Controversies and Disadvantages of GMO
There seems to be growing evidence that indicates that there are side effects and potential hazards of using genetically modified foods.
There are many issues, questions and contentions associated with the genetic modification of foods with a major scuffle between its pros and cons. On one side is the guarantee that this technology of genetically modified foods will meet up with the growing demands for increased production with better nutritional value, while on the other side it has its potential risks both known and unknown, as it is a relatively new technology and has not been time tested. The debate surrounding genetically modified foods are mainly concentrated on health and environmental safety, poverty reduction, intellectual property rights, social and consumer preferences, ethics, environmental security and conservation.
Recombinant DNA technology or the method of combining inter-species genes in Genetically Modified Food (GMO) do not have the restraints, the coordination or the discipline present in nature seen in the conventional methods of breeding. This increases the risks associated with genetic instability in plants and animals. This means, that we cannot predict the future course of health and the environmental effects of GM foods. It is impractical, expensive and improbable to check every change, and to understand and test every genetic effect without any errors. We still require a foolproof method, as there are many genetic problems, which continue to baffle scientists and researchers.
The most important and pertinent question that comes into our mind is that how safe is it and what are the other health hazards associated with it?
