GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD: A concern for mankind or an attempt to reduce free production of food Cover Image

ГМ ХРАНА – БРИГА ЗА ЧОВЕЧАНСТВО ИЛИ ПОКУШАЈ СМАЊЕЊА СЛОБОДЕ ПРОИЗВОДЊЕ ХРАНЕ
GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD: A concern for mankind or an attempt to reduce free production of food

Author(s): Vidoje Spasić, Aleksandra Vasić
Subject(s): Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence
Published by: Правни факултет Универзитета у Нишу
Keywords: GM food; GMO; genetic modification; mankind

Summary/Abstract: Genetically modified food (GM food) is one of the most important and controversial issues which has been drawing a great deal of attention recently. The production of GM food involves the use of genetic engineering, under the auspices of biotechnology. The genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms whose genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally through natural fertilization and/or natural recombination. There are many reasons that justify the use of GM food in human and animal diet, particularly in terms of the higher yield of crops which ultimately solves the problem of feeding the mankind. However, there are many counterarguments that seriously question and challenge the use of GM food. The hitherto scientific studies have shown that the use of GM food causes adverse effect in laboratory animals. However, the main problem is uncertainty which is reflected in the fact that we still do not have enough evidence about the consequences of using GM food in people, primarily because its detrimental effects become apparent only after a period of time. The existing Serbian legislation contains a number of legislative acts and statutory provisions which regulate this subject matter and impose some limitations on the use of GM food. However, the legal provisions in the Draft Act on Genetically Modified Organisms are aimed at legalizing the production, trade and use of GM food. Only time will tell what kind of negative effects it may have on human beings, animals and environment.

  • Issue Year: LXIV/2013
  • Issue No: 64
  • Page Range: 139-158
  • Page Count: 20
  • Language: Serbian