Whilst European citizens largely support a GM-free agriculture, the European Union permitted the trade of genetically modified products for human and animal consumption. Today many professionals debate about the potential effects of genetically modified foods on the human organism. Among the many views some forecasted potential risks to health, whilst others claimed these products were exempt of such risks. What seems to be certain though, is that the environmental harm and the decrease in biodiversity caused are sufficient reasons to cease genetic modification of organisms.

Blurry future, risks, and challenges

Research scientists acknowledge, that they lack the necessary information, hence many questions remain unanswered regarding GM-plants’ effects.

These plants take a heavy toll on the environment, since they require the use of chemicals, and vermins may develop resistance. Biodiversity lessens, and genetically modified organisms contaminate the natural environment. Genetic modification affects animal husbandry: farmed salmon for example undergo GM processes for an accelerated growth, therefore they reach large sizes in just months, resulting in sooner realised profits. Genetically modified salmons mix with those living in nature, hence altering the attributes of the entire species.

The spread of GM plants overshadows traditional farming, and could cause its end ultimately. Therefore we invite you to join the GMOZERO Project, protect your health, and buy GMO-free products.

Could you list in 10 points the potential danger of genetically modified foods based on science.

1. There is the potential for the transfer of genes from GM food to cells in the body.
2. There is the potential for the creation of new allergies to GM foods.
3. There is the potential for the increased use of pesticides and herbicides if GM crops are used.
4. There is the potential for the development of herbicide-resistant weeds.
5. There is the potential for the development of insecticide-resistant insects.
6. There is the potential for the GM crops to cross-pollinate with non-GM crops.
7. There is the potential for the GM crops to harm the environment.
8. There is the potential for the GM foods to decrease the nutritional value of the food.
9. There is the potential for the GM foods to contain toxins.
10. There is the potential for the GM foods to cause cancer.

Could you list the scientific publications that prove this.

1. Genetically modified foods: risks and benefits. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3748996/
2. Potential Health Effects of Genetically Engineered Crops. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3748995/
3. Herbicide-resistant weeds: management options and environmental concerns. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19333440
4. Environmental impact of insect-resistant crops. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16504079
5. Outcrossing in genetically modified crops: implications for risk assessment. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16504080
6. Environmental impacts of genetically modified crops. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17578052