Pros & Cons of Genetically Modified Foods (GMO's)

With all of the controversy around genetically modified (GM) foods, sorting through huge volumes of information can seem like a daunting task. Many of of customers have asked us questions about GM foods and their raising concerns about the effects these foods may have on their health or the environment. There are different advantages and disadvantages of GM foods, although to what extent they can help or harm humans and the environment is what makes the pros and cons so debatable. 

PROS:
A proposed benefit of GM foods is that they can potentially produce higher crop yields, which could help feed  more people in developing countries. They are also cited as more economical, despite the initial higher cost of the seeds. The rationale is that they reduce the need for pesticides and herbicides as well as reduce the manpower needed to successfully grow the crops, translating into improved financial gains.  Improved food quality is another benefit associated with GM foods. A tomato, for instance, can be engineered to stay fresher for longer, thereby extending its shelf life in the supermarket.
Yet another benefit that is believed to occur from GM technology is that crops can be engineered to withstand weather fluctuations and extremes, providing sufficient yields and quality despite a severe, poor weather season.
Another benefit is that GM foods can be engineered to have a high content of a specific nutrient that is lacking in the diet of a local population group. The vitamin A rich 'golden rice' is one example of a GM food that has been engineered to have high levels of a nutrient.

CONS:
A major concern with GMO's is the ability of a food to trigger an allergy in humans. Some of the genes used in GM technology might be taken from a food that causes allergies in some people. Inserting that gene into another organism could cause the host organism to express that allergen as a trait. Alternately, a new allergen could be produced when genes are mixed across different species.
Another potential downside to GM technology is that other organisms in the ecosystem could be harmed, which would lead to a lower level of biodiversity. By removing one pest that harms the crop, you could be removing a food source for an animal. Also, GM crops could prove toxic to an organism in the environment, leading to reduced numbers or extinction of that organism.
Given that some GM foods are modified using bacteria and viruses, there is a fear that we will see the emergence of new diseases. The threat to human health is a worrisome aspect of GM technology and one that has received a great deal of debate.

MAKING AN INFORMED CHOICE:
There are many potential benefits and risks to GM foods, which you will likely learn about as you investigate the topic further and decide whether or not you want to support or avoid GM foods and related technology.  We all have our opinion on weather GMO's are good or bad for humans and the environment, but with knowledge comes power.  To learn more about this topic please visit our blog for a list of websites that we found to be very informative. 

This month's bounty: