Genetically modified (GM) foods are modified using biotechnology. That is, GM foods have had foreign genes inserted into their genetic codes (Forman, 2010). Genetic modification can be done in plants, microorganisms or animals. Genetically engineered foods are developed for greater resistance for viruses and pests, longer shelf life and higher nutritional value. Most common foods that have undergone genetic modification include chicory, maize, soybeans, pineapples, oilseed, strawberries and potatoes. Proponents of GM foods argue that they are inexpensive, safe and nutritious foods that are needed in the world today to feed the ever increasing population. However, there are safety, ethical concerns and potential risks that have elicited heavy debate on genetically modified foods. In recent times, there have been numerous debates on the effects of GM foods on human and even to the environment. Several environmental organizations and public interest groups have been on the forefront protesting against GM foods for obvious reasons (Forman, 2010). It is true that the world’s population is increasing at a higher rate and the number of people that require food is on the rise. The big question is however, is GM food the way to go in curbing the word’s hunger and feeding the increasing population?
Although GM foods have numerous advantages, I decided to argue against it using the minimal disadvantages it has. I do not refute the fact that there is need for more food to feed the increasing population, however health is a very essential part of lives that do not need to be compromised. I agree with Pusztai’s experiments and I believe similar experiments should be undertaken to determine the real effects of GM foods. There are several concerns that were raised by scientists like Pusztai or Michael Hansen at Consumers Union that are ignored. Even the proponents of GM foods agree to that there are several side effects of GMOs. Then why should we encourage the production of GMOs when we know that they affect our health, even at the minimum?
Apart from Pusztai and Michael Hansen; other scientists, members of the public and community groups have raised several concerns towards GM foods. These concerns include:
 GMOs can cause allergies. In 1996, Brazilian scientists did an experiment where they transferred Brazil nuts into a soybean. When they feed soybean to mice, they ascertained that ben would trigger reactions in nut allergy sufferers.
 Cross breeding. Genetically modified crops can cross-breed with surrounding vegetation including weeds. For instance, the development of glyphosate-resistant soybeans in 1996 has resulted to glyphosate-tolerant weeds that have triggered faster use of herbicides.
 Biodiversity-large scale production of GMOs may affect the balance of wildlife and the environment. For example, bees do not know GMO crops and non-GMO crops. As a result of cross-pollination, GM crops can affect non-GMO crops and organically-farmed crops.
 Possible development of antibiotic resistance. Those who develop the GMOs often insert a marker gene on the host DNA. This will enable them determine whether a new gene has been successfully introduced to the host DNA. If genes coded for antibiotic resistance is channeled into the food chain, and are consumed by human gut micro-flora, there could be limited positive effects of antibiotics and hence increased risk of human infectious disease (Forman, 2010).
With the increasing global population, there is definitely a need for increased food production to help feed this population. It is a fact that genetically modified foods offer a viable solution to this challenge, however, proper care has to be undertaken when dealing with GMOs. This is because, they come will negative effects that may results to long term effects on consumers. Until proper experiments and research on GMOs, I argue that GMOs are only short term solutions but long term disaster to food programs. I rest my case.

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