IMPACTS OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS/ CROPS ON HUMAN HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT: A REVIEW

Abstract

Genetic engineering offers new and novel tools to ensure an adequate food supply for the ever increasing human population. It involves targeted modification of the genetic material of plants, crops etc. to develop new varieties. The edible products are called as genetically modified (GM) foods. Despite the apparent enormous benefits of GM foods, the technology is surrounded by controversy. Benefits include: increased crop yields through improvement in insect, pest, disease resistance and extreme weather tolerance/resistance of crops; improved nutritional quality and longer fruit and vegetable shelf-life. Some of the fears expressed regarding GM foods include potential toxicity; possible antibiotic resistance; possible allergic and carcinogenic effects; possible creation of new viruses; unintentional gene transfer to wild plants; limited access to seeds due to patenting of GM food plants; threat to crop genetic diversity besides cultural, religious and ethical concerns as well as fear of unknown. This paper briefly reviews potential risks and benefits of the new technology to the man and the environment. The government stance and public attitude towards GM foods along with genetic modification of foods and crops in Pakistan have also been focused.