Science and Food - Genetically Modified Rice

//Rice is Life//

Rice is consumed across the world and it’s estimated over 3.5 billion people incorporate it as a staple food. I have travelled to different continents and have always found myself lapping up a plate of rice at some point. Rice is found in many countries, including those that are still in poverty today. Genetically modified food is a touchy subject for which international regulation has a strong grip on. As technology and science and moved forwards, we are now seeing artificially grown meat and other modified foods. Yet it was decades ago when genetically modified rice or “Golden Rice” was created by scientists to provide additional nutrition.

//Vitamin A Support//

Improving the staple diet by bolstering existing means is an effective way of quickly solving certain problems. The modification of this rice strand would see a boost in Vitamin A which would help to prevent various diseases including blindness in younger demographics. Malnutrition is a serious issue in countries that have limited access to food resource and this is a case of where science has intended to do right but fear, standards and perhaps other motives have halted efforts entirely. Lack of Vitamin A in children is a serious issue and it’s estimated that millions of lives could have been saved if the rice had been authorised for distribution and growth in these areas.

//Scrutiny and Risk//

Arguments exist for and against of the genetically modified crops as entities feel that such solutions hold no significant results and are a huge risk to safety due to adverse effects and contamination. The latter reason would be the main cause for concern and it is the Cartagena Protocol that ensure that risk is managed appropriately when dealing with such cases. Altering a staple diet of a population through human intervention is a serious matter. While stated benefits are on the table, there are numerous risks that could emerge after a number of years. Accountability for this is also an important part of regulation.

//Rice on the Horizon//

Golden rice has passed regulation in numerous developed countries after decades of testing. It is understandable as to why such thorough testing is needed, unfortunately, planting and growing in countries that are in desperate need are still under review. Could GM crops lead to a new standard of living for the masses? Or might it yield catastrophic events in the years to come? It remains to be seen how and when the GM crops will impact those in need but it is definitely a situation that should be monitored by all with great attention.

Sources

https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/sustainable-agriculture/issues/gmos/
http://ricepedia.org/rice-as-food/the-global-staple-rice-consumers
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/26/gm-golden-rice-delay-cost-millions-of-lives-child-blindness
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/feb/02/genetic-modification-breakthrough-golden-rice