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home / study / science / biology / questions and answers / a number of concerns have been expressed about ... Question: A number of concerns have been expressed about GMO... A number of concerns have been expressed about GMOs. Search the internet for reliable sources about a particular GMO that you have heard of or in which you are intersted (e.g. Golden Rice, genetically modified salmon, or insect resistant corn). List what you consider to be the pros and cons of at least two GMOs. Cite your sources. Has what you have read about other genetically modified organisms and the transgenic goats changed your opinions about GMOs? What restrictions (if any) would you place on GMOs? Do you think GMOs in food should be labeled on the package?
Explanation / Answer
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be defined as organisms (i.e. plants, animals or microorganisms) in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination. The technology is often called “modern biotechnology” or “gene technology”, sometimes also “recombinant DNA technology” or “genetic engineering”. It allows selected individual genes to be transferred from one organism into another, also between nonrelated species. Foods produced from or using GM organisms are often referred to as GM foods.GM foods are developed – and marketed – because there is some perceived advantage either to the producer or consumer of these foods. This is meant to translate into a product with a lower price, greater benefit (in terms of durability or nutritional value) or both. Initially GM seed developers wanted their products to be accepted by producers and have concentrated on innovations that bring direct benefit to farmers (and the food industry generally).
Generally consumers consider that conventional foods (that have an established record of safe consumption over the history) are safe. Whenever novel varieties of organisms for food use are developed using the traditional breeding methods that had existed before the introduction of gene technology, some of the characteristics of organisms may be altered, either in a positive or a negative way. National food authorities may be called upon to examine the safety of such conventional foods obtained from novel varieties of organisms, but this is not always the case.
In contrast, most national authorities consider that specific assessments are necessary for GM foods. Specific systems have been set up for the rigorous evaluation of GM organisms and GM foods relative to both human health and the environment. Similar evaluations are generally not performed for conventional foods. Hence there currently exists a significant difference in the evaluation process prior to marketing for these two groups of food.
Golden Rice is the name that has been given to genetically-modified rice. While some people see this rice as a life saver, others believe that it is nothing more than a marketing gimmick. Here are the pros and cons of genetically modified rice.Golden rice is a form of rice with biosynthesis of beta-carotene (a form of vitamin A). In other words, golden rice is produced through genetic engineering. Beta-carotene gives golden rice its “golden” or “yellow” coloring. White rice, on the other hand, does not contain carotenoids (i.e. beta carotene) and therefore lacks that “golden” coloring. When you consume golden rice, the beta-carotene either accumulates in your fatty tissues or is transformed into vitamin A.
THE PROS OF GOLDEN RICE
1. More Nutritious
Many countries, like the Philippines, India, and Vietnam, rely on rice as their main source of nutrition. This leads to a Vitamin A deficiency which when severe enough can cause blindness, fatigue and even death. Golden rice has been enriched with beta-carotene, giving it its golden color and addressing this deficiency. Researchers hope to add iron, zinc, protein, and Vitamin C to increase the rice’s nutritious properties.
2. Economic Improvements
In the Philippines, Vitamin A deficiency causes 9,000 cases of blindness and 950 deaths per year. Studies using the World Bank index have calculated that the economic losses due to ill health and premature deaths amounts to almost 137 million dollars. Aside from curing the health problems and preventing deaths, Golden Rice could significantly boost the Philippines’ economy, as well as countries in similar circumstances.
3. Agricultural Advantages
Not only does Golden Rice make healthier people, but it appears to make healthier rice as well. Studies conducted by the University of California and Rutgers University looked at Chinese farmers who have been growing Golden Rice since 2000. Instead of genetic modification causing environmental problems, the studies observed higher crop yields and reduced pesticide use on these farms.
THE CONS OF GOLDEN RICE
1. Potential Corruption
If you aren’t familiar with the Fertilizer Fund scam, it’s one of the many times that Filipino government officials were accused of diverting funds to personal campaigns. The Pork Barrel Scam was exactly the same thing. For those familiar with this history of misappropriation of funds, it is hard to believe that Golden Rice will actually benefit the Filipino economy. They fear that it is much more likely to make a few corrupt leaders rich or fund a re-election campaign.
2. Government Regulations
For those that are afraid that genetically modified food is not safe, the government is trying to help. The problem with extra tests and regulations is that they raise the price of Golden Rice. While it’s easy to say that no price is too high for safety, it may become too high to be practical. Golden Rice is mean to cure malnutrition in those living under the poverty line, but it may soon become too expensive for them to buy.
3. Health Benefits Counterproductive
The original strain of Golden Rice was found to not contain enough Vitamin A to combat the deficiency in most of the population. A later strain has been created with more beta-carotene, but that still doesn’t address all of the concerns. There are people who feel that the best way to combat malnutrition is to encourage people to plant a variety of fruits and vegetables in their backyard and maintain a balanced diet. Golden Rice, on the other hand, is encouraging them to continue to rely on one food staple for all of their nutrients, which will never be a truly healthy diet.
In November 2015, the FDA gave approval to AquAdvantage salmon, a type of genetically modified salmon that is produced by AquaBounty Technologies. The AquAdvantage salmon are Atlantic salmon that have three sets of chromosomes (whereas most animals have only two), and they contain a gene from the Pacific Chinook salmon that regulates the growth hormone. As a result, they grow faster than regular salmon; although they remain the same size as normal fish, AquAdvantage salmon grow to market size in just 18 months instead of the three years that it takes ordinary salmon to grow.
Pros of Genetically Modified Salmon
1. They’re very much like ordinary salmon.
According to experts, there are no significant biological differences from genetically modified salmon and ordinary salmon, apart from the fact that they have different amounts genes. Studies have shown that AquAdvantage salmon contain the normal amounts of nutrients (including mega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) that are expected in salmon, which means they can meet humans’ nutritional needs.
2. They can help improve health.
It’s a well-known fact that the omega fatty acids in salmon can help improve cardiovascular health. Since genetically modified salmon contain these fatty acids, it can be taken to mean that they can also help reduce the risk of heart disease.
3. They can help lower food costs.
The presence of genetically modified salmon can theoretically lower food costs since the amount of supply has increased compared to demand. This, in turn, can reduce the retail price of salmon in supermarkets.
4. They can help alleviate hunger.
If the retail price of salmon falls, it becomes more available to consumers, particularly those who have low income. As more food becomes available to this segment of the population, the hunger rate falls.
Cons of Genetically Modified Salmon
1. They can out-compete wild-type salmon.
Genetically modified salmon are raised in hatcheries but, if they are ever released into the ocean, they can wreak havoc since they’ll compete with ordinary salmon and make food scarce for them. The faster growth rate of genetically modified salmon also allows them to reproduce faster, which further increases their chance to overpower ordinary fishes.
2. They may promote allergic reactions.
Salmon belongs to one of the major allergen groups, which means they cause allergic reactions in many people. Those who oppose AquAdvantage salmon point out that the genetic modification they go through might increase their allergenicity and make them even more dangerous to those who are allergic to finfish.
3. They can cause health problems.
Genetically modified salmon contain higher levels of a growth hormone called IGF-1. This hormone has been found to have a connection with breast, blood, prostrate and colon cancer and may promote the development of these illnesses in humans.
4. They can create a monopoly in the market.
As mentioned above, the increase in salmon supply may cause its retail price to reduce. However, some economists point out that this may not happen right away since AquaBounty Technologies has a monopoly on the market. Since no other genetic modification company has been approved by the FDA, they have the freedom to set the price for their products, and this will only change once they get competitors.
The genetic engineering of animals has increased significantly in recent years, and the use of this technology brings with it ethical issues, some of which relate to animal welfare — defined by the World Organisation for Animal Health as “the state of the animal…how an animal is coping with the conditions in which it lives” .These issues need to be considered by all stakeholders, including veterinarians, to ensure that all parties are aware of the ethical issues at stake and can make a valid contribution to the current debate regarding the creation and use of genetically engineered animals. In addition, it is important to try to reflect societal values within scientific practice and emerging technology, especially publicly funded efforts that aim to provide societal benefits, but that may be deemed ethically contentious. As a result of the extra challenges that genetically engineered animals bring, governing bodies have started to develop relevant policies, often calling for increased vigilance and monitoring of potential animal welfare impacts .Veterinarians can play an important role in carrying out such monitoring, especially in the research setting when new genetically engineered animal strains are being developed.
The following are the restrictions :
Restrictions on Research, Production, and Marketing
Restrictions on Releasing Organisms into the Environment
Restrictions on GMOs in Foodstuffs
Liability Regime
Judicial Decisions / Prominent Cases
Do you think GMOs in food should be labeled on the package?
The case for labeling is tied up with arguments about safety. Safety concerns would trigger Food and Drug Administration labeling requirements. But, ironically, that is entirely the wrong issue when it comes to labels. The reason GMO food should be voluntarily labeled by the food industry is that it is clear some consumers want to know what they are eating and they have a right to know what is in their food
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