The Various Benefits And Disadvantages Of Non GMO

By Megan Landry


GMO stands for genetically modified organism. Non GMO on the other hand are those that are natural or organic. During the course of genetic modification, there is removal of one or more genes from the DNA of other organisms like bacteria or viruses. The removed genes are then recombined into the DNA of the plant in which alteration is to be done.

Genetic engineers aim to achieve improvement in production by making the altered organisms exhibit qualities similar to those of organisms where the genes are removed. When their production started, there was debate as to whether GMOs are safe, which is why most countries did not even allow their sale. Over time however, there has been increasing acceptance, though most people still opt for organic produce.

One major concern that people have with buying organic foods is the costs involved. They are more costly than their conventional counterparts. The higher prices can be partly linked to the expensive farming practices that accompany their production. Since fruits and vegetables that are organically produced are not treated with preservatives, they spoil much faster.

As is expected, non GMOs come with many benefits. One of the most important is the fact that they have fewer chemicals. This is unlike the case in conventional farming where sewage sludge and harsh chemical pesticides are used in growth of produce. There usually is also the use of hormones for stimulation of animals to produce more eggs or milk.

Pesticides used are likely to leave residues on the products from such animals, something that may have a long term effect on consumers. Further, there may be leakage of hormones and antibiotics into produce, posing more risks. Farmers that use organic methods do not use chemical means for production, thus there is unlikely to be as much residue.

The environment is very important and there have been campaigns to protect it against any form of destruction. The use of non GMO is designed for protection of the environment. The fact that chemicals and artificial techniques are not used means water, soil and air will be safe. The organic methods of production are more humane.

Organic foods also have a few shortcomings. For once, it is quite a challenge maintaining an organic kitchen. This is because over time, there has been an increase in production and acceptance of genetically modified ones. This, coupled with the fact that they are much cheaper, makes the process of using purely organic foods tedious.

Due to health concerns and effects on the environment of products that are not naturally produced, most companies are investing in production of non GMO products. The process of certification however is costly and complicated. Small business persons cannot easily get such certifications. In the wake of the need to label such foods, such small businesses lose out.

As to whether non GMO is more nutritious than GMO has not been conclusively determined. There has been the general belief that genetically modified produce is not as nutritious but this has no basis, at least as at now. In terms of nutrient value, the two are more or less at the same level.




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