The introduction of biotechnology in the field of crop science has seen vast development of useful processes and products over the years. Biotechnology has already been applied in the fields of medicine, agriculture and animal science as stipulated by (Taylor). A genetically modified crop entails the transfer of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) from a bacterium or gene to another specimen. Characteristics are contained in the gene and are germinated to enable the crop to copy the characteristics (Halford). Genetically modified foods have existed since the early 1990s and attracted various nations to employ this technology (Gura). However, the field is still seen as a controversial and unknown topic for many sectors due to the nature of the biotechnology field and the GMO concept. Firstly, it is paramount for relevant stakeholders to understand the origin of biotechnology, and the implications of genetically modified foods before policies can be implemented pertaining to these products. An intense debate has already begun amongst various government stakeholders and conservative groups on approaching the environmental, social, political and ethical issues associated with GM foods. This paper aims to present a critique of the learning process and encountered questions while conducting research on the topic of genetically modified foods.
Public Knowledge
Despite reports and warnings from various organizations and scientific institutions pertaining to the risks of GMOs, the FDA or the Food and Drug Administration continues to claim that they find no scientific evidence or substantial proof to support the claim that GMOs are risky for consumption. From the research, it appears that biotech industries only monitors itself and release GMOs for commercial distribution without proper approval and labeling. One can now question if these procedures solely concentrate on economic benefit or cost benefit analysis, with little concerns to food safety and environmental protection. Since it is difficult to quantify the benefits and risks pertaining to GMOs and the number of cases that support it, it is important to entice public policy knowledge over the issue as this will enable them to understand why governments enact policies and decisions to regulate these food alternatives. However, technological advancements are quite difficult to regulate, and it entices issues over various sectors of the country. In the case of GMOs, this includes safety assessment, and the risks involving consumption of these GMOs like infectious diseases and mutation of certain viruses. Knowledge in public policy reveals why it is important to be mindful of the differences between being objective and subjective to the knowledge of genetically modified foods.
In the implementation of GM foods, there were lapses that have not been taken into account by the government and corporations. One lapse is the public, who has not been made fully aware with regards as to how foodborne diseases are developed in GMOs and treatment, how some GMO products are mislabeling the nutrient content, and the nature of adulterated food products that often bypasses inspection. Moreover, there is a need to promote consumer confidence in a manner that provides proper regulation in the international food circulation of GMOs (Cremonezi &. Jesus-Hitzschky, 2010). It is, therefore, imperative for the government to build infrastructures and policies to facilitate the implementation of the genetically modified foods in the market without repercussions. This also would improve ways in evaluating the effects these modified food influence the ecosystem and the environment.
Results of the project
Most stakeholders need to understand the underlying principles that can eliminate suspicion on this biotechnological breakthrough; therefore there is a need to raise awareness and education to introduce GMOs to the public. Despite misconceptions, there are policies that exist in terms of regulating GM foods and distribution in the market. The only problem is the implementation and administration of these policies, which often causes more government intervention to reduce damages. There are also differences in terms of social, economic, and environmental policies between countries, which influence their capacity to respond to GMO-related issues. In Japan, for example, testing of GM foods is mandatory despite the customers’ preference on unmodified foods as they still have fields supplying them with traditionally grown crops. For countries like India which has an expanding population and agricultural complications, they are not using GM crops despite its coping capacity on where it is planted. Some countries like Brazil are against GM foods; however, they accept it as their fear their farmers will not be able to compete with the global market. Developed countries are also having complications in introducing GM foods such as in Europe as the public has reservations over the safety of GM foods. For those in the United States, GMO regulations only cover the end product of the modifying procedure and do not concentrate in the process. Furthermore, if a company wants to commercialize GM food, safety assessments are not mandatory unless there are evidences of the company’s failure to adhere to government standards. Only China and Canada, according to research, have been stringent with their GMO-related policies. China requires all GMO imports and exports to pass inspection and approval from the local Food and Drug agency. Companies are also required to bear all costs from recalling to destroying GM foods with contaminations or illegal specifications. Canada’s government and various companies are working together to develop regulation that would properly enforce GMO-related laws and deny mandatory labeling.
One of the major issues in GMOs is the issue of labeling, which will force companies to identify what is included in the food they eat and in the GMOs they plant. Stockholders, companies, and the public have argued in terms of GMO labeling. Pro-labeling advocates stress that consumers have the right to know the chemicals and nutrients in their food and the risks it has over the environment. Anti-labeling advocates argue that consumers already have an option if they wish to purchase GM-foods or not. Organic foods are available as an alternative to GM foods (Raab and Grobe).
Development for research at the end point
Food inspectors are the key actors that can implement food policies and laws, especially for GM foods. They can monitor modified foods from creation, production, to distribution. There is also a need to create a wider media awareness programs to discuss GM foods from its benefits and risks to inform the public. There is also a need for cooperation between countries to instill rules and procedures when dealing with GM food regulation and distribution. This prevents complications especially in exporting and importing these modified foods. Other methods must also be studied in terms of counteracting the shortage of food aside the use of GM foods and crops. There is a need for the government to answer the challenges and lapses in GM foods, especially in terms of distribution, safety regulations, and production.
Conclusion
In order to obtain better results, the project ought to focus more on the development strategy and the specific time frame that would include processing and distribution. The project must also concentrate on the socio-economic and the health issues that may be detrimental terms of its consumers (Royal Society). All the sectors have to be directly involved so as to ensure that consumers are assured of their food safety. The gene technology’s benefits for the food industry are limitless. With the world population expected to double within the next 50 years, food supply may become a challenge and a need for an alternative food source is needed like GMOs. One of the main concerns with GM foods is the transmigration of modified genes to other species resulting to modified weeds known as ‘superweeds’. Environmentalists’ fear that modified plants may proliferate genes rapidly to other species, pollinating them into modified cross-breeds and eliminating the possibility of growth through the pesticide-infested fields.
Every crop eaten nowadays has undertaken development, both natural and artificial means throughout the years. GM foods do have its pro and cons, however, everyone should approach the issue with an open mind and give GMOs a chance instead of protesting about it. Nevertheless, it is important to examine this new development for risks and possible mutations that may be detrimental to consumers. Governments must develop regulations that include public consultation upon the development of these food alternatives and policies. A common agreement must also be done between the various members of society, to ensure policies will maintain consumers, the environment, and producers safe from possible complications and risks brought by these modified and alternative food sources.
