Are the Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) harmful to human health?

GMOs are crops that have had genes added to them to enhance their growth, versatility or natural pest resistance. 

Historically, wild plants were bred to have better characteristics for farming by selectively planting only the most ideal plants available. 

GMOs accelerate this process by using scientific techniques to give the target plant a specific genetic trait. The expected result is known in advance, as in the modification of corn to produce the insecticide Bt toxin. 

Because GMO crops naturally have increased resistance, they require fewer pesticides for successful farming. Thus GMOs may reduce the harmful environmental and occupational health effects of both synthetic and organic biopesticides. 

One specific concern is the possibility for GMOs to negatively affect human health. This could result from differences in nutritional content, allergic response, or undesired side effects such as toxicity, organ damage, or gene transfer. After more than 20 years of monitoring by countries and researchers around the world, many of the suspicions surrounding the effects of GMOs on organ health, our offspring, and our DNA have been addressed and tested. No effects on human health have been shown as a result of the consumption of such foods by the general population in the countries where they have been approved. The GM foods on the international market have passed risk assessments and are not likely to present risks for human health. GMOs have been found to exhibit no toxicity, in one generation or across many. Though each new product will require careful analysis and assessment of safety, it appears that GMOs as a class are no more likely to be harmful than traditionally bred and grown food sources. There is no evidence that GMOs are harmful to health. 

Some concern has been raised that GMOs that are resistant to glyphosate (Roundup) encourage the use of this herbicide in higher levels. 

While one study suggested that high levels of glyphosate can promote cancer in lab animals, these levels were far higher than those consumed in GMO produce and even those of occupational or environmental exposures.