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The Ethics of GMO

Jong won, Lee 1

1한일장신대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

The Purpose of this paper is to survey the ethical problems of GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms), especially their influence to human health and ecological environments. Scientists argue that GMOs are an effective solution to overcome the problem of starvation. Population growth and poverty are real challenges for global food production, both in terms of quality and quantity of food. Therefore, biotechnology could contribute to food security by helping to promote sustainable agriculture in developing countries. These countries will need and use biotechnology in many ways. Recombinant DNA techniques are now being used to develop new plant varieties that will be sources of food - such as fruits, vegetables, grains and their products. So genetically modified food has potential to bring real benefits to developing countries. These perspectives see genetic modification as part of a continuum in the development of tools for plant breeding. But others regard genetic modification as a fundamental change. Genetic modification technology has been profit-driven rather than need-driven. By controlling germ plasm from seed to sale, and by forcing farmers to pay inflated prices for seed-chemical packages, companies are determined to extract the most profit from their investments. These are the potential risks in eating genetically engineered foods: they act as allergens or toxins - insertion of new DNA can alter the metabolism of plants or animals causing them to produce new allergens and toxins ; they alter the metabolism of the food producing plant or animal, causing it to produce new allergens or toxins ; they reduce its nutritional quality or value; and they violate the basic principle of integrated pest management. Herbicide resistant crop reduces agro-biodiversity, that is herbicide resistant plants will result in super-weeds through gene flow. Gene flow is a constant concern of plant breeders who worry about unwanted genes flowing into their fields. They will exacerbate the ecological problems by threatening the sustainability of agriculture. They remain uncertainty about the potential long-term effects of genetically modified food on human health. There is still uncertainty over long-term environmental effects, such as potential complex ecological interactions and impacts on biodiversity. So we must strive to safeguard food safety and improve human nutrition and quality of life. The business of genetic modification need to provide the public with clear, understandable, and relevant information to consumers.

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