What are the dangers of genetically modified foods?

In fact, we may rarely hear the word genetically modified in our lives, but some of our foods are also genetically modified. Generally speaking, genetically modified products can have advantages, but they can also have disadvantages. The role of scientists is to constantly add together the advantages of products to make them more perfect, but if some unsuccessful genetically modified products flow out of the market, they will pose a great threat to human health.

The main shortcomings of GM technology itself

(1) Imprecise technology: Genetic technology transfers a heterologous gene from one organism to another. Although its DNA can be precisely cut, the new gene cannot be accurately implanted into another organism, thus affecting the basic functions of other genes in this organism. Scientists cannot foresee that plants will produce new, unknown proteins after genetic modification, nor can they accurately predict the results of the effects on receptors, which will manifest as immaturity.

(2) Side effects: Genetic technology is like a surgeon performing heart surgery. Scientists cannot fully and in advance know that performing DNA surgery on an organism may cause mutations that may harm the environment and humans. Although the experiments are very mature, facing the strong pressure from nature, it is impossible to obtain all the information on the possible impacts on humans.

(3) Widespread reduction in crop yields: Genetic technology makes profits through the continuous sale of seeds, which means that when farmers plant genetically modified seeds, all the plants they grow are genetically identical. When fungi, viruses, and insect pests attack these particular plants, severe yield losses can occur.

(4) Serious impact on the entire food supply: Insects, birds, and wildlife will carry genetically modified seeds to nearby fields. When genetically modified plants produce pollen, they will cross-pollinate genetically modified crops and wildlife. All crops, organic or inorganic matter are susceptible to contamination through cross-pollination.

The dangers of GMOs have been clearly introduced above. Some foods in our lives are genetically modified through reasonable hybridization methods. However, some unscrupulous businessmen will take this opportunity to bring unqualified GMO products into the market. Everyone should know how to distinguish these ingredients.