While traditional breeding techiques can exchange genes between similar species, benetic engineering allows the insertion of genes from any plant or animal into any other organism. For instance, the genes from a fish were inserted into a tomato to create a more durable tomatoe. It minght seem quite appealing to transfer desirable properties from one food into another. Perhaps we could design super foods that last forever and contain all the nutrients we need. However, given the huge complexity of the genetic code, no one can possibly predict the effects of introducing new genes into any plant or organism.
Biotechnology companies claim their methods are precise.
In fact, there is always some uncertainty where the inserted gene is going to land. ALso, a gene may act differently when placed in a new host, and the functioning of the host organism could be unpredictably altered. The risks of genetic mistakes are unlimited. Genetice engineering poses the greatest danger of any technology yet introduced because genetic mistakes can never be recalled. Safety testing will never be adequate, because any genetic defects, once introduced , will be passed on to all subsequent generations, and their effects will spread without limit.