One of the most important issues facing the world today is a shortage of food and some think genetically modified foods are a possible solution. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Surging global populations have led some to suggest genetically modified

foods

as one potential avenue for meeting demand. In my opinion, though

this

new food technology has its risks, it is a viable solution. Detractors point to the unknown effects of

GM

foods

on the human body. It is common sense that many of the methods in practice today,

such

as injecting livestock with growth hormone are not only unethical but

also

could have unintended adverse effects.

This

situation mirrors that of artificial preservatives, which some researchers believe are one of the catalysts behind rising cancer rates. The longitudinal studies currently being done on

GM

food consumption are inconclusive and the industry is evolving so quickly that they may be irrelevant by the time they have clear results.

Nonetheless

, the dangers detailed above will decrease with more research and it is a burgeoning science with unlimited potential. The research into

GM

foods

so far has helped to create insect-resistant crops, which decreases the need for pesticides that have their own risks to health. Scientists claim that as they learn more about genetics, they will be able to create

foods

with greater nutritional content.

Moreover

, there are new crops,

such

as strains of corn and okra, that can be grown with less water than normal.

This

is particularly important in regions susceptible to famine like sub-Saharan Africa. In conclusion, the possible health risks of

GM

foods

do not outweigh the logic of taking full advantage of emerging innovations. There should be controls and regulations but

this

research should be ongoing.