Advantages And Disadvantages Of Non GMO

By Megan Landry


GMO is the abbreviation for genetically modified organism. On the other hand, non GMO are those that have not undergone any modification and are thus said to be natural or organic. The process of genetic modification involves removing one or more genes, mostly from the DNA of bacterium or viruses. The genes that are removed from such organisms get recombined into DNA of other organisms so as to alter them.

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.

There are numerous advantages of non genetically modified foods. Unlike the others, they have few chemicals if any. Those that are genetically modified are produced using sewage sludge plus a host of other chemicals. These, in addition to hormones used in animal stimulation for better productivity, pose a huge risk. Some amount of the chemicals remain on such produce.

The pesticides used on plants or animals are likely to leave residues on them. When such produce are consumed, there is likely to be dangerous effects. On the same note, antibiotics and hormones used used are equally risky. Such can be prevented through the use of organic farming.

It is for a fact that the environment is very important, which is why most countries, organizations and individuals have launched campaigns to protect it against any destruction. Use of GMO leads to damage of the environment. With organic production, this is not the case because there is no use of chemicals, at least not extensively.

Non GMO also have some shortcomings. For people that use them, it is such a challenge maintaining their purchase. This is because in addition to the fact that they are expensive, they are becoming more and more rare. Thus when one compares the inconvenience incurred in getting organic foods and the ease with which non organic foods are obtained, the latter are preferred.

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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