In this blog post, we examine the definition and benefits of GMOs brought about by advances in biotechnology, the concerns raised, and the resulting need for regulation.
Definition and Purpose
Advances in biotechnology have given humanity the power to manipulate the genes of living organisms. Whilst genetic modification has produced beneficial outcomes, it has also given rise to side effects and associated concerns. ‘Artificial mutants’ created through genetic modification are expanding their reach into fields and forests, and even onto our dining tables. Given this situation, it has become difficult to maintain unconditional opposition. So, how should we utilise them to minimise side effects and allay public concerns?
First, let us examine whether genetically modified organisms truly benefit humanity. The term ‘GMO’ is used to refer to the products of genetic modification, and relevant government agencies define GMOs as organisms into which useful genes have been inserted to produce beneficial traits. In other words, it is clear that the fundamental purpose of creating GMOs is to benefit humanity.
The Benefits of GMOs
Among the benefits offered by GMOs, the one humanity anticipates most is the resolution of the food crisis. The world’s population has already surpassed several billion and is expected to increase significantly in the future. Whilst population growth may be exponential, the area available for cultivating crops is limited, and it is difficult to increase this area easily. However, by utilising GMOs, it is possible to cultivate crops that yield higher harvests or to obtain a variety of products from a single crop.
In addition to resolving food shortages, GMOs offer a wide range of benefits. They enable the cultivation of crops resistant to pests and natural disasters, as well as the rearing of livestock resistant to infectious diseases. Several countries are already using genetically modified seeds to grow crops such as maize and soya beans that are resistant to pests and diseases. Furthermore, GMOs can be utilised in the energy and medical sectors. There are examples of using genetic modification to mass-produce grains for use as bioenergy, or using bacterial genes to synthesise medicines such as insulin. In addition, research is underway into using genetically modified foods to aid in the treatment of specific diseases or to confer disease resistance.
Concerns and Research Findings
Compared to other fields of biotechnology, GMO research and utilisation are still in their infancy, which is why academia and civil society organisations continue to raise concerns about the adverse effects of GMOs. They argue that GMOs could lead to the destruction of ecosystems. Opinions on this claim are divided, and research findings vary. Some reports indicate that no significant differences in characteristics were observed between GMO crops and conventional crops, and there are even cases where GMOs have naturally disappeared through competition with wild plants. According to such research, the likelihood of GMOs destroying ecosystems at this stage may be low. However, due to a lack of information and the short duration of studies, it cannot be definitively concluded that they are permanently safe.
Recently, the crisis facing the Cavendish banana variety has been cited as an example of an ecological problem resulting from genetic modification. It is argued that the Cavendish variety, having been produced for a long time through methods such as grafting, has seen a reduction in genetic diversity, making it vulnerable to disease. Whilst it is certainly true that specific varieties are threatened by human cultivation methods, it is a stretch to link this directly to widespread ecological destruction. In nature, the proliferation and extinction of species occur repeatedly for various reasons, and human intervention may, in some respects, have actually helped to preserve certain species.
Meanwhile, there are significant concerns regarding safety. As GMOs are consumed or used directly by humans, particular care must be taken to verify their safety compared to other research. Generally, it is understood that genes and proteins are broken down during the digestive process, making the likelihood of their absorption into the human body or transfer to gut microbiota extremely low. However, concerns about potential toxicity have been raised in some long-term animal studies, and as a result, public anxiety remains high.
Regulatory Status and Necessity
Legal regulations and international protocols have been established to address the potential adverse effects of GMO use. According to the internationally adopted ‘Protocol on Biosafety’, if there is insufficient scientific evidence to guarantee the safety of GMO products, importing countries may restrict the import of such products, and if they are not convinced of their safety, they may conduct their own safety tests. Furthermore, many countries operate labelling schemes for genetically modified foods to guarantee consumers’ right to know and their right to choose.
However, current labelling schemes and regulations do not fully alleviate consumer anxiety. For example, whilst some countries require products to be labelled as GM on the main label or in the list of ingredients, information regarding the specific methods and extent of genetic modification is often not provided. Furthermore, there is a lack of specific criteria regarding the scope of genetic modification or the proportion of GMOs used as raw materials. This absence of information leads the public to oppose GMOs on a vague basis and makes it difficult to trace the cause should problems arise in the future.
Regulating GMOs requires not only national efforts but also global cooperation. This is because, in modern society where transnational corporations wield significant influence, regulations imposed by a single country may not be sufficient to impose major constraints on corporate activities. Whilst the current international framework includes provisions on import and export regulations and labelling between countries, efforts are needed to strengthen regulations on research methods and provisions governing transnational corporations.
Meanwhile, from a market perspective, GMOs are showing a trend of expansion. Past surveys have reported that genetically modified crop seeds account for a significant proportion of the global seed market, and as attitudes towards their acceptance shift in various regions, there is a high likelihood that development and market expansion will continue. Therefore, rather than simply voicing opposition, it is important to consider how transparently we can understand GMOs and how we can regulate and utilise them appropriately.
In conclusion, GMOs present clear benefits alongside potential risks. To persuade those who oppose them, evidence demonstrating that ‘GMOs can be used safely to minimise adverse effects’ and concrete regulatory measures are required. If the scope of regulation is flexibly adjusted as information is accumulated through diverse and ongoing research, and if transparent labelling and international cooperation are strengthened, public anxiety can gradually be alleviated.
