An overview of genetically modified foods: agreement, challenges and assessment of safety

  • Mahsa Alikord Division of Food Safety & Hygiene, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
  • Mohadeseh Pirhadi Division of Food Safety & Hygiene, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
  • Samira Shokri Division of Food Safety & Hygiene, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
  • Nabi shariatifar Division of Food Safety & Hygiene, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Keywords: Allergenicity; Antibiotic resistance; Food safety; GMO; Environmental risks

Abstract

The technology of genetically modified (GM) can overwhelm agricultural and nutritional difficulties in the food industry, food safety and security by increasing resistance to pests and herbicides, drought tolerance, rapid ripening and ultimately increasing yield and food quality. However, in the last few decades, significant dangers of GM foods to humans, animals, and the environment have been identified. Nevertheless, there is insufficient scientific evidence to prove the harmful effects of these foods on human and animal health. In this article, several advantages and disadvantages of this technology are reviewed. Therefore, it is necessary to perform all the requested risk assessments before releasing any GM product and next post-release checking to track probable gene flow and limit any possible contamination of the food chain catastrophe. Therefore, the safe use of this technology, in compliance with all protocols of environmental health and safety assessment at the national and international levels are demanded.

Published
2022-07-03
Section
Articles