The pros and cons of GMOs

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms that have had their DNA altered through genetic engineering, usually to add positive attributes. They have become a hot topic of debate: While some people swear by their ability to make food more accessible, others are skeptical about their safety.

Pro: Requires fewer pesticides

Pesticides can contain harmful chemicals that have been known to cause damage to the environment as well as human health. Luckily, the vast majority of GMOs grown in the U.S. are "engineered to produce their own pesticides, or survive direct application of pesticides," said As You Sow. In making crops more genetically resistant to pests, fewer pesticides are required to cultivate the crops. Specifically, "about 90% of corn, soybeans and cotton in the U.S. is genetically engineered to be herbicide-resistant.

Con: Could cause allergic reactions

Some worry that GMOs could trigger certain allergic reactions. "If a soybean is crossed with a certain nut, it's possible that people with allergies to the nut may react to the genetically engineered soybean," said Yahoo. Mixing DNA has the potential to be risky, however, research has shown that GMOs are not more likely to cause reactions than non-GMOs. "Scientists developing GMOs run tests to make sure allergens aren't transferred from one food to another," said the FDA.

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Pro: Higher nutritional value

GMOs can be engineered to have higher nutritional value. "Golden Rice, for example, developed in 2004, satisfies 50% of your daily Vitamin A needs per cup," said the University of Michigan School of Public Health. "Furthermore, the crop is durable and can grow in relatively infertile regions of the world," where Vitamin A deficiency is widespread, like sub-Saharan Africa. Several other foods have been modified to be healthier and more accessible.

Con: Increases antibiotic resistance

Many GMOs have genes added that make them resistant to certain antibiotics so that "GM plants and cells can be distinguished from non-GM ones," said the government of the Netherlands. While this could help increase the strength and longevity of the crop, there is a risk that resistance could transfer.

After eating a GMO, theoretically, "such genes can be transferred to bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract of humans or animals," said the Netherlands government. "The bacteria could go on to develop resistance to that specific antibiotic. Subsequently that antibiotic could be ineffective in treating humans affected by the resistant bacteria." Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem globally and it has the potential to worsen diseases.

Pro: Lowers food costs

Growing GMOs can lower costs in several ways. Climate change, overfarming and population growth have all caused crop yields to decrease. Genetic engineering can "improve crop yields and help farmers grow food in drought regions or on depleted soil, thereby lowering food prices and feeding more people," said Britannica. In addition, "GMO crops, through their environmental sustainability, potential for nutritionally-fortified foods and increased productivity, actually play a key role in keeping the cost of food down, now and in the future," said Forbes

Con: Unknown health implications

Not much is known about the long-term effects of GMOs on human health. Many worry that altering DNA could increase the risk of cancer, but there is no evidence to suggest this is true. "In theory, these added genes might create substances that could cause reactions in sensitized or allergic people, or result in high levels of compounds that could cause other health effects," said the American Cancer Society. "However, at this time there is no evidence that foods now on the market that contain genetically engineered ingredients or the substances found in them are harmful to human health." In reality, not much research exists disputing or supporting the claim, which is a cause for concern in and of itself.