Pros & Cons Of GMO Foods

GMO foods are genetically modified organisms that have had new genes from other organisms added to their existing genes, according to Brown University. The university says the goal of such genetic engineering is to give the original organism new characteristics, such as disease resistance. Although GMO foods may have several benefits to your health and the general well-being of the farming industry, it may also present several potential drawbacks.

Cons: Allergic Reactions

GMO foods can present significant allergy risks to people, according to Brown University. Genetic modification often mixes or adds proteins that weren't indigenous to the original plant or animal, causing new allergic reactions in the human body. In some cases, proteins from an organism that you're allergic to may be added to an organism that you weren't originally allergic to, prompting the same allergic reaction experienced from the first organism.

Pros: Insect Resistance

Some GMO foods have been modified to make them more resistant to insect pests. The University of California in San Diego reports that a toxic bacterium can be added to crops to make them insect repellent, yet safe for human use. This can reduce the amount of pesticide chemicals used on the plants, thus potentially reducing exposure to pesticides.