What are the potential risks of genetic engineered foods?
Opponents of genetic engineering raise concerns about the safety and ethics of creating novel organisms as well as the impact that genetic engineering will have on the environment Specific concerns include: • Lack of long term studies on food safety. • Lack of long term studies on environmental impact. • Diminished opportunity for organic/sustainable agriculture • Potential risk of rendering Bacillius thuringiensis (Bt), a natural biological pesticide, useless due to widespread use of Bt-engineered crops. • Potential life threatening danger for individuals with food allergies or sensitivities who might unknowingly ingest altered foods to which they are allergic, sensitive, or intolerant. • New genetic structure of foods might result in new allergens. • Toxicity levels of naturally occurring food toxins might result in new allergens. • Toxicity levels of naturally occurring food toxins might inadvertently be altered. • Cruelty to animals. • Unacceptability of creating novel organisms th
