My Final Thoughts on GMOs

-Saskia A.

      As you can see from our previous posts, the issue of GMOs have garnered more than its fair share of attention. There are many ethical issues related to the growing and consumption of GM crops. On the contrary, we realize that they hold great potential to increase the nutritional content of food (as mentioned in Kristen’s post on Golden Rice) as well as the productivity of crops.

In truth, it is difficult to weigh the varying values involved in the use of GM crops, especially because there is still so much that we do not know and aren’t certain of. Surely, GM research should be continued; the fact that genes can be transferred from one organism to another is beyond astounding. However, I am also in the consensus that there should be more testing conducted before GM seeds are deployed. We should approach this concept more cautiously, especially in developing countries like Trinidad and the region. It may actually turn out that some GMOs are indeed beneficial, with very few limitations.

But here is what we actually know.

GM crops contain new proteins when compared to conventional crops and these proteins could be potential allergens or toxic when consumed overtime. While there is no strong evidence that GMOs are a threat to human health, testing has been insufficient. On the other hand, environmental harms have already occurred and have been well documented - as made evident with the use of the chemical glyphosate. Additionally, it is almost impossible to avoid consuming GMOs; as most persons are unknowingly doing so - which presents the issue of labelling. Labeling of foods that contain GMOs would be a step forward because it would enable those who want to avoid GMOs to actually do so. Some may be willing to pay more for GMO-free foods, just as some are currently willing to pay more for organic food.

Photo: Scientificatheist.com

These decisions need to be looked at by everyone since we all are directly affected by the choices. Each individual can read these details and draw different conclusions on the value of genetically engineered foods as well as the ethical choices being made by the companies in charge of producing these foods. However, I believe the ultimate choice on genetically engineered foods should be placed onto a well-informed consumer that is not held in the dark by government or large corporations which may not have the general public’s interests as their primary goal.

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.
The important thing is not to stop questioning." - Albert Einstein