The debate regarding GM Foods or Genetically Modified Foods has been going on for the last 40 years. Proponents for the practice keep insisting that genetically modified fruits, vegetables, and even livestock are safe for consumption. Those who are opposed to GM foods however, are screaming that tampering with nature only leads to problems with varying degrees of prophesied consequences.
So far though, the
ball appears to favor the court of companies and researchers who stand to gain
much through GM foods. There really hasn’t been much in terms of stumbling
blocks for products with GM foods in them to be sold. Still, this does not
strictly declare that GM foods are safe to consume or even safe to be around
in.
GM Food
Genetically modified or genetically enhanced foods are simply organisms that were manipulated on a cellular level in order to improve their underlying qualities.
GM Food
Genetically modified or genetically enhanced foods are simply organisms that were manipulated on a cellular level in order to improve their underlying qualities.
The results can
include:
- Better resistance against pests and diseases
- Better nutritional value.
All of which sounds nice until you see the other side of the story.
Why Some Consider GM Foods Evil
For the most part, a huge number of people don’t really care one way or another about GM Foods because a lot of them are unaware that they even exist. Many don’t know that the crops that they depend on wouldn’t have germinated and survived as long as they have without a little tweaking in their genes.
Even so, there are
still many who believe that genetically modifying the natural state of food
through cellular and genetic manipulation is dangerous. Their core concerns
regarding GM foods include:
- The health risks of consuming GM Foods.
- The environmental impact of GM Foods.
- The possible alteration of human genes through consumption of GM Foods.
- The ethical dilemma of altering the natural order of organic food sources.
These concerns are
flying around in the minds of the millions who oppose and refuse to eat GM
foods because of the following problems with them:
- There are still unanswered questions regarding the structure of GMOs.
- The guarantee of safety is not one hundred percent.
- The blatant disregard of certain authorities, officials and companies of the expressed concerns by consumers and retailers.
Conclusion
Consumers can still choose to go with the wholefood options such those that can be found in a lot of stores and online stores where they can be reasonably sure of their health security. But the opponents of GM Food go deeper than just a matter of choice.
It seems to them that
the decision to approve GM Foods that involve modifying the traits of such
things as fish, chicken and beef brings up a lot of moral issues. It is a matter of what will happen to wildlife or other animals if things go wrong.
What if the genetic
modifications go too far?
Disclaimer: This article is contributed by a Guest Blogger. Ping of Health does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this article. Ping of Health disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
