Genetically modified products are obtained through the application of genetic engineering techniques for the purposeful artificial change of the original genotype of an organism. Genetic engineering methods are used to create improved organisms (plant, animals, fungi and microorganisms) with specified properties.
The main kind of genetic modification is the use of transgenes (that is, the creation of new organisms with the necessary genes from various other organisms, including from different species).
The world trade system uses certification that allows the consumer to distinguish between agricultural products that have not been genetically modified from genetically modified foods.
Science against "horror stories"
We will remember well: to the present day there are no seriously scientifically grounded opinions, studies and evidence confirming them, about any harm of genetically modified food products . The only work on this topic, the results of which were published in a serious journal, was recognized by the international scientific community as an explicit and deliberate falsification.
Opinions on the safety of genetically modified foods were divided, mainly because of pseudoscientific speculation. Despite the opinions of biologists, a group of scientists (who are not experts in the field of biology) expressed the opinion that the use of genetically modified foods should not be allowed. People who are not too versed in biology are happy to "chew" the topic, thanks to which persistent prejudices are formed in the society, which reach the mythological level. Thanks to such popular opinions, which are very doubtful from the point of view of science, the genetically modified products were included in the "black list".
In defense of GMOs
The International Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) considers the creation of transgenic organisms as an integral part of modern agricultural biotechnologies. Moreover, the direct transfer of the desired genes, which determine the presence of useful traits, is to date the natural development of selection practical work. Modern technologies for the creation of transgenic products expand the capabilities of breeders to the possibility of transferring to new organisms useful traits between non-interbreeding species. By the way, it is possible to deprive new organisms of unwanted genes, which is important, for example, for the nutrition of allergic people and diabetics.
The use of transgenic plants not only greatly increases the yield, but also increases the viability of organisms to various influences. And this means that when growing transgenic organisms, agrochemistry (pesticides and fertilizers), as well as growth hormones can be used at a minimum or at all without these often unpleasant substances.
It is undeniable that with the progressive increase in the population of the earth, the use of GMOs is one of the ways to solve the problem of hunger.
The current state of things and the use of GMOs
In the European Union and in the territory of most countries of the post-Soviet space, GMO products are traditionally not used for food (they are not allowed for production), as packaging is proud of.
In principle, correctly, a person has the right to know what he is buying and using.
However, the opponents of GMOs can be disappointed: in many large countries with developed agriculture, they grow and consume genetically modified food for a long time without visible and proven negative consequences.
In addition (opponents of GMOs, relax), we are all early for a long time, since the 80's we get GMOs from pharmaceuticals.