What makes genetically modified food?

Genetically modified food, what is called by some as transgenics, are foodstuff that suffered unnatural modifications on their genetic code, e.g. introducing of a gene that did not exist before. For instance, some natural plants, e.g. orange trees, are modified to resist the attack of certain insects. Other researchers tried to make food to produce drugs, medications, such as insulin.

The debate for genetically modified food goes a long way back. Since it was conceived, several debates appeared. The motor was that the population of the world was growing geometrically, whereas the food availability was growing arithmetically, which means, soon there would not be food for everyone. This information was defied several times, some says it is bad distribution, and the population of the world is slowing down.

Some countries, such as Brazil, they are forbidden, others such as Paraguay, they are allowed; see that legislation changes continuously, therefore double check this information in case of need.

The biggest fear is that genetically modified plants are stronger than the natural ones, thus a contamination, loss of bio-diversity, several medical products comes from bio-diversity. Not to mention researches that points out to equilibrium being broken between species.

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See also

*Genetically modified food

Genetically modified foods are produced by altering the genetic material of plants or animals to achieve specific traits, such as resistance to pests or improved nutritional content.