For some time
now, science has been doing what nature is unable to do: to transfer
characteristics from one species - plant, animal or human being
- to another species. The result is genetically modified organisms
(GMOs). Applications of genetic modification can mainly be found
in the health sector (for example, in the production of medicines)
and in food production (vegetable and animal). In Belgium, as in
our neighbouring countries, GMOs for food are only being produced
on a trial basis. However, quite a large quantity of GMOs is already
being processed into food containing imported ingredients, such
as crisps, biscuits, baby food, and sauces.
This new technology is the topic of a large debate between the pro-GM
lobby and its opponents.
The main controversy which surrounds the desirability of genetic
modification concerns agriculture and food. Opponents will argue
about the possible risks to humans and the environment, the lack
of advantages that the technology generally has to offer to society,
and the impending dependency on multinationals. The proponents will
put forward arguments about the stringent measures that are being
put into place to avoid the risks and the many possible advantages
in the long term.
The fact is that nature is being used as a laboratory to carry out
experiments of which the long-term effects still cannot be predicted
with certainty. That is why society in general is so suspicious
about this technology and why people are demanding the most stringent
safety measures possible.
This 'Test-Aankoop' consumer site answers the most important questions
regarding GMOs based on existing scientific knowledge. We examine
how and in which conditions modern biotechnology could possibly
make a contribution to good and accessible healthcare, sufficient
high quality food, and to an appropriate level of welfare and wellbeing
in general. |
