"Some rats died within a few weeks after eating GM tomatoes"

"
Rats’ ability to digest was decreased after eating GM corn."

"Allergen content increased when soybeans were genetically modified."

"Gene insertion disrupts the DNA and can create unpredictable health problems"

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

some of the criticisms against GM foods

Environmental hazards
  1. Unintended harm to other organisms
  2. Reduced effectiveness of pesticides
  3. Gene transfer to non-target species
Human health risks
  1. Allergenicity
  2. Unknown effects on human health
Economic concerns

Bringing a GM food to market is a lengthy and costly process, and of course agri-biotech companies wish to ensure a profitable return on their investment. Many new plant genetic engineering technologies and GM plants have been patented, and patent infringement is a big concern of agribusiness. Yet consumer advocates are worried that patenting these new plant varieties will raise the price of seeds so high that small farmers and third world countries will not be able to afford seeds for GM crops, thus widening the gap between the wealthy and the poor. It is hoped that in a humanitarian gesture, more companies and non-profits will follow the lead of the Rockefeller Foundation and offer their products at reduced cost to impoverished nations.
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