Are transgenic crops safe to eat? The question continues to spark global discussion as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) become increasingly common in modern agriculture. Scientists and agricultural experts say these biotech crops are developed to improve productivity, resist pests, and strengthen food security.

The commercialization of crops spliced with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) started in 1996. Since that time, numerous farmers have begun cultivating biotech crops.

So far, 73 countries have integrated biotech crops into their agricultural systems, 44 through cultivation and 29 through imports, according to the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), Inc. report.

“Biotech/GM crop approvals and cultivation often serve as a strategic response to a nation’s needs and immediate challenges, such as intensifying pest pressure, high commodity import costs, or domestic supply deficits,” said Dr. Rhodora Romero-Aldemita, Executive Director of ISAAA Inc. and the report’s lead author.

“Ultimately, it is a country’s responsibility to utilize political will and effective regulatory frameworks to overcome the challenges and hurdles. By prioritizing agri-biotechnology, nations can stabilize their food systems and ensure that the benefits of innovation reach the poor and marginalized people,” she added.

In the Philippines, it is possible that Filipinos are consuming transgenic foods, such as potato chips, corn cereals, or soya milk. “Whether one loves it or hates it, transgenic food is poised to become a more significant component of our diet,” remarked an observer.

The big question is: are they safe to eat?

Researchers from Chosun University and Seoul National University in Korea conducted a comprehensive review of decades of scientific literature and global health data, discovering no consistent evidence that links the consumption of GMOs to significant human health issues.

The analysis involved a thorough examination of epidemiological studies and international health records to assess whether exposure to GMOs is correlated with diseases such as cancer, allergies, or reproductive disorders.

The research team scrutinized studies from various scientific databases and implemented rigorous selection criteria to evaluate pertinent research. Additionally, they analyzed national health trends through time-trend and Joinpoint regression analyses to ascertain whether disease rates experienced changes following the introduction of GMOs in different nations. The study juxtaposed the timelines of GMO approvals with the incidence of major diseases across different populations.

The results indicated no consistent correlation between GMO consumption and heightened rates of cancer, reproductive toxicity, allergies, or other chronic illnesses. While disease trends fluctuated across different countries and time frames, these variations did not correspond with the authorization or adoption of GMOs.

In conclusion, the researchers determined that the existing epidemiological evidence does not substantiate a causal link between GMO consumption and significant human health risks.