In my opinion, the evidence in favor of genetically modified (GMO) foods’ safety is insufficient. The benefits of GMOs expressed in the resource are mainly related to global food security rather than GMOs’ safety for human health. For example, “Genetically modified foods” (2019) emphasizes the GMOs’ capacity to feed the rapidly increasing populations across the world. In particular, GMOs can resist insects better and grow in soils unfit for normal crops (“Genetically modified foods,” 2019). In this regard, one can argue that GMOs offer a solution for mitigating global hunger rather than providing people with safe nutrition.
In contrast, the argument against GMOs is based primarily on safety concerns. Most importantly, people consuming GMO foods are participating in a massive experiment. The GMO consumers put their health at potential risk since no of the GMOs’ supposed benefits were confirmed by long-term studies (“Genetically modified foods,” 2019). In addition, GMO foods and drinks are not clearly labeled on many markets, so the consumers take the risk blindly (“Genetically modified foods,” 2019). Lastly, increased tolerance of GMOs to herbicides and pesticides may lead to an indirect intake of these harmful substances, even if the GMOs themselves are safe (“Genetically modified foods,” 2019). Therefore, I reckon that GMOs pose a certain health risk to consumers.
In summary, I believe that GMOs are not entirely safe for consumers due to the lack of longitudinal studies confirming their safety. However, GMO foods are easier and cheaper for mass production, which incentivizes biotechnology companies and governments to neglect the potential risks in order to increase global food security. As a result, the consumers are forced to participate in the GMO experiment unless the legislation obligates food companies to label GMO products.
Reference
Genetically modified foods: Beneficial or risky? (2019). National External Diploma Program.