Food plants have been fortified with a gene that produces a natural pesticide, eliminating the need to spray clouds of toxic chemicals over acres of crops. We will create better products, that meet specific needs and will do it faster than ever before. However, according to agricultural scientists, the rush to promote genetic engineering as a solution to world food shortages is undermining current research on crops. Although it is less exotic, this research is more effective and could also benefit the poorer parts of the world. Biotechnology has moved at such a dizzying pace that neither the law nor regulating agencies can keep up with it.
Research can scarcely begin to prevent unforeseen consequences from arising.
A growing chorus of critics warn of unintended results, ranging from severe economic dislocation for the world's farmers to environmental destruction and threats to human health. They point to a number of potential dangers. If a gene producing a protein that causes allergic responses ended up in corn, for instance, people who suffer from food allergies could be exposed to grave danger. Despite the fact that food-regulating agencies require companies to report whether altered food contains any problem proteins, some researchers fear that unknown allergens could slip through the system. Some experts believe that genetic modification may enhance natural plant toxins in unexpected ways.