Study Finds Scientific Evidence, Benefits Can Dispel Public’s Doubt Towards GMOs

Scientists from Spain conducted a risk-benefit analysis to review the impact of genetically modified (GM) products on human, animal, and environmental health. Despite the limited data on their long-term implications that make it difficult to assess the long-term risk of consuming GM crops, scientific evidence shows that GM crop use did not bring any harm to date. Rather, economic, environmental, and health benefits for the public have resulted from GM crop commercialization.

The analysis helped identify the benefits of GM crops that can contribute to the global challenges being faced today like attaining food security for the growing world population. GM crops help increase crop yields without converting more land to agricultural land. Their use has also led to a decrease in insecticide use and lower greenhouse emissions. Studies show that the elimination of GM crops in farmer fields can lead to an increase in the global cultivation area resulting in an increase in greenhouse gas emissions that can aggravate climate change. GM crops also have an economic impact wherein higher yields, improved productivity, and cost reductions have resulted in economic advantages around the world.

However, public acceptance of GM crops remains a challenge as consumers are still skeptical about them despite scientific data. The risk-benefit analysis then reviewed recent public surveys on the risks and benefits of GM crops. It was identified that skepticism was formed based on two factors. First, on moral institutions and scientific arguments that suggest GM foods are not effective. Second, addressing emotional concerns by means of another emotional concern. Despite the distrust from consumers, results of the public surveys suggest that there is a growing public acceptance of genetic engineering. Thus, it was suggested that a strong intervention with the population is needed to address their moralized attitudes towards GMOs.

To conclude, the analysis found evidence that GM crops can help overcome the global food crisis and environmental problems. They can also serve as nutraceuticals and edible vaccines without the need for broad-scale industrial facilities for production. Thus, GM foods need to be treated as traditional foods and food safety needs to be prioritized over the methods by which GM traits and properties were incorporated. The researchers also emphasized that debates over GM foods should be based on scientific evidence rather than emotions. Consumer health benefits need to be made known to the public to dispel skepticism related to GMOs.

Read the details of the risk-benefit analysis published by Applied Sciences.