Since food is essential to keep humans alive, genetically modified organisms in food have been the subject of extensive research. Article 2 of European Directive 2001/18/EC defines a genetically modified organism (GMO) as an organism (i.e. plants, animals or microorganisms) in which the genetic material (i.e. 'i.e. DNA) has been modified in a way that does not occur naturally. by mating and/or natural recombination. Additionally, genetic modifications are prepared by adding genetic constructs which, when incorporated into the genome of plants or animals, create a GM (resultant variety) event (EFSA; Joint, FAO 2000). The global level of GMO food consumption is increasing rapidly. For example, between 1996 and 2003, land planted with genetically modified crops increased from approximately 3 million to 70 million hectares globally (Marabelli R., 2005). However, the use of GMOs carries identified risks that fall into three main categories: Are genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food harmful to health, the environment and the global economy? Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay First, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) pose risks to human health. GMOs increase cancer rates and ultimately lead to death. According to Christou (2013), fumonisins, fungal toxins produced by Fusarium molds during the colonization of cereals, are toxic to humans, mainly causing liver and kidney failure, esophageal cancer and increased transmission rates. of HIV. (M. Buiatti, P. Christou and G. Pastore). Additionally, genetically modified crops contain extraordinary pesticide residues, and the main component of some pesticides is glyphosate, a substance that stimulates breast cancer cells in humans. Several studies have shown that such a substance disrupts the endocrine system by eliminating a chemical that interferes with the hormonal system of mammals. These imbalances can lead to cancer as well as many diseases such as developmental disorders and birth defects according to a study published in the National Library of Medicine. Glyphosate has also been associated with an increase in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which is one of the sources leading to an increased risk of cancer (Hardell, L. 1999). Similarly, the United States National Academy of Sciences concluded that pesticide residues in American foods could cause a high percentage of premature and serious cancers over the next 75 years (National Research Council, 1996). There is evidence that DL-tryptophan supplements, which are produced by genetically modified bacteria, have caused death and disability (Love, LA, et al., 1993). Additionally, genetically modified foods are considered one of the leading causes of immune system dysfunction. According to Dr. Árpád Pusztai of the Rowett Research Institute in 1998, a rat fed a genetically modified food suffered from a dysfunction of its immune system (Pusztai 2001). Other research published in Purdue University's New Scientist showed that releasing a transgenic fish into its habitat could lead to the extinction of its population (Somerville 2000). There is evidence that some food allergies are caused by eating genetically modified foods. Studies carried out by ASCIA(Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy Limited) in Australia and New Zealand have shown that food allergy affects 10% of children up to 1 year of age; between 4 and 8% of children under 5 years old and around 2% of adults. Additionally, hospitalizations for serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) have doubled over the past decade in Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom. (ASCIA, 2018). Peanut and tree nut allergies are the most common reason infants and young children are allergic. Peanut allergy, common (3% of infants), receives considerable attention and approximately 20% of cases may worsen over time. Likewise, cow's milk is also considered a common cause of food allergies, especially in infants. In Australia and New Zealand around 2 percent (1 in 50) of infants are allergic to dairy products, particularly cow's milk. Although children recover between 3 and 5 years of age, other people continue to suffer from cow's milk allergies for a long time (ASCIA, 2018). Allergenicity, caused directly by the new proteins or by their interaction with the original proteins, is thought to create a new allergen (Bertoni G, 2005). In this regard, Rowland IR (2002) states that “it is obviously advisable to avoid using plants containing known allergens, for example peanuts and Brazil nuts, as gene sources for genetically modified plants” (27). There are concerns that genetically modified foods could damage the liver. After microscopic analysis, livers from soy-fed mice showed altered gene expression and structural and functional changes (Karawya, 2016). Many of these changes were reversed after the mice's diet was replaced with non-GM soy, indicating that GM soy was the cause (Malatesta, et al., 2002). Michael Antoniou, a molecular geneticist, concludes his research by saying that his findings "are not random and must reflect some 'insult' to the liver by the genetically modified soy." He goes on to conclude that although the long-term consequences of the genetically modified soy diet are not known, it “could lead to liver damage and, therefore, general toxemia” (Smith, 2007). Additionally, many studies have hypothesized that genetically modified foods are responsible for the development of infertility. Genetically modified foods could pose a potential reproductive harm. It also influences endocrine metabolism, endometriosis (GAO, et al., 2014). Some evidence has found that genetically modified foods may be linked to infertility-related illnesses (AA, Lanzone, A. and Goverde, AJ, 2013).‏Finally, an Austrian government study showed that mice fed it genetically modified corn (Bt and Roundup Ready) had fewer babies and smaller babies (Velimirov, A., Binter, C., & Zentek, J., 2008). Second, GMOs pose potential risks to 'environment. GMOs are toxic to plants and animals due to the use of chemical pesticides and herbicides. GMOs can be indirectly toxic to bees, butterflies and birds (Nicolopoulou-Stamati, et al., 2016). This is why the use of genetically modified crops requires the establishment of special facilities that at least limit the spread of seeds and pollen (Nuffield Council on Bioethics, 2004). The widespread cultivation of genetically modified crops has increased the use of herbicides such as glyphosate because moreHerbicides should be used to kill nearby weeds. In Canada, herbicide sales increased by 130% between 1994 and 2011 (Benbrook, 2016). Consequently, the use of glyphosate has led to the appearance and spread of “superweeds,” which can no longer be killed. For example, 37 weed species have evolved technologically advanced resistance to the herbicide glyphosate over the past 20 years (Rastogi, 2013).‏ As Arcieri (2016) believes, the breeding of genetically modified plants or animals has unpredictable effects on adjacent biodiversity. Genetic changes in plants can also create larger ecological changes. This means that there is a possibility of GMOs becoming weeds under agricultural conditions (Dale, 2002). As a result, the reduction in the production of other plants leads to a significant loss of biodiversity and an increase in the use of chemicals in agriculture (M. Buiatti, P. Christou and G. Pastore, 2013). Third, the impact of GMOs on the global economy is truly negative. The objective of launching GMO technology in an agro-industry is financial. Farmers hope that genetically modified crops will help them profit more from the biotechnology industry. However, they are negatively affected. The American experience, for example, proves that economic results are inconsistent. The autonomy of non-GM farmers could be threatened by gene flow from fields of GM crops (Whittaker, 2005‏). For example, a field study in Australia examined the transmission of herbicide tolerance from genetically modified canola and found that the highest level of contamination in neighboring fields was 0.07% (Rieger, et al., 2002). This level of contamination is well below the threshold of 0.9% set by the EU as the limit beyond which labeling is required. However, non-GMO farmers have established a zero tolerance rule towards GMOs and their autonomy could be compromised and financially compensated (Riegr, et al., 2002). Genetically modified crops are considered inaccessible to most citizens of developing countries. The patent monopoly results in income differences specifically between developed and developing countries (Spier, 2005). Developing countries may be reluctant to have genetically modified crop varieties for fear of putting their current and future export markets at risk, and they may also not be able to afford the infrastructure needed to enable to meet EU requirements for traceability and labeling (Nuffield Council on Bioethics, 2004). Due to the enormous investment of time and cost in the development of genetically modified products, patents are exploited to protect the rights of businesses in terms of unacceptable profits. Unfortunately, there are economic concerns about the use of patents. Consumers fear that by filing a patent on a new type of genetically modified plant, the price of seeds and crops could increase. In this case, farms, farmers and consumers in developing countries will not be able to afford these genetically modified crop varieties (Lalitha, N., 2004). In this way, the gap between rich and poor countries will widen considerably. For example, in 1999, 12 companies, most of which were funded by the United States Department of Agriculture, held more than 25 patents for making seeds genetically.