Question

What are GMOs, and why are they controversial?

Answer 1

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are increasingly becoming a controversial topic in the U.S. and domestically. The public is doubting their safety and wanting the products that are labeled as GM. Some of the science community and some government officials and organizations, such as the Food & Agricultural Organization (FAO), have other concerns that question whether sufficient research has been done to qualify GMOs as safe for long-term use. In particular concern are the allergenic qualities, which may be imparted by a GMO, possible transfer consequences of bacterial resistance (because antibiotic-resistant template genes are used for certain GMOs), expression of previously non-expressed traits, and pollen drift from genetically modified crops. It has also been recognized that the laws and regulations regulating the field of biotechnology are old, not comprehensive, and cover too many departments. The key agencies which currently control biotechnology are the United States. Agriculture department (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).