Surely, we should consume more organic meals instead of those canned foods or those with induced preservatives. Still, despite the potential risks, global organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Food and Drug Administration claim the modified foods are safe and moreover there have not been recorded cases of how modified foods influence humans on genetic level.
Opinions vary about resolving the issue of GM foods, which is one of the hottest topics that have risen in society. This topic includes organizations and supporters of the environment and the interests of the public that, in its entirety, reject genetically modified foods. Recent studies on genetically modified foods have raised consumers’ suspicion towards modified foods. Modified foods became a term commonly used describe plants that are synthesized for human and animal consumption using the latest biology and genetic engineering techniques. The purpose of modulating and modifying plants in the laboratory is to promote the desired properties in terms of quality and improving the nutritional value, taste and supply enough food for the people especially in UAE. In addition, genetically modified plants are resistant to environmental factors, diseases and insect pests. Still, since the GMOs pose a real and present danger to UAE and will cause disasters in the future, experts have researched fast ways to slow the effect of the GMOS.
Mainstream food products that are extensively genetically modified and are available in the markets should be checked for their actual safety because of the damage that may pose to public health. Also, it must be sampled continuously and subjected to continuous laboratory testing to assess the potential damage it may cause due to the lack of integrity by the manufacturers. It has been proven that genetic changes to the food material lead to cancer. Consumers are not reassured so far, which obliges them to deal with it because doubts remain and questions will go unanswered. According to Matin Qaim “In spite of these potentials, the development and use of GM crops have aroused significant opposition” (2009). This passage demonstrates that modified products can be genetically damaged, and may appear over the long-term such as mental problems and birth defects.
Genetically modified food issue is still something that is not reassuring to the uncertainty of the side effects that may result from them and that changes have been made in the basic specifications. Research has not proven side effects or health complications. Producing companies are selling its products that are appealing to the eye though may not be tasty or nutritious. GM foods can increase the number of crops and improve food value and diversity and that this quantitative and qualitative change can lead to health improvements and better life style choices. For example, “USDA data showed that GM crops increase pesticide use by 50 million pounds from 1996 to 2003 in the United States” (Dr. Mae-Wan Ho, 2013, p.4). Besides, some genes used in new food processing did not exist before, thus, it is necessary to evaluate the health effects of new GM food before planting or marketing. Also, “Because HT and insect-resistant Bt crops have already been used for a number of years, numerous micro-level impact studies have been carried out in different countries” (Matin Qaim,2009). However, we do the development of monitoring devices in the long term in order to see its negative effects.
These biotech crops are good for the environment because they can reduce the amount of chemicals needed to grow healthy crops. To reduce the intake of modified foods organic foods should be promoted. For example, one of the best solutions was in UAE, where the Ministry of Commerce in the United Arab Emirates has taken a decision to compel companies and institutions imported food. That falls within the components of genetically modified crops and put a label on the packaging showing that this product is genetically modified and leaves the freedom of the consumer to buy it or reject it. According to A. Wendy Russell “As well as controlling the design of GM technology and markets into which they are introduced, the companies also exert control over the use of the technology, by packaging GM seeds with herbicide, but also through Technology Agreements with farmers who buy proprietary seed” (2008, p.219). In the United States questionnaires on genetically modified foods labels, the majority of consumers said ‘yes’ GMO signs on packaging. Also, these signs should not be misleading or not understandable to consumers.