Hunger or GMOs In October 2002 , the government of Zambia announced that it was

Question

Hunger or GMOs

In October 2002 , the government of Zambia announced that it was refusing to distribute 15,000 tons of corn donated by the US , enough corn to feed 2.5 million Zambians for 3 weeks. The government rejected the corn because it was likely to contain genetically modified kernels. The government made the decision after its scientific advisers concluded that the studies of the health risks posed by GM crops are "inconclusive" .Do you agree with Zambia's decision to turn away the corn? Why or why not? In your answer , consider that at the time , Zambia was facing food shortages , and 35,000 Zambians were expected to starve to death over the next six months. How does the risk posed by GM crops compare to the risk of starvation?

Explanation / Answer

I would not agree with Zambia's decision to turn away the GM corn. Most of the develped and the developing countries use GM crops. According to US National Academy of Sciences, no adverse health effects have been attributed to GM crops in the human population. When 35,000 were expected to starve to death in a period of six months, there should be no question of doubt in adopting GM crops and feeding the people. Further, scientific studies have concluded the lack of evidence in supporting the theory that organically produced food is any safer than GM crops. Hence, in any given day, risk posed by GM crops is null or very minimal when compared to the risk of starvation.

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