This is because the “better” traits produced from engineering genes can result in the favoring of one organism. We deserve to know what we’re eating and how that food is grown. Imagine being able to eat your dinner to get a tetanus booster instead of receiving a shot in the arm – that’s the future of this technology. A GM food may also increase its production of toxins at levels already harmful to humans. There are legal issues involved with growing genetically modified foods.. Some genetically modified foods may present a carcinogen exposure risk. 68 Different Types of Doctors & What They Do. It sparks concerns on changing the field of agriculture. Less Biodiversity Genes go into different plant species. In the modern GMO, plants can be resistant to specific pesticides and herbicides while becoming adaptive to changing environmental conditions. 7. Copyright © 1999-2020 BioExplorer.Net. Upon knowing all the mentioned disadvantages of genetically modified foods and crops not only to human health but in the environment as well, the decision is all up to you. This... Production of toxins. Disadvantages of Genetically Modified Foods To Humans, Disadvantages of Genetically Modified Foods On The Environment, 6 Reasons That Emphasizes The Importance Of Biology, 13 Important Genetic Engineering Pros And Cons, Top 25 Most Recent Genetic Discoveries in 2018. 3. While such characteristic is helpful in controlling pests, this may result to the releasing of the said toxin to the soil. So what does this mean? Interactions at the cellular level could create unforeseen complications to future crop growth where even the benefits of genetically modified foods may not outweigh the problems that they cause. Herbicides and pesticides create certain hazards on croplands that can eventually make the soil unusable. Genetically modified foods are easier to transport. Scientists fear that excessive production of genetically modified foods that have toxin producing property will be rendered ineffective over time. *. Being genetically modified means that a “Gene of Interest” from one organism is extracted and is inserted into the genes of the target organisms. This is because the pests that these toxins used to deter might eventually develop resistance towards them. Although there are no conclusive links, Brown University concluded that changes to foods on a genetic level combine proteins that humans are not used to consuming. Too much toxins in the soil can prevent the growth of bacteria essential for plant growth. According to Environmental Nutrition, certain preservatives are associated with a higher carcinogen, heart disease, and allergy risk. Farmers growing genetically modified foods do not need to use these products as often as farmers using traditional growing methods, allowing the soil to recover its nutrient base over time. The advantages and disadvantages of genetically modified foods can spark a bitter debate. 4. The following are just some of these harmful effects. The production of GM foods imposes high risks to the disruption of biodiversity. Many genetically modified … This means people in the future could gain the same nutrition from lower levels of food consumption. But What Does Being Genetically Modified Mean? The nutritional content of the crops can be altered as well, providing a denser nutritional profile than what previous generations were able to enjoy. Did you know that despite their seemingly wonderful characteristics, it is believed that several disadvantages may result from the process of genetic engineering? We receive medical benefits from GMO crops. In the continuing battle for hunger, food production has gotten more technologically improved through the years. Hence, by genetically modifying foods, quantity is compromised over quality. For example, if researchers want to make a particular organism produce a nutrient that it naturally isn’t capable of producing, they will look for another organism that can produce that specific nutrient. Food supplies become predictable. This process is considered to have adverse effects on humans because these inserted genes may carry along with them specific allergens that trigger such an immune response. Crops that are genetically modified will create seeds that are genetically modified. As genetic engineering tends to focus more on increasing their production, prolonging their lifespan and ability to deter pest, the nutritional value of some crops is sometimes being compromised. GMO foods give us the opportunity to limit food waste, especially in the developing world, so that hunger can be reduced and potentially eliminated. When crop yields become predictable, then the food supply becomes predictable at the same time. The UN Food and Agricultural Organization notes that rice, genetically modified to produce high levels of Vitamin A, have helped to reduce global vitamin deficiencies. In humans, the number one most common side effect of consuming GM foods is allergic reaction. This worry may stem … Here are the disadvantages of genetically modified foods and why you should care. The primary objectives of genetically modifying food products are to increase yield and increase resistance to a pest, in animals and plants respectively. What happens when the genes from an herbicide-resistant crop get into the weeds it is designed to kill? Genetically modified foods, often classified as GMOs, have changed the way that people view their food. Allergic Reactions According to research by the Brown University, resent genetically modified foods can pose significant allergy risks to people. GMO foods must be labeled in Europe and petitions in the US are seeking the same thing. A paper that has been twice-published, but retracted once as well, showed that crops tolerant to commercial pesticides greatly increased the risk of cancer development in rats. According to Oxfam, the world currently produced about 20% more food calories than what is required for every human being to be healthy.