Are Genetically Modified (GMO) Safe?
Introduction
As of 2025, over “90 percent of U.S. corn, upland cotton, and soybeans are produced using GE” seeds, which stands for genetically engineered (Dodson). Genetically modified organisms can be defined as foods whose DNA has been altered to enhance certain traits. While they have been a promising solution to a reliable food supply, public skepticism about their safety remains widespread, often fueled by fear and misinformation. This skepticism is largely fueled by media reports that often emphasize potential risks without acknowledging the broad scientific consensus confirming the safety of GMOs. Scientific research, however, has continuously supported the safety of GMOs for human consumption. A key benefit of GMOs is that they have undergone rigorous testing, including toxicity studies, allergen testing, and assessments of their nutritional content. After many tests, and regulations, genetically modified foods have been proven to be safe for consumption and are essential to addressing global food challenges. As the global population continues to rise, these innovations provide hope for producing enough food to sustain humanity.
The Scientific Consensus on GMO Safety
Many worldwide organizations like the FDA and the World Health Organization have repeatedly advocated for the safety of GMOs. Since 2014, the World Health Organization has stayed true to their belief by saying that in approved countries, GMOs have had no effects on human health “as a result of the consumption of such foods by the general population.” Further reinforcing this point, FDA, the Food and Drug Administration, states that they ensure “foods that are GMOs or have GMO ingredients meet the same strict safety standards as all other foods.” This evidence supports that foods produced with GMOs are more rigorously tested to be proven safe than foods without GMOs, often undergoing years of testing before being put on the market. Additionally, regulatory bodies such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the National Academy of Sciences consistently affirm that GMOs do not pose risks to human health. With this level of scientific backing, it is clear that the safety of GMOs isn’t based on speculation, but on thorough, repeated scientific evaluation. It is important to remember that every major scientific organization across the globe has affirmed that GMOs are no more risky than traditional food.
Environmental Benefits
Not only do GMOs ensure that our food is safe to eat, but they also contribute to environmental sustainability, reducing the need for harmful pesticides and increasing crop resilience. A study performed by National Library of Medicine in 2020 has shown that the “adoption of GM insect resistant and herbicide tolerant technology has reduced pesticide spraying by 775.4 million kg (8.3%).” This reduction means millions of pounds of pesticides are being avoided, allowing for fewer chemical run-off into waterways and soil, helping to reduce pollution and protect wildlife. The decrease in pesticide use benefits not only human health but also the broader ecosystem, reducing harmful effects on birds, aquatic life, and insects. Furthermore, when it comes to wildlife, since GMOs reduce the need for pesticides, it enables a lower risk to non-target organisms such as bees and butterflies. By supporting biodiversity and reducing the impact of agriculture on surrounding ecosystems, GMOs help preserve habitats for various species. Overall, the environmental benefits of GMO, when it comes to reducing chemical use or protecting wildlife, underscore their crucial role in supporting environmental sustainability. In fact, this shift towards eco-friendly farming practices will be vital in sustaining our planet’s health in the long run.
Nutritional and Health Benefits of GMOs
In addition to their environmental benefits, GMOs also allow for significant advancements in human health by increasing nutritional content and addressing global food challenges. One example of this is a genetically modified version of rice, referred to as “Golden Rice,” for its sun-like color. The difference between this and normal rice, is that Golden Rice contains Vitamin A, an essential nutrient to support development, growth, and the body’s immune systems. This variant was developed to combat malnutrition in developing countries. Vitamin A deficiency is the primary cause of preventable childhood blindness and also heightens the risk of severe infections, leading to increased mortality rates. According to the International Rice Research Institute, VAD affects “ 15.5%, or between 1.7 to 2 million children under the age of 5,” in the Philippines and over “20% of under-5 children” in Bangladesh. This statistic highlights the alarming scope of VAD in developing nations, showing how Golden Rice can be a lifeline for millions of children who need it most. Golden Rice is not only a means to alleviate malnutrition, but it also offers the potential to save millions of lives by reducing the prevalence of blindness and improving overall health. Thus, Golden Rice not only exemplifies the potential of GMOs to enhance nutritional value, but it also highlights their role in addressing urgent health challenges, particularly in regions suffering from malnutrition. This innovative solution provides hope for millions of children who might otherwise face life-threatening deficiencies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, genetically modified organisms are crucial in addressing both environmental and health challenges. By reducing pesticide use, GMOs promotesustainability and protect wildlife, while also enhancing the nutritional value of crops like the Golden Rice, which fights malnutrition and Vitamin A deficiency in vulnerable populations. With rigorous safety testing and proven benefits, GMOs provide an effective solution to the growing demand of food that is both safe and nutritious. As technology continues to evolve and improve, GMOs will undeniably play an even more significant role in ensuring food security and improving public health worldwide. As we face a rapidly growing global population and increasingly strained natural resources, GMOs will be an essential part of a sustainable future. In the end, GMOs are an investment into the future as their contributions to agriculture, public health, and environmental preservation will help ensure a better quality of life for generations to come.
References
Brookes, Graham, and Peter Barfoot. "Environmental impacts of genetically modified (GM) crop use 1996–2018: impacts on pesticide use and carbon emissions." PubMed Central, National Library of Medicine, 24 July 2020, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7518756/.
Dodson, Laura. "Adoption of Genetically Engineered Crops in the United States - Recent Trends in GE Adoption." Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 4 Jan. 2025, www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/adoption-of-genetically-engineered-crops-in-the-united-states/recent-trends-in-ge-adoption#:~:text=Currently%2C%20more%20than%2090%20percent,both%20HT%20and%20Bt%20traits. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.
"Food, genetically modified." World Health Organization, 1 May 2014, www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/food-genetically-modified. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.
"Golden Rice FAQs." International Rice Research Institute, CGIAR, 2018, www.irri.org/golden-rice-faqs. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.
"How GMOs Are Regulated in the United States." U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5 Mar. 2024, www.fda.gov/food/agricultural-biotechnology/how-gmos-are-regulated-united-states#:~:text=FDA%20regulates%20most%20human%20and,standards%20as%20all%20other%20foods. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.