The World Health Organization (WHO) said Thursday that it recognizes the benefits that farmers and consumers can get from genetically modified (GM) foods, but safety checks will always need to be performed before they are marketed.
There is much controversy surrounding this topic with some people claiming that GM foods can pose health threats. The WHO says that genetically altering foods can enhance the quality of the food leading to better health and nutrition.
The subject is sensitive in Europe, where consumers are generally suspicious of GMOs, and the European Union is locked in a trade row with the United States, Canada and Argentina over Brussels’ reluctance to authorise new imports.
An initial ruling by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is due in early October.
The WHO said some 800 million people in developing countries were undernourished, despite a 50 percent decline in world food prices over the past two decades, and the global population was expected to reach eight billion in 2025 compared to six at the moment.
“GM foods currently available on the international market have passed risk assessments and are not likely to, nor have been shown to, present risks for human health,” said a study performed by the WHO.
The production of GM crops has increased dramatically over the last 10 years. The first GM food to be launched on the market was in the mid 90s. Not very many countries are producing GM foods right now, but the United States is the biggest producer.
Chris is a staff writer for Murdok. Visit Murdok for the latest ebusiness news.
