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Many people think that genetically modified fruits and vegetables are similar to genetically modified organisms. While the underlying science behind the two is the same, the process and the outcomes are quite different. Genetically modified food is created by taking DNA from two different fruits or vegetables and making a new species of vegetable or fruit out of the synthesis. Many people believe that this discovery is pivotal in catering to the growing food needs of the world.
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By creating genetically modified food, scientists will be able to provide twice or thrice the nutritional value of one fruit or vegetable as compared to the regular and natural version of that fruit or vegetable. While genetically modified crops are quite attractive, they also pose a series of threats related to human health. Here are some of the top problems that people might encounter upon consuming genetically modified food.
Also Read: Will you try genetically-modified salmon?
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* Allergic Reactions
There are chances that people might face some allergic reactions upon consumption of food that has been genetically modified. As genetically modified fruits or vegetables are developed from the combination of different fruits and vegetables, it may lead to the production of certain energy-causing elements. Although this is not the case with all the different types of genetically modified food, certain foods have a higher risk of creating allergic reactions among people. Therefore, it is extremely important for companies to do proper allergy research before dispersing certain genetically modified foods in the market.
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* Environment Risks
Some genetically modified foods can also lead to a reduction in the biodiversity level of the environment. As the cultivation of more fruits, vegetables, and grains through interbreeding becomes common, the actual cultivation levels will become extremely low. The use of more herbicide-resistant crops can also lead to excessive herbicide resilience. This may potentially lead to the evolution of a lot of resistant weeds. The natural biodiversity of the world may be impacted if people excessively interfere with the natural circle of cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and grains.
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* Ethical Concerns
There is also a growing debate around the cultivation of genetically modified food as it will lead to the fall in the business of many farmers and families that have been traditionally cultivating fruits, vegetables and grains for a long time. Genetic modification and cultivation are only possible if one knows the scientific study behind it. It is not something that regular farmers will be able to do. The popularity of genetically modified food will lead to a decline in the business of conventional farmers and their produce.
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* Acceptance By Public
Most people even now think that the genetically modified crops that are being produced by scientists are only for aesthetic purposes. There is still a long way to go before the public accepts the pros of consuming food that has been crossbred. The common public still believes that genetically modified food is only for design purposes and is synthesised with a lot of chemicals and harmful elements that are not at all nutritious for health. The low level of conceptual understanding among people makes the concept of genetically modified food hard to be accepted by the public.
* New Diseases
The introduction of new plants and crops by crossbreeding can lead to the creation of new types of pests and bacteria. There is always a darker side towards a new creation, and the possibility of the creation of new viruses and bacteria is always present. Any single disease or pest can be harmful to humankind. Scientists will have to first fully analyse the potential risks of launching a new crossbred food for the common public before actually doing it.
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* Threat To Other Animals
The creation of genetically modified food will lead to the demand for insecticides and pesticides that cater specifically to these types of crops. These insecticides and pesticides may unintentionally disturb the balance of other naturally available flora and fauna. This may lead to severe disturbance in the ecosystem and also impact the natural life around the vegetation area.
* Taste
One can easily come to the fact that any crossbred fruit, vegetable or crop is going to have a different taste as compared to the conventional vegetation. The taste of the new genetically modified food is not going to be the same, and people will have to get acclimatised to the taste change. Now, it is hard to predict how the public is going to react towards the shift in the taste of many conventional fruits and vegetables. There is always a huge possibility that a considerable section of society will not like the new taste and will only resort to the conventional vegetation.
