In recent years, giant transnational companies are carrying out a dangerous global experiment by introducing large numbers of genetically engineered foods into our diet. It has since been a subject of immense debate as to whether genetic engineering is harmful or helpful. Genetically Modified (GM) food is produced when the genetic makeup of a crop is altered to produce a crop with a desirable trait. It is produced via the gene technology whereby the gene of interest is spliced into the genome of a completely unrelated species. The DNA then becomes part of the specie’s genetic makeup.
Although it has been suggested that GM food poses major health risk to us (consumers), I will still buy my favourite “GM” labelled fruit because of the inadequate evidences to suggest that eating GM food will pose danger to us.
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Firstly, we take a look at USA where the first genetically modified crop (Flavr SavrTM Tomato) was introduced into the market more than a decade ago. The Americans have eaten GM food for the longest period of time. Today, they eat genetically modified food produce every day. It is estimated that more than 70% of processed food on their grocery store shelves contain genetically engineered or biotech ingredients. Surveys in USA have shown that many Americans have a relaxed approach to genetic modification. They reason that it must be safe because they have eaten it for years without getting sick. This is true because there has not been any reported adverse effect on human health ever since GM foods were introduced to the US more than 10 years ago.
Regulations in place to ensure that the GM food we consumed are safe:
Regulations are in place to ensure that the GM food we buy are safe. There are three stages of screening for these GM foods. Firstly, under the international food practices, rigorous tests on quality, allergenicity, toxicity, composition, and nutritional value of foods derived from Genetically Modified Organisms