Are GMOs really dangerous? From “GMO causes cancer” myths to their safety approval by WHO and NAFDAC, this article breaks down what science actually says about genetically modified foods.
You probably heard about Dr Chinonso Egemba – social media influencer and medical doctor – aka Aproko Doctor’s recent saga on GMOs.
The man was dragged on social media for quite a
while. But are GMOs really a bad thing? Let’s find out below!
In this article, we'd discuss:
GMOs, short for Genetically Modified Organisms, are plants, animals or microbes whose genetic material – DNA – has been changed using genetic engineering technology. GMOs have been part of the international food systems for years; however, Nigeria only approved its first GMO food in 2019.1 So before you join the next debate on X, let's break down the facts and myths about GMOs.
Using genetic engineering technology, scientists confer favourable traits on plants, animals and microbes. The gene for a desired trait is taken from one plant or animal and is inserted into the DNA of another plant or animal. Genes can also be transferred from a plant to an animal and vice versa.
This is different from selective breeding, where plants or animals with desired traits are selected and bred. Over time, selective breeding produces desired traits in the offspring but can also produce undesired traits. Moreover, selective breeding takes several generations.
Genetic modification is mostly done to create pest, disease and drought resistance in crops. Other advantages include:
Examples of GMOs in Nigeria include BT cotton, BT cowpea (i.e., beans) and Tela maize. Beyond farming and food production, GMOs also raise important health questions: are they safe to eat?
Fact: GMOs are safe for human and animal consumption. GMOs available on the market have passed safety tests and are not harmful to your health.
Fact: There is currently no evidence that consumption of GMOs causes cancer. GMOs do not increase or decrease the risk of cancer.
Fact: Genetic modification does not inherently reduce nutrition. Some GMO plants have been modified to increase their nutritional value. Examples are GMO soybeans, which produce healthier oils, offering an alternative to traditional oils high in trans fats, and Golden Rice, which is fortified with vitamin A to help combat malnutrition in developing countries.6
Fact: Some people are concerned that since GMO foods contain foreign genes, they might include genes from allergenic foods that could trigger allergic reactions. Protocols for testing allergic effects of GMOs have been evaluated by the WHO, and no allergic effects have been found relative to GM foods currently on the market.
According to the WHO, it is not possible to make general statements on the safety of all GM foods, but each of these foods must be looked at individually.
GMOs currently on the international market are safe for human consumption. GMOs in Nigeria are also safe for human consumption. This is according to the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mojisola Adeyeye, and the National Biosafety Management Agency.
Possible issues like allergenicity, cancer risk, antibiotic resistance and harm to human health are still being studied.
GMOs, short for Genetically Modified Organisms, are plants, animals or microbes whose genetic material – DNA – has been changed using genetic engineering technology.
Currently available GMOs in Nigeria include BT cotton, BT cowpea (i.e., beans), and Tela maize.
Current evidence shows that GMOs do not negatively affect human health. All GMO foods approved for consumption go through strict safety testing before reaching the market.
Potential health concerns about GMOs are the transfer of antibiotic resistance and allergenicity. However, GMOs available on the market are safe for human consumption.
GMO foods are as healthy and safe to consume as non-GMO foods. Some GMO plants have been modified to increase their nutritional value. Examples are GMO soybeans, which produce healthier oils, offering an alternative to traditional oils high in trans fats.
Current evidence hasn’t proven that GMOs harm human health, but some potential concerns remain under study: the transfer of antibiotic resistance and allergenicity. However, GMOs available on the market are safe for human consumption. There’s limited long-term human data, so ongoing research continues to monitor possible impacts over time.
Some of the positive effects GMOs have on human health are improved nutrition, food safety and quality and better food security.
No new GM organisms (GMO) have been shown to be a hazard or to cause harm to human consumers
No, consuming GMO foods does not alter a person’s genes. All the foods we eat naturally contain DNA, but cooking and processing destroy or break down most of it. Even when DNA fragments remain, the digestive system further degrades them, so they have no impact on our genetic makeup.
To buy foods labelled “100% organic”.
A well written piece about GMO,I hope it is shared wide so that alot of people's misconceptions are corrected,welldone
This is a very enlightening read. Educative
Thank you for your enlightenment. Myths spread fast, thank you for proving to us the fact.
Kudos, Dr Ameenah Kopada. The GMO conversation, though controversial, is one we cannot run away from as it is a reality of the times we live in; where population grows geometrically while food production lags far behind. Thus creating the need for innovative solutions to food security issues; enter GMO. I remember doing a presentation on this topic to my colleagues earlier in the year. While concerns are legitimate, there's need for evidence based research to either confirm or allay these concerns. Well done.
Educative. Succint
