Scientists have developed GMOs to be highly beneficial to the agricultural industry. Food products containing GMOs are capable of producing greater crop sizes (even …show more content…
Food allergies are caused when a protein enters the body which has never been consumed before by that individual or the human population. By introducing new genes through GMOs, the concern is the protein will “elicit an immune response in humans” creating hundreds if not thousands of additional allergies and ultimately either cause serious problems (Lynus and Tudge, 134). Currently, these allergic reactions are very rare, but the possibilities have forced some biotechnology companies to cease production of their products, proving GMOs to be threatening to human health. Many plants that contain GMOs have a decreased nutritional value than the plant’s traditional counterpart by making “nutrients unavailable or indigestible to humans” (Walia). Although GMOs seem beneficial when providing additional food supplies, they have no effect or are even helpful if their nutritional value is inadequate to what the human body requires. Finally, biodiversity, which is “critical in all ecosystems and to the sustainability of all species” is threatened by the use of GMOs (Guruswamy, 478). When GMO crops are initially planted, the use of heritage seeds terminates. These plants are engineered to have fewer weed flowers, therefore, a decrease in amount of nectar for pollinators such as bees. Not only is there not enough pollen but GMOs are also toxic to these non-target organisms. Without bees, pollination would cease to exist, providing no fertilization to plants in order to create more offspring or even provide fruit of their own. The toxins released from the crop’s roots in the soil is killing soil bacteria which are beneficial to the creation of healthy soil for plants to grow stronger and without the use of pesticides. If even GMO crops were to be replaced, they leave behind toxic