GMO
Genetically Modified Organisms:
What You Need to Know
WHAT ARE GMOS?
GMOs are organisms that
have undergone genetic
engineering, a precise
modification of their DNA
to introduce desirable
traits. Unlike traditional
breeding methods,
genetic engineering
directly alters specific
genes for faster and more
accurate results.
HOW ARE GMOS
CREATED?
The process begins with
identifying a gene
responsible for a desired trait
(e.g., pest resistance or
improved nutrition).
Scientists isolate this gene
from one organism and insert
it into another using
techniques like recombinant
DNA technology. This
process ensures the modified
organism expresses the new
trait effectively.
WHY GMOS ARE
BENEFICIAL
GMOs help increase
food production, reduce
pesticide use, and
improve crop resistance
to pests and diseases.
They also offer better
nutrition and support
farming in challenging
climates.
MORE INFORMATION:
HTTPS://ENVEUROPE.SPRINGEROPEN.COM/ARTICLES/10.1186/S12302-020-00325-6
HTTPS://FOODINSIGHT.ORG/GMO-CROPS-SAFETY-REGULATION-AND-SUSTAINABILITY-INSIGHTS/
CHALLENGES AND RISKS
GMOs may affect
biodiversity and create
resistance in pests.
There are concerns
about their impact on
the environment,
economic control by
large companies, and
potential long-term
health effects.
HOW GMOS ARE
REGULATED
GMOs are rigorously
tested for safety before
Global Policies:
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
ensures safe handling of GMOs during
international trade.
reaching the market.
Codex Alimentarius provides food
Regulatory bodies ensure
safety guidelines for GMOs.
they meet safety
standards for human
health and environmental
impact. However, the
safety of GMOs continues
to be a debated topic.
Country-Specific Regulations:
USA: The FDA, USDA, and EPA jointly
oversee GMOs, focusing on safety and
environmental impact.
EU: The European Union has stricter
regulations, emphasizing
precautionary principles and
transparency in labeling GMO
products.
ETHICAL ISSUES
SURROUNDING GMOS
Ethical concerns about
GMOs include altering
natural organisms, their
potential for misuse in
agriculture, and the
control of the food supply
by a few corporations.
These issues often spark
debates about fairness
and environmental
responsibility
PUBLIC VIEWS
ON GMOS
Opinions on GMOs are
divided. Some people
see them as essential
for feeding a growing
population, while
others are concerned
about health risks and
the power of biotech
companies.
MORE INFORMATION:
HTTPS://WWW.MDPI.COM/2071-1050/10/5/1514 HTTPS://FOODINSIGHT.ORG/A-USEFULGUIDE-TO-UNDERSTANDING-GMOS/