GMO are initials for genetically modified organism. These are animals, plants or any other organism whose DNA composition has been altered through the use of genetic technology. The use of genetically modified products has raised controversies from different people. Most of these controversies have turned to be complete myths, and others raise serious issues. Controversies on the use of GMO have resulted due to complete fear from people regarding consumption of products, other factors such as ‘people’s rights’ to know so that they make their decisions and their effects on the natural environment.
The precautionary principle has been used for a long time to discourage future risks that may result from the use of GMO. Despite this guiding principle playing a leading role in many states, its effectiveness is unclear. From the controversies that follow due to use of GMO’s, it can be assumed that their ban is better. This is because though the use of GMO products has relatively found positive growth and development; it is certain that one day something disastrous concerning GMO’s may occur. Thus completely banning their use will be major in protecting ourselves from negative implications in the future. Nevertheless, at the moment, the implementation of precautionary principle by the nature of environmental risks needs to be brought to light.
Khoury and Adler have stood out with opinions about the GMO’s. Adler describes a court ruling on the need for labeling products as ‘misguided and wrong.' People’s rights to know the constituents of a product call for negative outcomes(Adler ,2012). Adler is right as genetically modified foods have been safe for human consumption for many years. Again also, labeling GMO products will create consumer agitation. Labelling will affect fluctuations in the market as many of the products may not find ready customers. Other consumers will prefer products with whom the constituents are clearly stated. If labeling needs to be done, the information reported should only help consumers in making product preferences but not to know what is in the product.
References
Vr?ek, V. (2015, January). Precautionary principle and GMO. In EuroBioAct International Conference „Declaring war on declarations: various bioethical theories respond to modern practical challenges.”
Adler, J. H. (2012). How not to label biotech foods. The New Atlantis, 37-43.
Yamaguchi, T., & Suda, F. (2010). Changing social order and the quest for justification: GMO controversies in Japan. Science, Technology, & Human Values, 35(3), 382-407.
