Opening Pandora's Box?

If you’ve been on Facebook lately, you might have noticed numerous posts denouncing Monsanto Corp., an agribusiness giant who appears to be spearheading an effort that enables consumers to buy foods cultivated from genetically-engineered crops, which experts call genetically modified organisms or (GMOs).

So what’s the fuss? GMOs are crops that people have altered in a laboratory with the intent of improving such traits as nutritional content or resistance to herbicides. Traditionally, scientists used the rather lengthy process of selective breeding to enhance crops. However, genetic engineering has proven to be much quicker and more accurate.

Potentially, GMOs could prove to be a windfall for humanity. Scientists could develop crops that can endure droughts and frost. In addition, genetic engineering could enable farmers to grow crops that are resistant to many destructive fungi and viruses.

However, many folks are troubled that GMOs might cause unintended harm to other organisms. One recent study indicated that genetically altered corn caused increased mortality rates among monarch butterfly caterpillars. Another concern many people have is that genetically modified crops could produce a dangerous allergen, which in turn, would be ushered into the world with little or no warning. Moreover, many people fear the new technology simply because so much about its consequences remain unknown.

I tend to agree with the above sentiment. I think we should tread lightly before we open a potential Pandora’s Box that unleashes a whole host of ugly things.