Answer:
'Genetically modified organisms' are organisms which have been altered genetically using genetic engineering. Genetically modified foods should be labelled since they allow the user to understand and to give them the choice to either eat them or not.
Explanation:
Genetic engineering is the process by which GMO are produced. Genetic engineering allows changes to be made at genetic level where new sequences of genes are introduced or deleted though techniques like selective breeding or mutation breeding.
Certain advantages and disadvantages of genetically modified food are stated below:
- In agriculture, crops are produced with better yield and taste.
- The crops are also made resistant to pests and insects.
- The seeds mature quickly.
- Few examples of GM foods are Golden rice, Flavr savr tomatoes, Bt cotton, etc.
Disadvantages of GMO:
- The new traits introduced can cause adverse health reactions.
- If these resistant varieties cross breed they might result in production of 'super weeds'.
Foods must be labelled since there might be health issues caused by them. The nutritional value of the food might be changed which should be observed if it is to be given to infants.
