The Whole Truth About GMOs: Debunking The Most Popular Myths

It is impossible to imagine any diet without GMOs, although we may not notice it. At the same time, GMOs have a rather dubious reputation. What of what is said about genetically modified products is true, and what is false?

Increasingly, you can find genetically modified products on store shelves, which cause fear and even disgust in people. It is impossible to imagine any diet without GMOs, although we may not notice it. At the same time, GMOs have a rather dubious reputation. What of what is said about genetically modified products is true, and what is false? We will tell you in the material.

Myth #1: GMO foods are not safe

A genetically modified organism is an organism in which the genome has been changed using genetic engineering. You can see the GMO mark on many products, both of plant and animal origin. However, it is worth remembering that all goods entering stores are regulated and controlled by supervisory agencies. All products, including GMOs, are tested in laboratory conditions. And GMO products, in particular, are closely monitored by the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine. In addition, there is no research confirming the danger of GMO products. Until the contrary is proven, it is safe to say that GMOs are relatively safe.

Again, many claim that non-GMO food is a hundred times healthier. This is one of the most common myths. are you serious Why is it that in the autumn period, when it is time to harvest crops and mushrooms, people end up in hospitals with severe poisoning in droves. After all, it is believed that what you cook is much tastier and healthier. But think about it - is it really so? Unfortunately, a rare person can be sure that a safe vegetable is growing in his garden. Moreover, no negative and serious effects of GMOs on the human body have been found over the past half century.

Manufacturers of GMO products are interested in creating not only good products, but also useful and tasty ones. In addition, it is in their interests to ensure that they do not spoil for as long as possible. Therefore, in GMOs, you are unlikely to be able to find a harmful fungus, a strain of Escherichia coli and other agents of poisoning that led to a hospital bed or even death.

Myth #2: GMO foods are not as tasty as natural ones

Everyone's tastes are different. Therefore, the fact that someone did not like a GMO product does not mean that another will not be delighted with it. But in laboratory conditions, it is possible to influence not only the shelf life and appearance of GMO products, but also their taste. Although it should not be denied that genetically modified foods somewhat lose the saturation of flavors, but this does not mean that they are worse in this regard.

Myth #3: Absolutely all GMO products are thoroughly tested

Proponents of GMOs often claim that modified foods are subjected to careful analysis. But it is not quite so. Yes, they are controlled, subject to certification and registration, but not in the same way as, for example, medicinal products are tested. Currently, there is no such law in Ukraine that would force all producers to test GMO products to ensure their safety.

Myth #4: Only the West is concerned about the safety of GMOs

In Western countries, legislative bans in the field of GMOs were adopted, hence this myth was born. However, one should not think that if we do not have any prohibitions at the legislative level in Ukraine, then nobody cares about security here. For comparison, in the USA, China and India, GMO products undergo almost the same protocol of preparation for sale.

Myth #5: Breeding is more dangerous than genetic engineering

It is believed that genetic engineering is much safer than breeding. Crossbreeding and mutation have been ways of producing new products for many years. However, selection is a rather unpredictable method. But this does not mean that laboratory grafted organisms will be better and will not affect the body and health.

Myth #6: GMOs are poison

GMO is a gene that does not correspond to the product's natural DNA, but is grafted onto it. Therefore, the idea that GMOs are cyanide is another common myth. For clarity, tomatoes that are not resistant to cold are grafted with frost resistance. And so with all the qualities that scientists want to make perfect in products.

Myth No. 7: GMOs cause cancer, infertility and allergies

What myths are invented by people who oppose GMOs. One of the most common mistakes is that GMOs cause oncology, infertility and allergic reactions. However, there is not a single study that would prove the connection between these ailments and GMOs. But with allergies, everything is simple - if you had an allergy to tomatoes, it will remain even on GMO tomatoes. If you suddenly discovered such a reaction in yourself, it is likely that it will also occur to a regular product. At the same time, if you create a tomato without the protein to which you are allergic, the likelihood that a reaction will occur is extremely small.