In the contemporary society, there are various issues that tend to be very controversial yet essential for human existence. One of such issues is related to genetically modified organism (GMO) that is used in food production. GMOs are the organisms that were altered through genetic engineering for the improvement of their qualities and consequent different use in the human life. They are often used for food and industrial purposes. The aim of this paper is to explore the issue of genetically modified organisms from the contemporary perspective and outline their pros and cons. In this regard, attention is paid to food aspect and human consumption of GMOs.
The issue of GMOs is not very new and is a scientific response to the global trends in human development –lack of food and natural resources for the increasing human population. While ordinary food plants suffer from various diseases, weather conditions and are affected by pesticides, genetically modified cultures can withstand all of the harmful influences of the environment (Bertheau, 2012, p. 76). Starting from 1996 when the GM crops were cultivated for commercial purposes on 2.8 million hectares, the areas used for cultivation of GM crops began to increase worldwide. In 2005, the number was around 90 million hectares and in 2009 – 134 million (Kaphengst et al. 2011, p. 1). Moreover, figures vary by country but are largely conditioned by the large population of each country:
