Genetically Modiefied Orgams (GMO)

 

A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. Genetic modification involves the mutation, insertion, or deletion of genes. Foreign gene is inserted into DNA of the plant, this is uncontrolled process because side of insertion is random and may potentially damage the plants genetic makeup.

Advantages of GMO in food industry stated as :

1) Increase Crop Yields

2) Lower Cost for Farmers

3) Reduced use of Herbicides

Actual Disadvantages:

1) Poor Crop Performance

2) Alteration in the Food's Nutritional content

3) Toxic and allergenic effect

4) Unforeseen harm to the environment - Less butterfly population in America

5) Decrease Soil quality by killing natural nutrients and organisms

6) GM crops consumed massive amount of energy since depends on herbicides which consumes high Fissile fuels during manufacture

7) Increase in Cancer

8) Generation of Supervirures (like Aids)

9) Allergies

10) Birth Defects

11) No crops available that are increase intrinsic Yields

12) Increase in pesticides and herbicides use

13) May change in Human DNA by eating GMO Food

GMOs are used in following food items, and these are mostly consumed food items in western countries.
-- Corns, Soybeans, Canola, Sugar Beans, Oranges

 

There are currently 64 countries that require labeling of all GMO foods. The European Union, Australia, New Zealand, China, and India are among those that require GMO labeling, while other countries make GMO labeling voluntary or have plans to introduce labeling. No GMO labeling in US.

In India, on 1 January 2013, a new law came into effect that required all packaged foods containing any genetically modified organisms to be labeled as such. The Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 states that "every package containing the genetically modified food shall bear at the top of its principal display panel the letters GM." The rules apply to 19 products including biscuits, breads, cereals and pulses, and a few others. The law faced criticism from consumer rights activists as well as from the packaged food industry; both sides had major concerns that no logistical framework or regulations had been established to guide implementation and enforcement of the law.