In this blog post, we will correct misconceptions about GMO foods and examine their benefits and the safety debates surrounding them.

Reality and Misconceptions

The results of a survey conducted on October 17 reveal just how distorted public perception of GMOs (genetically modified organisms) is in our society. According to the survey, 58.6% of lawmakers stated they would not purchase GMO foods, while only 3.5% said they would. The reasons cited for their opposition were mostly vague, such as “I don’t know much about it, but it feels unsettling,” “I’m worried there might be unknown substances,” and “Because the media said it’s dangerous.” Media articles have also frequently fueled consumer anxiety by covering negative content under headlines like “How to Avoid GMOs” and “What’s the Deal with GMOs?”
However, it is problematic to conclude that GMOs are dangerous based solely on the negative connotations of the term “genetic modification.” The fear surrounding GMOs has largely spread due to a combination of opposition from certain religious groups and the organic farming sector, along with sensationalist reporting. Therefore, it is necessary to correct public perception with fact-based information.

The Purpose of GMOs and Representative Examples

GMO technology was originally developed to supplement nutrients lacking in crops or to help crops grow better. Examples include grapes engineered to contain high levels of oleic acid, nutrient-enriched golden rice, and corn resistant to pests and diseases through the introduction of the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) gene. These examples can be understood as technological efforts to make people’s diets more abundant and balanced.

Key Benefits Provided by GMOs

First, they can serve as a solution to food security issues. In regions where approximately half of rice or wheat production is lost due to pests and diseases, introducing a toxin gene that targets only those specific pests can significantly increase yields. Furthermore, improving the nutritional composition of crops used for livestock feed can increase feed efficiency, thereby expanding overall food resources, and provide opportunities to grow crops even in harsh environments such as those affected by desertification or frequent flooding. Considering the demand for food driven by population growth, GMOs offer a realistic solution.
Second, there is their potential as biomass feedstock. Currently, biofuels such as bioethanol often use crops like corn or soybeans that could also be used for food, leading to efficiency issues. By using GMO technology to develop crops with high energy conversion efficiency while minimizing competition with food crops, the biofuel industry can advance and help solve food problems.
Third, it enables the development of nutritionally enhanced “complete foods.” By inserting genes that produce essential amino acids into rice or introducing genes that produce antioxidants into wheat, people can obtain more nutrients simply through their daily meals. By adjusting fat and vitamin content, nutritional deficiencies can be reduced, and diseases caused by specific nutrient deficiencies can be prevented or alleviated.
Fourth, it can mitigate environmental impacts by reducing pesticide use. Crops with genes for pest and weed resistance can thrive while minimizing pesticide use, enabling eco-friendly cultivation. Although concerns have been raised about the evolution of pest resistance, considering the rate of evolution and ecological selection pressures, the likelihood of such changes occurring rapidly and causing large-scale problems is somewhat exaggerated.

Arguments Against and Scientific Rebuttals

Opponents claim that GMOs are harmful to humans, cause allergies, or release endocrine disruptors. However, these claims often lack scientific evidence. For example, in crops containing the Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) gene, this protein is activated only in the digestive system of insects, damaging their digestive tract. However, humans lack the receptors to bind to it, so it is digested and broken down into amino acids. In other words, while it is toxic to insects, it is harmless to humans.
The claim that allergens are created during the genetic recombination process also ignores reality. The World Health Organization (WHO) and health authorities in various countries have strict review procedures in place for GMOs. They must undergo multiple stages of evaluation—including toxicity testing, allergy risk assessment, investigation of specific harmful components, stability assessment of recombinant genes, nutritional analysis, and analysis of unexpected issues arising from recombination—before being released to the market. Products that pass these reviews can be considered to have undergone more safety verification than conventional foods.
Claims regarding endocrine disruptors have also not been scientifically proven. While some raise philosophical and religious concerns about humans altering the fundamental order of life, such claims are often exaggerated or lack sufficient evidence.

Examples of Shifting Perceptions and Conclusions

One example illustrates just how widespread unscientific misconceptions about GMOs are. British environmental activist Mark Lynas, once a staunch opponent, had opposed GMOs since the early 2000s but changed his position in 2003 after considering the reality of global warming and the climate crisis. He has since publicly stated that GMOs can help alleviate food security issues caused by climate change. This shift suggests that public opposition to GMOs is not necessarily based on scientific evidence.
Over the past decade or so, no clear cases of disease or large-scale accidents caused by GMO foods have been reported. While some argue that this period is insufficient for safety verification, potential risks can be managed and mitigated through rigorous scrutiny and ongoing research. It is not desirable to restrict research itself, thereby blocking opportunities for improvement.
Ultimately, given the clear advantages of GMO technology, we must shift our perspective toward harnessing its potential while managing risks through transparent information sharing, strict regulation and review, and ongoing research. Through proper understanding and continuous improvement efforts, GMOs can become a key pillar in solving future food security challenges, leading to a safer and more prosperous future.