The Negative Effects Of Genetically Modified Foods

Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are organisms altered at the molecular level using DNA restructuring. This process allows organisms to adopt properties that would not occur naturally. Genetically modifying foods presents benefits as well as risks. The risks associated with this process encompass can affect the consumer, farmers and agricultural production.

Invasiveness

Some crops are genetically modified to successfully thrive in areas in which they might not otherwise grow. While this offers farmers production options, the introduction of a non-native plant to farmlands can cause damage to the area's ecosystem. According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, genetic modification of plants can increase their abilities to become an invasive species. Invasive species, whether due to genetic modification or intentional introduction, can threaten plants and animals in the area by killing naturally-occurring species, absorbing resources and taking up large amounts of space.

Resistance

Crops can also be genetically modified to resist herbicides and pests. This can threaten species of insects and other common organisms in the area by driving insects out of the area in which they naturally occur, or by increasing the insects' effect on surrounding plants that haven't been genetically modified or treated with herbicides. Insects can also become resistant to herbicides and genetically modified crops, which may increase their abilities to gather in damaging numbers in an agricultural area. Herbicide-resistant crops can also cause a decline in the population of non-damaging species such as caterpillars, moths and caterpillars.

Consumer Effects

Because genetic modification in food is still a relatively new concept, the potential risk consumers face from these products is still being studied. One concern, according to the World Health Organization, is the potential for genetically modified foods to cause allergic reactions in humans. Another concern is "outcrossing," or the process of combining non-modified crop genes with genetically modified organisms that are not intended for human consumption. This can result in a food product that contains genes not approved for humans.

Considerations

The FDA approves all genetically modified foods intended for purchase and consumption in the United States. The USDA approves crops and species genetically modified for other purposes, such as providing feed for beef cattle. All genetically modified crops planted need approval from the Environmental Protection Agency. You can avoid negative affects from genetically modified foods by not consuming these foods, or ensuring that they are intended for human consumption and federally approved.