Genetically Modified Organisms

Genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) are those whose genetic material has been artificially altered using genetic engineering techniques. This occur through laboratory processes where genes from the DNA of one species are extracted and artificially forced into the genes of an unrelated plant or animal to obtain a specific result. Foreign genes may be obtained from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals, or even humans. Genetically Modified Organisms represent the most revolutionary biotechnology pertinent to increased productivity in agricultural yields, providing solutions for conservation, biodiversity, superior species, and sustainability in feeding the world’s population. The presence of genetically engineered food is however not without its detractors with many seeing this technology as science interfering with the natural process of nature and the resulting species and food supply akin to the consumption of harmful low-quality food supplies.

The scientific consensus on GMO safety is strong compared to other biotechnologies with 88% of scientists believing Genetically modified food to be safe, the dilemma arose with the 12% of scientists who are disagreeable with this position and the belief and views of many people due to lack of education in informing the masses, and ethical and moral perspectives for and against the use of GMO’s. Additionally, many Americans (57%) feel genetically engineered foods are unsafe with a startling percentage (67%) doubting the validity of research by scientists. As a result, biotechnology is reasoned to be a disturbing practice by the general public compared to the views of scientists who have proposed that genetically modified foods are the most extensively tested crops and animal products ever added to our food chain. The general population are adamant for the government and scientific community to provide data/information on the labeling of GMO food items to identify and inform/educate the public of its safety for consumption.

The impact of genetically engineered food is central to the provision of adequacy of food supplies yet the efforts to gain acceptance is not driven by evidence that the foods are dangerous but by factors suggesting that the food is unnatural and potentially dangerous, and the requirement of labeling which demand legislation meant to alarm consumers, or the misconception that the reason for labeling is that GMO foods/crops are not rigorously tested to ensure safety. Another avenue for concern is that the creation and resulting increased production due to GMO technology is not disputed based on scientific evidence only, but by ethical and moral standards applicable to its use in food production. These issues on ethical standards demand that GMO food production be used only as a necessity and last resort; not as a preferred means of driving production, due to the implication of violating natural laws where the end results do not justify the means. Another school of thought on the ethical and moral aspects for the use of GMOs to increase food production is that the higher moral value is secondary to result of more production via GMO application guaranteeing sustainable food supplies. Either position has its merits as the ethical landscape will forever field these concerns as GMO’s affect societies through its social, cultural, economic, political, and environmental Impact.