In the New age of Agricultural Biotechnology.
Genetically Modified Foods:
This term is used to refer to crops planted for animal or human consumption, which have been modified to enhance the desired traits as well as improved nutritional content. They are mostly derived from genetically modified organisms.
Generally, genetically modified or enhanced organisms have their changes introduced into their DNA by genetic engineering techniques. Some foods are modified to make them resistant to insects and viruses and more to be able to tolerate herbicides. This means that plant can be grown with the exact desired trait very rapidly and with great accuracy.
Genetically modified foods were first introduced into the market in the early 1990s. Typically genetically modified foods are plant products which include: corn, rice, soyabean, cotton seed oil, etc. Animal products are said to have also been introduced.
The threat to human health is a worrisome aspect of genetically modified technology and one that has received a great deal of debate.
Eyebrows are raised on the genetically modified foods, the masses tend to be inquisitive concerning the defects these foods may have on their health or the environment.
No doubt there exists different advantages and disadvantages of these foods, although to what extent they either help or harm humans and the environment is a debatable aspect of this technology.