A genetically changed organism (GMO), are the source of genetically changed foods and are also widely used in scientific research and to form merchandise apart from food.
People have been modifying the genomes of plants and animals for several years using ancient breeding techniques. Artificial choice for specific, desired traits has resulted in a very form of completely different organisms, starting from sweet corn to bald cats. However this artificial choice, during which organisms that exhibit specific traits are chosen to breed consequent generations, has been restricted to naturally occurring variations. In recent decades, however, advances within the field of recombinant DNA technology have allowed for precise management over the genetic changes introduced into an organism. Today, we are able to incorporate new genes from one species into a completely unrelated species through recombinant DNA technology, optimizing agricultural performance or facilitating the creation of valuable pharmaceutical substances. Crop plants, farm animals, and soil bacteria are some of the prominent examples of organisms that have been subject to recombinant DNA technology.
Critics, however, say the claims of these advantages are overblown. They assert farmers growing GMO crops have really enlarged their use of herbicides. And, they argue, there’s still no scientific agreement on the long safety of those foods.
The safety assessment of GM foods generally focuses on: (a) direct health effects (toxicity), (b) potential to provoke allergic reaction (allergenicity), (c) specific components thought to have nutritional or toxic properties, (d) the stability of the inserted gene, (e) nutritional effects associated with genetic modification, and (f) any unintended effects which could result from the gene insertion.
Different GM organisms contain totally different genes inserted in various ways. This means that individual GM foods and their safety should be assessed on a case-by-case basis and that it is not possible to make general statements on the safety of all GM foods.
GM foods presently available on the international market have passed safety assessments and are not likely to present risks for human health. In addition, no effects on human health have been shown as a result of the consumption of such foods by the overall population within countries where they have been approved. Continuous application of safety assessments based on the Codex Alimentarius principles and, where appropriate, adequate post market monitoring, should form the basis for ensuring the safety of GM foods.