CHALLENGES AND HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF GMOs FOODS IN NIGERIA
Not to be cut out from the global trend, the use of modern technology to enhance food production and ensure adequate food security in Nigeria has generated much controversy over the introduction of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) foods.
What is GMOs?
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) have been defined as organisms, plants, animals or microorganisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating or natural recombination. This technology is called modern biotechnology or genetic engineering. It allows selected individual genes to be transferred from one organism into another, also between non-related species. And foods produced from or using GMO are often referred to as GMO foods.
A lot has been said about the health implications associated with its use after the pronouncement of the National Biosafety Development Agency, the regulatory body for biotechnology in Nigeria which gave approval to an agriculture company for the commercial release and market placement of genetically- modified cotton and the confined field trial of GMO maize in the country.
How safe are these GMO foods?
The various concerns raised on the health, environmental, socio-economic, technical and administrative, molecular and safety issues is still begging for answer from the regulatory body to convince the populace on the safety of the foods.
Also there is the issue on safety, environmental risk assessments, secondary pests and insect resistance that had been put before this body to allays peoples fears.
The fears is that GMO foods are unhealthy and studies showed how GMOs foods could leave genetic materials inside the human body causing long-term damage. Also, it was reported that Genes inserted into GMO soy, maize, yellow cassava (pro-vitamin), yellow yam, tomatoes deceptively called hybrid could transfer into DNA and also bacteria in the gut.
Furthermore, the fear that GMOs would contaminate the environment in Nigeria as GMOs cross pollinate and their seeds could travel tens to hundreds of miles away.
The issue of pesticide used could create monster humans because of genes mixtures.
What is your take on this GMO foods? Let hear your opinions today.
Send your contributions to:
The Publisher, FoodpreneurNews
Email:[email protected]
Telephone: +234-7059549741. WhatsApp: +234-7059549741
Twitter:@food_oke
Thanks for reading
