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Story : Vanchai Tan
Photos : Photography staff |
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GMO technology refers to the science of genetically modifying our food sources, making our plants more resistant to pests and pesticides and splicing genes containing vitamins not naturally existing in particular foods. The resultant foods comprising these genetically modified ingredients, therefore, have catered to our individual needs for better quality nourishment. On a larger scale, the argument for the genetic engineering of food is based on the need for an increasing food supply to feed the steadily increasing world population. Because the area of land available for food production is finite, advances such as GMO technology represent significant breakthroughs in the quality and quantity of food production. |
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But the argument for the genetic engineering of food at times pales in comparison to the major concerns recently raised against GMOs. For example, there are unknown environmental implications - GMO technology used in growing crops may have negative effects on the biodiversity of wildlife as a result of changes in both available and useable food sources. Then there is the moral issue surrounding a technology that modifies a living organism having had that specific genetic composition for the past 3 billion years. What about the appropriateness of using patent law in such an area so closely linked to processes which are fundamental to life; that is, food? Also, how can a company claim to have invented a living thing? What about the welfare of those in developing countries who will not be able to afford the technology? |
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Certainly, even before entering one of these and many more debates associated with GMO technology, we have to ask ourselves if we even really know for sure that the products are safe for consumption. Many drug products comprising genetically engineered ingredients may effectively fight disease, yet their long-term effects are still unknown. The infamous Thalidomide drug immediately comes to mind - effective in combating morning sickness in pregnant women in the 1960s, the drug had serious adverse effects on the development of bones in fetuses, which was not discovered until it was too late. |
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Yet, despite the negative coverage GMOs have received as of late, their continued popularity cannot be denied - GMO products still flood world markets. Although the Food and Drug Administration of Thailand is in the process of enforcing GMO product labeling by the end of this year, your average consumer as of today is still unaware that GMO ingredients are found in such products as tofu, soybean oil, canned tuna fish and ketchup, sold on supermarket shelves throughout the country. On the other end of the spectrum, there are an increasing number of countries that will not distribute GMO products for sale if they are not properly labeled. Countries in Europe, Japan and Muslim countries have gone so far as to ban the import of food products containing GMO ingredients... At the end of the day, the pros and cons of GMO technology and foods are still constantly being debated. Let us hope that our conclusions are not contested by the actual outcome and adverse effects some decades down the line...
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