The products that have been genetically modified are vastly superior, scientists say. They benefit all levels of production and it is clear why they might be more profitable than the others. But of course, there is a certain percentage of consumers that oppose these positive aspects and claim that genetically modified organisms are dangerous to both people and the environment.
If we take a look at the broader picture, it is obvious that the advances in GMO technologies are extremely important and we are learning more and more every day on how to perfect them. But there is still so much we need to learn. However, we are not entirely clear on the issue of GMO food’s long term influence on people. There are plenty of researches we need to conduct and they should be done over a longer time period in order to get the most accurate results. The researchers from University Kebangsaan in Malaysia tackled the issue of GMO labeling in that country since the data that is currently available is simply not enough. Surely, this is an extensive research and the results so far have been partial.
The scientists who are advocating the positive sides of GMO products are certain that the biotechnology used in producing these foods are harmless and that the end result of the effect it has on humans is the same as in the non-GMO foods. However, having in mind the very size of GMO industry and the amount of money involved, not everyone is convinced. Many opponents of GMO technology are entirely sure that the scientists who claim that GMO products are safe for consumption are corrupted. Further research is required and we will not know the final outcome for quite some time.
Consumers should be aware of both positive and negative sides of this argument and be able to decide for themselves whether they want to consume genetically modified foods and products, or not. But until we have concrete proof on the negative effects genetically modified organisms can pose on humans, animals, an environment, it is hard to say that these products are safe or unsafe. But what we can say is that the researchers are doing their best to reach that result and they think that putting labels on GMO products is the best approach we can take at the moment.
GMO labeling might add some extra costs to food production, but the researchers from University Kebangsaan in Malaysia are claiming that it is simply necessary at the given time, especially in that country. Educating the consumers is a must and putting a clear label on a GMO product can prevent the unwanted results in the future. Therefore, Malaysia’s strict labeling law is completely justified.
The safety of the consumers should be the primary goal and given the lack of evidence that will persuade us in either way, the labels should be obligatory. The research team at the Kebangsaan University has done an excellent job so far and they dived deep into all the documentation available from Europe, North America, and Asia. They covered the majority of important points such as regulations and general labeling laws that are enforced in various countries.
The conclusion is obvious – the labeling law in Malaysia is reasonable and can only benefit the consumers. Until we get the results from the long term researches that will finally put an end to the debate about the safety of GMO foods, putting a warning label and letting the consumer make a decision is the best approach we have available at the moment. Surely, we will see more and more advances in the field of biotechnology in the years to come and educating people about them is definitely a must.