Organismal/Ecological Focus
Main factors discussed:
- Potential of allergenicity
- Antibiotic-resistant genes
- Harmful to insects
- Creation of genetically modified superweeds
- Deaths caused by bio-engineered foods
-Potential for allergenicity: Most known human allergens are protein molecules. The introduction of new proteins into food through GMO genetic engineering brings about a very real concern about the possibility for allergens in the GMO foods.
-Antibiotic-resistant genes: Another safety concern centers on the potential that antibiotic-resistant genes can be transferred to gut bacteria which can greatly change the body’s response to antimicrobial therapy. In other words, If there were bacteria that carried these genes it could make it very difficult for a doctor to treat the individual infected with said bacteria.
- Harmful to insects: GMO crops are designed to kill certain pests that would normally harm a regular crop, but concern has come up due to the fact that the crops may kill unintended insects, animals and species. Bt which is a pesticide made by most GMO corn that can be found for sale on the national market, is found in both plant cells and the pollen that it creates and releases. Research suggests that monarch larvae which fed on plants with Bt had a much higher death rate than those that were not exposed to Bt at all. Growing evidence shows that GMO crops are affecting other helpful and beneficial insects and animals like ladybugs, lacewings, and bees and it may also possibly be affecting birds.
-Antibiotic-resistant genes: Another safety concern centers on the potential that antibiotic-resistant genes can be transferred to gut bacteria which can greatly change the body’s response to antimicrobial therapy. In other words, If there were bacteria that carried these genes it could make it very difficult for a doctor to treat the individual infected with said bacteria.
- Harmful to insects: GMO crops are designed to kill certain pests that would normally harm a regular crop, but concern has come up due to the fact that the crops may kill unintended insects, animals and species. Bt which is a pesticide made by most GMO corn that can be found for sale on the national market, is found in both plant cells and the pollen that it creates and releases. Research suggests that monarch larvae which fed on plants with Bt had a much higher death rate than those that were not exposed to Bt at all. Growing evidence shows that GMO crops are affecting other helpful and beneficial insects and animals like ladybugs, lacewings, and bees and it may also possibly be affecting birds.
Pigweed and Lambsquarters in a Soybean Field
-Creation of GMO super weeds and superpests: Crops that are GMO engineered to be herbicide resistant or create their own pesticide pose even more problems for the GMO field. Stronger or "super"weeds and pests may emerge and there may be a need for the use of even more toxic chemicals. Mustard plants with increased resistant to herbicide have been noted. Field tests tell us that common plant pests may evolve and become immune.
-Deaths: There have been a recorded 37 deaths in 1989 due to GMO foods. The deaths were caused by genetically modified version of the food supplement L-tryptophan which created a debilitating ailment which was called eosinophilia myalgia syndrome. There are also other unknown effects that can be debilitating to humans. There have been observed negative effects on the digestive tracts of lab rats which may carry over to humans.
-Deaths: There have been a recorded 37 deaths in 1989 due to GMO foods. The deaths were caused by genetically modified version of the food supplement L-tryptophan which created a debilitating ailment which was called eosinophilia myalgia syndrome. There are also other unknown effects that can be debilitating to humans. There have been observed negative effects on the digestive tracts of lab rats which may carry over to humans.