The controversies of Genetically Modified Foods

It can be foreseen that Genetically Modified (GM) food crops are on the rise, and we may even be consuming foods that are of GM origin in our daily meals!

How many of us here are against the idea of GM foods? How many are actually thankful for GM foods?

Why was GM foods developed in the first place then? Answer: To increase crop protection, because harmful substances like pesticides, weed killer,etc are all destroying our crops! *Our poor farmers!*  Therefore with genetic engineering, it helps to increase our crop yield. When crop yield is increased = they can be more widely available and CHEAPER too!

Global malnutrition, nutrient deficiencies, even though more prevalent in the third world countries, GM foods do help to address the problem too! Just like the Golden Rice, it has increased beta-carotene (provitamin A) which after consumed by us humans and undergoing digestion, it is converted to Vitamin A! There's a population suffering from Vitamin A deficiencies, or another suffering from night blindness! Who knows, with this Golden Rice, it actually helps reduce the prevalence!

See the notable development!!!!

However, genetic engineering are faced with A LOT of controversial issues!
- Environmental damage
- Economical, Socio-economic Concerns
- Food safety and the unintended health effects
etc etc etc...

Just like nanotechnology, even though it is proven that GM foods are safe for consumption now, what happens in the long run?

So...... what to do?

However, AVA and GMAC (an organization that works closely with AVA) ensures that the GM foods imported are all safe, strict risk assessment tests are carried out! But now, what comes next would be the requirement of Labeling. This topic is still undergoing discussion, so let's just sit back and wait for the results!

Gladys Lim

0901188C