Genetic Engineering in Food and Pharmaceutical Products: Benefits, Concerns and Ethical Considerations
akhlāq-i pizishkī i.e., Medical Ethics,
Vol. 15 No. 46 (1400),
7 June 2021
,
Page 1-15
https://doi.org/10.22037/mej.v15i46.35268
Abstract
Background and Aim: In order to sustain the world’s growing population, the production of food must be more than 70% of what it is produced today. A remarkable and stable solution for the eradication of hunger is using genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Genetic modifications have contributed to larger yields in agriculture and livestock as well as the development of new biopharmaceuticals, vaccines and proteins. Despite the large benefits that genetic engineering and GMOs can bring for us, they may produce some hazards and concerns in certain areas. Moreover, considering the products to be new and also vast changes that they can make in economical, social, health, and safety matters, ethical issues plays an important role in the application of these technologies.
Materials and Methods: This is a review study. Research data were collected by searching databases of Web of science, PubMed, Scopus, google scholar, Magiran (Bank of Iran's Magazines Information), SID (Jahad-e Daneshgahi Scientific Information Center) with keywords of Ethic, Genetic engineering, genetically modified organisms and transgenic.
Ethical Considerations: The findings of these articles are stated in all stages of the research without bias and with respect to ethical aspects.
Findings: In this study, first some of the beneficial effects of such products on humanity and their contribution to the conservation of available resources are pointed out and then possible concerns about mass production and consumption of transgenic products as well as safety issues are discussed. Finally, the need to observe ethical considerations, the importance of respecting the rights of customers and product labeling are mentioned.
Conclusion: Adopting rational and prospective policies by observing ethical aspects, enacting integrated laws to avoid consumer's confusion, observing ethical aspects and providing correct and unbiased informing can prevent the possible dangers of this technology and people will profit its benefits.
Cite this article as: Zahedipour F, Hosseini SA, Jalili A. Genetic Engineering in Food and Pharmaceutical Products: Benefits, Concerns and Ethical Considerations. Faslnamah-i akhlaq-i pizishki. 2021; 15(46): e19.
- Genetically Modified Organisms: Bioethics: Genetic Engineering: Safety
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