Genetically modified foods (GMOs) are kind of foods developed from organisms that undergo certain changes in their DNA through genetic engineering. These methods are very useful in development of new crop traits and extensive control of genetic structure than the common breeding techniques. The amount of GMO foods in the market is very large and the levels have concerned many people. The manufacturers usually aim at maximizing productivity with least elements that may lead to loss. GMOs are famous of being free from common diseases causing agents but well exposed to helpful bacterial agents. There are various disadvantages that have been associated with production of GMOs. Although, there are disadvantages, health governing bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration of the United States have allowed use of genetic engineering in production of food. Genetically modified foods are risky and not as beneficial as most people may think and proper risk benefit analysis is needed in GMO food policy development.
Most people believe that GMOs were produced to reduce the problem of food insecurity in the world. At some point, this is true because food produced under genetic engineering is usually plenty. Engineers have influenced crops by increasing their productivity. They are mainly concerned of the many yields that will be brought forth by these foods. Seeds have been developed in such a way that they are able to produce yields that many times more than conventional plants. GMOs are also exposed to exclusive merits of high yields which would be favorable for Turkish farmers. Food security also comes along with presence of fresh food, which may be stored for a long time. GMOs are renowned of this and this element may be important in development of the Turkish GMO food policy. In the world, the problem of food insecurity has been a major concern. Various governments have tried to adopt different strategies that would help in solving the alarming levels of food insecurity (Ronald, 2012). Technology has been viewed as the main solution to this problem and various countries have vowed to adopt it (Freedman, 2013). Genetic engineering has been the main form of food technology that countries have sort. However, the urge for food security has blindfolded different nations as they have forgotten of the extensive risks that go with genetic engineering (Diane, 2012). Therefore, in formulation of Turkey’s GMO food policy food insecurity should be considered keenly without ignoring the massive risks that go along with the policy.
Most people have always feared that they do not fully understand the kind of food they consume. There are no special difference between common food and GMOs. Following the existence of people with different tastes and interests when it comes to food, it would be wise to recognize that people need to be aware of the food that they consume. This will mainly come along as a result of proper labeling for food meant for human consumption. Not all people are for GMOs following the complexity of the production process. For example, most people have not recognized GMOs as healthy food following its connection to various diseases. This will easily put off a customer from GMO foods. However, if the products had not been labeled accordingly, the customer will have become a victim of the food he or she fears most. Labeling allows easy or proper understanding of a given type of food and the ingredients used in the production of the food (Ronald, 2012). The element of labeling remains fundamental in development of a GMO food controlling policy in Turkey. It is a paramount step to let people understand what they are buying before as it would reduce risks that would arise if the customer realized later that they had consumed the wrong type of food. A policy with such consideration will thrive as it will protect people against disease causing agents that may be present in GMO foods and could not have been realized if foods were not labeled accordingly.
Following the broad engineering that is behind GMOs a lot of chemicals are not used. Manipulation is usually extended to seeds making them safe from diseases by killing all diseases causing agents. On the other hand, yields, as well as quality enhancing agents are boosted to ensure productivity improves from one production to another. Chemicals are renowned of being the main disease causing agents in plants. Therefore, GMO will assist in elimination of production defects as it may be the case in the conventional production technique (Chayka, 2013). This would be favorable in formulation of the Turkish GMO foods control policy.
In the recent past, GMO production has faced exclusive challenges. It has been associated with disease causing agents making it unfavorable to many nations. However, the risks may not outshine the merits in line with this kind of food production. GMO food is usually long life and can remain fresh for long time. It is also affordable to many people and environmental friendly following lack of extensive use of chemicals. However, labeling should be taken seriously to avoid confusion among consumers. Excellent GMO food control policy must be keen on the merits as well as risks mentioned.
Works Cited
Chayka, Doug. "Fight the GM food scare."Scientific American 1.1 (2013): 10. Print.
Diane Smith, Melissa . "Melissa Diane Smith - Say No to GMOs
."Melissa Diane Smith - Overweight Common in Celiacs. N.p., 12 Sept. 2012. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. <http://www.melissadianesmith.com/Articles/SayNoToGMOs.html>.
Freedman, David. "Are engineered foods evil?." Scientific American 1.1 (2013): 80-85. Print.
Ronald, Pamela. "The truth about GMOs."Gastronomica: The Journal of Food and Culture 11.4 (2012): 134-142. Print.
