Assessment of Benefits and Risk of Genetically Modified Plants and Products: Current Controversies and Perspective

Abstract

Genetic transformation has emerged as an important tool for the genetic improvement of valuable plants by incorporating new genes with desirable traits. These strategies are useful especially in crops to increase yields, disease resistance, tolerance to environmental stress (cold, heat, drought, salinity, herbicides, and insects) and increase biomass and medicinal values of plants. The production of healthy plants with more desirable products and yields can contribute to sustainable development goals. The introduction of genetically modified food into the market has raised potential risks. A proper assessment of their impact on the environment and biosafety is an important step before their commercialization. In this paper, we summarize and discuss the risks and benefits of genetically modified plants and products, human health hazards by genetically transformed plants, environmental effects, Biosafety regulations of GMO foods and products, and improvement of medicinal values of plants by the genetic transformation process. The mechanisms of action of those products, their sources, and their applications to the healthcare challenges are presented. The present studies pointed out the existence of several controversies in the use of GMOs, mainly related to the human health, nutritions, environmental issues. Willingness to accept genetically modified (GM) products and the adoption of biosafety regulations varies from country to country. Knowledge about the gene engineering technology, debate between the government agencies, scientist, environmentalist and related NGOs on the GM products are the major factors for low adoptions of biosafety regulation. Therefore, the genetic transformation will help in the advancement of plant species in the future; however, more research and detailed studies are required.

Triumphs, trials and tomorrow in food security: an ASEAN outlook

“…While biotechnology, including genetically engineered crop varieties, has significantly contributed to addressing hunger and malnutrition, its cultivation remains controversial, with associated risks and benefits (ISAAA, 2019; Ghimire et al ., 2023). Through evidence‐based decision‐making and heightened public awareness, there is potential for smallholder farmers in ASEAN to harness the benefits of this technology.…”

The Adoption of Genetically Modified Crops in Africa: the Public’s Current Perception, the Regulatory Obstacles, and Ethical Challenges

“… 18 , 40 , 41 This hopeful path has, however, been greeted with an increasing number of disputes. For example, worries about unintended impacts on non-GM crops, long-term adverse environmental impacts, and corporate consolidation of agricultural control have increased the public’s fear 42–44 The safeguarding of conventional agricultural methods, the growing number of multinational corporations, and socioeconomic disparities have all raised ethical concerns. 42 , 44 The growth trajectory of GM crops is a diverse story that emphasizes the importance of having a sophisticated comprehension of the ethical, environmental, and socioeconomic factors involved.…”

“…For example, worries about unintended impacts on non-GM crops, long-term adverse environmental impacts, and corporate consolidation of agricultural control have increased the public’s fear 42–44 The safeguarding of conventional agricultural methods, the growing number of multinational corporations, and socioeconomic disparities have all raised ethical concerns. 42 , 44 The growth trajectory of GM crops is a diverse story that emphasizes the importance of having a sophisticated comprehension of the ethical, environmental, and socioeconomic factors involved. 17 , 39 It emphasizes how crucial it is to have open lines of communication, strong legal protections, and thorough risk analyzes to successfully negotiate the changing GM crops debate.…”

“…It aims to strike a balance between potential advantages and public worries. 22 , 42 The absence of harmonization makes it more difficult for resources and knowledge to flow freely, which hinders the creation of long-term, locally appropriate solutions to agricultural problems. Different laws and regulations make it difficult for research programs to conduct cross-border studies, which results in dispersed efforts and retarded discoveries in science.…”

“…To ensure that the incorporation of GM crops is compliant with ethical principles and promotes sustainable and fair agricultural development, an ethical framework must place a high priority on inclusive decision-making processes, transparency, and concerns for the distinct cultural and socioeconomic situations within Africa. 42 , 72 …”