Why Should We Not Fear GMOs?

By: Jenard Berroya

Ever since GMO or Genetically Modified Organisms products have been introduced to the
people in the late 1990s, the perception of the people is divided. Half of the people says that it is
has negative impacts to our health, while the other half says that they have nothing to worry
about. But, do we really have a better understanding about GMOs and why should we not be
afraid of them?

Genetically modified organisms or GMOs are basically modifying the genetic material of an
organism to become a better fit for survival. Modifying the gene includes insertion of a selective
trait to the DNA of another organism to produce the desired offspring. In the case of genetically
modified food, a lot of people are still skeptic about its safety being consumed. Genetically
modified food is a product of continuous research and genetic engineering for the soul purpose
of bringing the best products to everyone. A lot of crops for example, has been in the continuous
process of genetic modification to ensure that they survive pest attacks and devastation caused by
ever changing environmental moods. A corn, for example, has been genetically modified to be
resistant to pests, and to produce the best quality that the consumers can enjoy. There are also
crops that have been genetically modified to add nutrients and vitamins to be more useful to the
consumers. Golden rice is a genetically modified variety of rice that has been improved to have
more vitamin A to solve the Vitamin A Deficiency among the developing countries, Philippines
included. Genetically modified crops have also been of great help to a lot of farmers since
genetically modified crops are produced to be resistance of disease, drought, and insects, which
are the main problems of farmers to increase their yields. Using genetically modified crops, give
then the advantages of producing more while spending less.

The safety of GMOs in the market has always been a debatable issue to the consumers. But with
a better understanding on the process of making GMOs, we can always make a sound judgement.
After all, they exist not to harm the public, but to provide the best quality of products to
everyone. If you enjoy eating sweet corns and potato fries, then why should you fear GMOs?

Source: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/understanding-the-biology-behind-gmos-can-help-
consumers-evaluate-gmo-safety

https://www.nongmoproject.org/gmo-facts/