Genetically modified organisms (GMO), are organisms whose genome (DNA) have been engineered and modified. In the agricultural industry, GMOs have been grown for various reasons, including pest resistance, growth rates, nutritional content, and easier farming. They were first developed to prevent the problem of crop loss. Unlike selective breeding, which could naturally give crops these traits, genetic modification accelerates the process and also ensures that the desired trait is given to the plant. In the United states, GMO crops are very common, compromising at least 90% of soy, cotton, and corn grown.
Although the usage of GMOs is very controversial, they have many advantages, such as easier pest control and less usage of pesticides, better yields, and increased nutritional value. According to a 2020 study, GMO crops have reduced usage of pesticides by 8.3% and decreased environmental impact associated with herbicide by 18.5%. It also caused a decrease of fuel use and tillage, reducing the amount of greenhouse gasses equivalent to removing 15.27 million cars from the roads! Additionally, GMOs also have more nutritional value than normal crops. For example, golden rice is a product engineered to have high values of vitamin A to provide nutritional value for consumers.
Despite these benefits, there are several concerns about the usage of GMOs. One concern is the potential for GMOs to cause allergic reactions for people. Because GMOs have been genetically modified, the new genes could possibly create new allergens. Another negative to GMOs is that most of them are resistant to herbicides, such as Roundup, so farmers can kill surrounding weeds without harming their crops easily and efficiently. However Roundup has an active ingredient called glyphosate which has been linked to cause many diseases. According to a recent study, glyphosate exposure may increase risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of cancer in your lymphatic system, by 41%.
Some common foods in the US that are GMOs include:
corn
soybean
canola
sugar beet
alfalfa
cotton
potatoes
papaya
pink pineapple
summer squash
a few apple varieties
Organic Vs GMOs
If you are trying to avoid GMOs, rest assured because any food labeled 100% organic can not contain any GMO ingredient because of US law. However, if a product is only labeled organic, it may contain GMOs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, GMOs represent a significant advancement in agricultural technology, offering numerous benefits such as increased crop yields, improved nutritional content, and reduced pesticide use. However, they also pose challenges, including potential health risks and environmental concerns. While GMOs can enhance agricultural efficiency and address some of the world's food security issues, it is crucial to balance their use with ongoing research and regulatory measures to ensure their safety and sustainability.
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Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board