Genetically modified food controversies

Part of a series on
Genetic engineering
 
Genetically modified organisms
History and regulation
Process
Applications
Controversies

Genetically modified food controversies are disputes over the use of foods and other goods derived from genetically modified crops instead of conventional crops, and other uses of genetic engineering in food production. The disputes involve consumers, farmers, biotechnology companies, governmental regulators, non-governmental organizations, and scientists. The key areas of controversy related to genetically modified food (GM food or GMO food) are whether such food should be labeled, the role of government regulators, the objectivity of scientific research and publication, the effect of genetically modified crops on health and the environment, the effect on pesticide resistance, the impact of such crops for farmers, and the role of the crops in feeding the world population. In addition, products derived from GMO organisms play a role in the production of ethanol fuels and pharmaceuticals.

Specific concerns include mixing of genetically modified and non-genetically modified products in the food supply,[1] effects of GMOs on the environment,[2][3] the rigor of the regulatory process,[4][5] and consolidation of control of the food supply in companies that make and sell GMOs.[2] Advocacy groups such as the Center for Food Safety, Organic Consumers Association, Union of Concerned Scientists, and Greenpeace say risks have not been adequately identified and managed, and they have questioned the objectivity of regulatory authorities.

The safety assessment of genetically engineered food products by regulatory bodies starts with an evaluation of whether or not the food is substantially equivalent to non-genetically engineered counterparts that are already deemed fit for human consumption.[6][7][8][9] No reports of ill effects have been documented in the human population from genetically modified food.[10][11][12]

There is a scientific consensus[13][14][15][16] that currently available food derived from GM crops poses no greater risk to human health than conventional food,[17][18][19][20][21] but that each GM food needs to be tested on a case-by-case basis before introduction.[22][23][24] Nonetheless, members of the public are much less likely than scientists to perceive GM foods as safe.[25][26][27][28] The legal and regulatory status of GM foods varies by country, with some nations banning or restricting them and others permitting them with widely differing degrees of regulation.[29][30][31][32]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference CIEH was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference CAPE was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference VDC was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference IDEA was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference AMA_2012 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference ToxSoc2003 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference whybiotech.com was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ Cite error: The named reference UC-ANR8180 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  9. ^ Cite error: The named reference Kuiper_2002 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  10. ^ Cite error: The named reference AMA was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  11. ^ Cite error: The named reference NRC_2004 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  12. ^ Cite error: The named reference Key_2008 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  13. ^ Cite error: The named reference Nicolia2013 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  14. ^ Cite error: The named reference FAO was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  15. ^ Cite error: The named reference Ronald2011 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  16. ^ Cite error: The named reference Also was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  17. ^ Cite error: The named reference AAAS2012 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  18. ^ Cite error: The named reference ECom2010 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  19. ^ Cite error: The named reference AMA2001 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  20. ^ Cite error: The named reference LoC2015 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  21. ^ Cite error: The named reference NAS2016 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  22. ^ Cite error: The named reference WHOFAQ was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  23. ^ Cite error: The named reference Haslberger2003 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  24. ^ Cite error: The named reference BMA2004 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  25. ^ Cite error: The named reference PEW2015 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  26. ^ Cite error: The named reference Marris2001 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  27. ^ Cite error: The named reference PABE was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  28. ^ Cite error: The named reference Scott2016 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  29. ^ Cite error: The named reference loc.gov was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  30. ^ Cite error: The named reference Bashshur was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  31. ^ Cite error: The named reference Sifferlin was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  32. ^ Cite error: The named reference Council on Foreign Relations was invoked but never defined (see the help page).