Genetically Modified Organisms: Ethical, Safety, and Production Concerns - Essay Sample

Introduction

GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism, which is mostly available in food plants such as vegetables and fruits and also in animals. The manufacturers create GMOs by introducing DNA or genetic material from another and different organisms through genetic engineering. GMO is a strategy that is used for increased food production, but it raises many questions on the ethics involved in the process of genetic engineering (Cinici 1845). New plants and animals are being developed through new technologies by artificially developing traits in crops (Galatio 35). However, despite the promise in the biotech industry, there is no evidence that the current GMOs in the market are drought resistance, enhanced nutrition, increased yield, or any other consumer benefit. Primarily, the absence of credible long-term and independent feeding studies means that the safety of the GMOs is still a mystery (Fu et al., 125). This brings the reason why the sale of GMOs foods in the United States is still controlled. Moreover, citizens are deciding to opt-out of GMO foods (Blaszak 11). Most nations across the globe require companies producing food products that are genetically modified to label them. There has been controversy over the risks and benefits of GMO food products. The potential benefits of GMOs are limitless; therefore, it is imperative to decide without facts.

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It is impossible to argue for the advantages of GMOs as there are not enough studies of the befits of genetically modified foods. Some of the disadvantages of the GMOs include, firstly, allergic reactions. One of the most critical side effects of consuming GMO foods is allergic reactions. This is mainly because the foods contain proteins and allergen, which, when it enters the body, stimulates an immune response (Thomson 297). The inserted genes during genetic engineering carry these allergens that start the immune response. Primarily, GMOs are created by inserting new genes into an organism. This process is adverse to humans as the inserted genes can carry along with viruses and diseases (Cinici 1844). Additionally, there is a possibility of offering the disease to human beings weakening their immunity. The possibility of GMOs triggering allergic reactions is high due to the new genes. Moreover, the world health organization prohibits the use of genetically engineered foods mainly through DNA from allergens unless it is proven to be safe.

Secondly, GMOs result in the production of toxins. Increased production of toxins is harmful to the human body as it makes the body to have a weak immune and prone to another disease. Such toxins are produced when the Gene of Interest is destroyed during the insertion process (Blaszak 11). Consequently, another reason why the gene may not be generally accepted by the recipient organism because it may interfere with the organism's metabolic pathways. Therefore, consuming GOM foods with such toxins causes harm to the body (Fu et al., 125). Consequently, such toxins are known to cause diseases such as cancer and diabetes. In a 2013 journal, it was noted in a paper in the Food and Chemical Toxicology that GMO corn cause cancer and premature death to rats (Thomson 297). Moreover, some researchers believe that consuming GMO foods contributes to the growth and development of cancer. They state that cancer is caused by the mutations of NDA, which is through the introduction of new genes to the body. Some of the other effects of GMOs include outcrossing, antibacterial resistance, and reduced nutritional value (Blaszak 11). Moreover, some of the disadvantages to the environment include the release of toxins to the soil, the resistance of pests to toxins, and disruption of biodiversity.

GMOs offer a series of benefits when it comes to the environment as well as the consumers who interact with genetically modified products. One of the primary benefits of GMOs is linked with its environmentally friendly element, where plant and animal products require fewer resources to grow or care for them. Secondly, GMOs are deemed more resilient when exposed to harsh climatic conditions. According to the research conducted by (Blaszak 11), results have proved that GMO plants can survive on less than 30% of standard water supply, and higher temperatures. Therefore, GMOs can be used to raise food faster than ordinary traditional concepts. Thirdly, GMO plants are turning to be more disease-resistant to help increase productivity. For instance, (Galatio 35) researched GMO on apple to determine the rate of disease-resistance. In this case, most of the apple did not turn brown, yet they were ripe and free from any diseases. Lastly, over the past 30 years of extensive laboratory research and more than 15 years of field research, there has not been any health complication cases reported due to the consumption of GMO products (Blaszak 11). GMOs can be used to engineer products to reduce allergens and toxins in food products. Therefore, GMO offers undisputable grounds of producing healthy and faster food products that are healthy and safe for human consumption.

Conclusion

To sum up, the benefits of GMOs cannot outweigh the disadvantages. This is because the process of geniting engineering, which is used to create the GMO introduces new genes to an organism which may introduce virus and disease to the recipient. These diseases can resultantly be transferred to human beings, causing diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Some of the disadvantages associated with GMOs include allergic reactions, production of toxins, outcrossing, antibacterial resistance, and reduced nutritional value. GMO offers a series of benefits not only to the environment but also to the consumers. With the alteration of some of the genes, GMOs can be modified to reduce allergies in some of the food, making it healthy for all consumers. Additionally, GMOs grow faster than natural products, making it suitable to feed a diverse community of consumers.

Works Cited

Cinici, Ayhan. "Balancing the Pros and Cons of GMOs: Socio-Scientific Argumentation in Pre-Service Teacher Education." International Journal of Science Education, vol. 38, no. 11, Jan. 2016, pp. 1841–1866. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ1111939&site=eds-live&scope=site.

Thomson, Jennifer A. "The Pros and Cons of GM Crops." Functional Plant Biology, vol. 45, no. 3, Mar. 2018, p. 297. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edb&AN=127867182&site=eds-live&scope=site.

Fu, Wei, et al. "A Universal Analytical Approach for Screening and Monitoring of Authorized and Unauthorized GMOs." LWT, vol. 125 May 2020. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1016/j.lwt.2020.109176.

Blaszak, Magdalena. “Roundup - Pros and Cons of Super Herbicide.” Edukacja Biologiczna i Srodowiskowa, no. 1, Jan. 2017, p. 11. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edb&AN=122978675&site=eds-live&scope=site.

Galatio, Keri. "Different CBD Methods: Pros and Cons." Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine, vol. 25, Mar. 2019, pp. 34–35. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=awh&AN=136812011&site=eds-live&scope=site.