developed include medicines and vaccines, foods and food ingredients, feeds and fibers.

One of the most challenging processes of genetic modification is locating genes for important traits, such as those conferring insect resistance or desired nutrients. However, genetic modification research is being carried out at a furious pace, and is generating genome sequencing and discovery programs for hundreds of organisms in the form of detailed maps along with data-analyzing technologies to understand and use them.

In 2006, 252 million acres of genetically modified crops were planted in 22 countries by 10.3 million farmers. Most of these crops comprised of herbicide and insect-resistant soybeans, alfalfa, cotton, greenhouse corn and canola. Other genetically modified crops like sweet potato resistant to a virus that could decimate most of the African harvest, rice with increased iron and vitamins, and a variety of plants able to survive harsh weather conditions have been grown commercially or are being field-tested.

Genetically modified foods may some day make the possibility of bananas that produce human vaccines against infectious diseases such as hepatitis B; fish that mature more quickly; cows that are resistant to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease) and fruit and nut trees that yield years earlier, a reality.

Advantages of Genetically Modified Foods

1. Genetically modified foods can impact the environment in many positive ways. They have resulted in the production of "friendly" bioherbicides and bioinsecticides. They assist in conservation of soil, water and energy. The bioprocessing of forestry products is a possibility. This technology also enables better natural waste management and improved processing.
2. Genetic modification enhances the taste and quality of food. Modified foods possess increased nutrients, yields and stress tolerance. The maturation time is reduced and resistance to disease, pests and herbicides is increased. Genetic modification has also opened up many new growing techniques.
3. It provides increased food security to our world which is experiencing ever-increasing food needs.
4. Genetically modified animals produce better eggs and milk. Their meat is of a superior quality. They have increased resistance, productivity, hardiness and feed efficiency. They also experience better health during their lifetime.

Dangers of Genetically Modified Foods

1. Genetically modified foods can be potentially harmful to human health, by creating allergens and by the transfer of antibiotic resistance markers. Many of the harmful effects are yet to be uncovered.
2. Genetic modification itself poses an ethical dilemma. Many people feel that it amounts to playing with God's ways by tampering with nature and mixing genes among species. Genetic modification can violate the intrinsic values of a natural organisms. There is also a deep concern among certain sections of society about consuming animal genes in plants and vice versa.
3. They can also negatively impact the environment through the unintended transfer of transgenes through cross-pollination. The extent of damage genetic modification causes organisms like soil microbes is still being examined, but its likely outcome is loss of flora and fauna biodiversity
4. In some countries, it is not mandatory for genetic modification foods to carry labels stating that they are genetically engineered. This does not allow the consumer to make the choice of whether they do or do not want to consume such products.
5. In the distant future, there may arise a situation where the bulk of food production is monopolized by a few companies. It could lead to developing countries increasing their dependence on industrialized nations and may also give rise to foreign exploitation of natural resources (biopiracy).

Genetic modification product development is growing in leaps and bounds, and is predicted to increase manifold in the next few years. While the pros are many, the cons are equally alarming.