The Gmo Debate - Safety of Genetically Modified Corn as Aid for the South African Famine

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Efforts to increase agricultural production and to improve nutritional quality of agricultural foods has been limited because of a lack of the appropriate tools to pursue such objectives. The application of recombinant DNA technology to genetically modify crops is an extension of traditional agricultural practices. However, it has revolutionized the development of species with advantages not available in conventional crops. There is potential for advances in enhancing the nutrient density of crops. The acceptance of GMOs could potentially solve all nutrient deficiency related diseases in Africa (Yan, L., & Kerr, P. (2002)).

There are several concerns for safety, such as allergens and toxins being produced by the modified plants. However, the testing of genetically modified foods is much more highly regulated than regular foods, even though there has been no evidence to show that they are any less safe than unmodified crops. The development and regulation of these crops are regulated by three separate US government agencies. These are the USDA, EPA, and the FDA. Responsibility for post-approval oversight is shared between EPA and FDA. The EPA is responsible for ensuring that registrants and growers of a genetically modified crop market and use the crop in accordance with any conditions imposed by EPA at the time of registration (Taylor, M., & Tick, J. (2001)). So far there has been no indication that foods developed through genetic modification differ in safety from those developed through conventional methods (Yan, L., & Kerr, P. (2002)).

The larger issue at stake in this debate was the acceptance of GMOs as a whole, not just the acceptance of the US aid. Through GMOs, Africa could start planting crops that are drought and flood resistant. If Africa had access to such crops beforehand, the current situation would be very different. If Africa embraces the use of GMOs, they would have a long term solution to their repeated food shortages.

However, as a lot of African leaders are skeptical, the least we can do is provide a short term solution and feed people that are starving to death. The current aid offering is for feeding the South African population, it is not to be planted. Thus, there is little risk of genes being transferred among domestic species. If the government still has concerns, they can mill the corn to be absolutely certain of not ‘contaminating’ the local farmlands.

GMOs are commonly publicized as a negative thing, however there is no evidence that GMO corn has any detrimental effects on health. I feel that a lot of the bias is just from uninformed stigma. It is my job to ensure that the African nations make an informed decision about accepting the GMOs. It is also in my personal interests that the African nations completely accept GMOs as safe. This will benefit my corporate founders and expand their business. It will enable the United States to win the cold ‘trade war’ concerning GMOs between the EU and America, and will ensure the survival of the African population.

References:

- Betz, F., Hammond, B., & Fuchs, R. (n.d.). Safety and Advantages of Bacillus thuringiensis-Protected Plants to Control Insect Pests. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 156-173.

- Blaine, K., Kamaldeen, S., & Powell, D. (n.d.). Public Perceptions of Biotechnology. Journal of Food Science J Food Science, 3200-3208.

- Kuiper, H., Kleter, G., Noteborn, H., & Kok, E. (n.d.). Assessment of the food safety issues related to genetically modified foods. The Plant Journal, 503-528.

- Henderson, D. (n.d.). Fighting Famine – Are GM Foods Worth the Risk?

- L�Fstedt, R., Fischhoff, B., & Fischhoff, I. (n.d.). Precautionary principles: General definitions and specific applications to genetically modified organisms. J. Pol. Anal. Manage. Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, 381-407.

- Yan, L., & Kerr, P. (2002). Genetically Engineered Crops: Their Potential Use for Improvement of Human Nutrition. Nutrition Reviews, 135-141.

- Carter, C., & Smith, A. (n.d.). Estimating the Market Effect of a Food Scare: The Case of Genetically Modified StarLink Corn. SSRN Electronic Journal SSRN Journal.