OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY

An Exploratory Analysis on the Impacts of Genetically Modified

Organisms in AquaAdvantage Salmon

The Research Paper Presented to the

Our Lady of Fatima University

College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Psychology

In Partial Fulfillment of Requirements in

Science, Technology and Society (STAS111)

Group 1

Arellano, Jackielyn

Barit, Zarah Abigael

Cabigting, Xeidin Coleen

Cruz, Angelica

Mateo, Paul Gyneth

Mendoza, William Benjamin

BS PSYCHOLOGY 1Y1-2
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

AquAdvantage salmon was developed by Aqua Bounty Technologies in 1989 as a

genetically altered Atlantic salmon. It is a genetically engineered Atlantic salmon and a

typical growth hormone-regulating gene from Pacific Chinook salmon. This gene allows GM,

(genetically modified salmon) or as it known as Aquadvantage salmon to grow all year

instead of just in the spring and summer. In 1989, the AquAdvantage salmon founder

animal was created by injecting a recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (rDna), a molecule

that contains of two polynucleotide chains that contains biological instructions that can

make each species unique for the development, functioning, growth and reproduction of all

known organisms, and a protein-coding sequence from a Chinook salmon growth hormone

gene into fertilized eggs of Wild Atlantic salmon that makes it differ from other fish (Pollack,

2015). It is noticeably that AquaAdvantage Salmon takes part in fulfilling the advance threat

for extinction.

According to study, Salmon is safe to eat and contains omega-3 fatty acids, which

are beneficial to one's health and a first genetically modified animal food product, and it

could be the first of many that benefit consumers despite the fact that the AquAdvantage

salmon isn't even ready for the market. However, the FDA determined that AquAdvantage

Salmon meets the statutory requirements for safety and effectiveness under the Federal

Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) based on a comprehensive analysis of the

scientific evidence. The salmon are safe to consume, the introduced DNA is not harmful to

the fish, and the salmon meet the sponsor's claim of faster growth. (U.S Food and Drug

Administration, April 2020.) However, some consumers and environmental groups have

been outspoken in their opposition to salmon approval, claiming that the safety studies

were inadequate and that wild salmon populations could be harmed as its one specific

source of concern is the possibility that GMOs will harm human health. This could be
due to nutritional differences, allergic reactions, or unfavorable side effects such as toxicity,

organ damage, or gene transfer.

In opposition with this, Ms.Bernadatte Dunham, director of the agency’s Center foe

Veterinary Medicine said in a statement that, “FDA has thoroughly analyzed and evaluated

the data information submitted by the AquaBounty regarding the AquAdvantage Salmon,

and determined that they have met the regulatory requirements for approval, including that

food from the fish is safe to eat.” The FDA said, that to approve the salmon, it determined

that the fish was safe to eat, that the inserted genetic element inserted did not harm the

fish itself, and that the company had adequately proved that the salmon grew faster. (The

New York Times, November 2015.)

In this study, the researchers will be discussed further related research regarding the

impacts of genetically modified organisms, (GMO) on AquaAdvantage Salmon. It has

timeless legacy in our generation where the rampage of technology has its own space in the

environment. The researchers will definitely find out in the end where impacts lie on the

effectiveness of GMOs in AquaAdvantage Salmon are beneficial but also good in all areas it

is relevant.
 CHAPTER 2

FINDINGS (PURPOSE/ADVANTAGES/RISK)

2.1 Purpose of GMO AquaAdvantage Salmon

With the unanticipated range of demand in fishery it has been a threat for human

consumption and need. This study further explains the purpose of the AquaAdvantage

Salmon as the Genetically Modified organism that supports more of the production to

sustain the demand for fishery as particular as the salmon. According to Upton and Cowan

(2015) Genetic engineering techniques are used by scientists to insert genetic material from

one organism into the genome of another organism. Genetically engineered salmon have

been modified to grow more quickly and to use feed more efficiently. In line with this, the

upbringing changes in society it needs to take ways providing such genetically engineered

organisms to sustain, provide and facilitate human exigency.

2.1.1 Reproduction. Human Consumption and Ecology

AquAdvantage Salmon was developed by inserting into a fertilized Atlantic salmon

egg, a transgene constructed from the growth hormone gene of a related species (Chinook

salmon). The AquAdvantage genetic construct confers upon the Atlantic salmon a rapid

growth phenotype and improved metabolic efficiencies associated with low but sustained

levels of growth hormone. This allows the fast-growing AquAdvantage Salmon to reach

market size in half the time of a conventional Atlantic salmon. AquAdvantage Salmon will be

available only as all female, sterile, eyed eggs, and the resulting fish must be maintained in

a freshwater, land based, physically contained facility. (Clifford, 2014). With this claim, GMO

in particulars with the AquaAdvantage Salmon main purpose is to replicate and reproduce

many salmon with variety of growth hormones. It is hereby said that its for better human

consumption and for preservation of salmon in the seas.

2.1.2 Genetic Modification

 According to Upton and Cowan (2015) By a broad definition, “genetic modification”

refers to changes in an organism’s genetic makeup that do not occur in nature. For

millennia, farmers and scientists have modified the genetics of animals by selecting those

individuals with desirable traits for further breeding. With the advent of modern

biotechnology (e.g., genetic engineering or bioengineering), it is now possible to take a

gene (or genes) for a specific trait from an organism and transfer it to another organism of

a different species. For the purpose of FDA’s guidance to industry, FDA defines genetically

engineered (GE) animals as those animals modified by recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid

(DNA), known as rDNA, techniques, including the entire lineage of animals that contain the

modification. It is mainly for remodification of organisms as many researchers foresee

extinction that may come in time. Mainly to be prepared and allow more preparation if

extinction happens. The study of GMO and its impact allocates such time for preparation for

possible unavailability of organisms that may still sustain the needs for human consumption.

2.2. Advantages of AquaAdvantage Salmon

AquaAdvantage Salmon has rampage numbers of advantages in environment and

such. It is observable that with the abovementioned purpose that it also serves many

positive outcomes for the ecosystem. Therefore, the researchers develop the findings

advantages to emphasize the given horizon of this genetically modified organism.

2.2.1 Competency in Awareness

Development of GE fish has prompted some advocacy groups to raise a number of

environmental concerns. For example, if fish are accidently released into the environment,

they may spread and be difficult to contain. GE fish that escape to the wild could compete

with wild fish and harm wild populations. Another concern is that GE fish may interbreed

with wild fish and allow the modified genetic material to become assimilated into the wild

fish population.11 Sterilization and bio confinement have been proposed to isolate GE fish

from wild fish populations. (Uptown and Cowan, 2015). With the many competencies of
research in the society it impacted the people towards development and progress. As the

AquaAdvantage Salmon resist its main goal in the field of study it mainly needs awareness

for many to be known. It was never heard before but with the Competency in Awareness it

makes sense.

2.2.2 Production of Demand

According to Uptown and Cowan (2015), AquaBounty will produce salmon eggs (all

sterile females) in Canada, ship these eggs to Panama, grow and process fish in Panama,

and ship table-ready, processed fish to the United States for retail sale. AquaBounty will

limit production to land-based facilities to isolate GE salmon from the environment and

minimize the likelihood of harm to wild fish populations. Production from these facilities is

limited to approximately 100 metric tons, which is a small fraction of the current U.S. fresh

and frozen salmon supply of 700,000 metric tons. We can see that production in demand

with developed countries shown the efficacy rate of the GMO on the AquaAdvantage

Salmon. It is limited but for the fact that it is produce widely with different countries it is

noticeably that it is verified for production and in fact safe.

2.3 Risks of AquaAdvantage Salmon

As seen in the efficacy of its advantage we can make sure also tat it has downsides

that maybe a factor for the decrease of its effectiveness. It all may be just a threat if

mislead and mishandled. So here are some risks that may affect the efficacy in usage and

development of AquaAdvantage Salmon.

2.3.1 Malformations

In a report addressed to the Center for Veterinary Medicine of the U.S. Food and

Drug Administration (CVM-FDA), ABT acknowledges that the first generations of

AquAdvantage Salmon exhibited a high rate of malformations, although they then underline

that after ten years of crosses “the health and well-being” of AquAdvantage Salmon does
not differ from that of nontransgenic Atlantic salmon (AquaBounty Technology 2010).

However, no scientific explanation of this phenomenon is supplied. The Veterinary Medicine

Advisory Committee (VMAC) seemed to be surprised, above all because “the decrease in

irregularities was not as notable in non-GE comparators”, but they then concluded that “it

may be a function of the underlying genetics of the brood stock families used in the

breeding crosses, or possibly, other factors” (VMAC 2010, p. 29). It would be interesting to

know what these “other factors” are, as the data arising from only five years of investigation

were considered and, above all, the trend in the values of malformations seems to be

random: for example, in the final year of analysis, the percentage of non-transgenic

salmon, used as controls, presenting malformations was equal to 71.5% a surprisingly high

value. Its very hard to predict the inevitable circumstances such as conflicts with the

machinery for the production but to try and put it in the field of research and experiment

but we must also take in mind that in research there is still level of errors and chance

factor.

2.3.2 Human Health Implications and Material Equivalence

As we have mentioned, the AquAdvantage Salmon is the first genetically modified

animal designed for human consumption. The issue of its health implication is thus

absolutely new and, for this reason, independent, systematic studies about food safety do

not yet exist. The matters of concern are two-fold: (1) allergenicity, and (2) the undesired

modification of the biochemical composition of the edible tissues due to the alteration of

metabolic processes. The Atlantic salmon in itself is a known allergenic food, thus it is

probable that the AquAdvantage Salmon is also as such. ABT claims to have conducted

studies on its allergenicity, but they were considered as unsatisfactory by the CVM-FDA. The

CVMFDA have since conducted their own studies on the allergenic potential of triploid

salmon expressing the EO-1α gene, which did not result as being different from that of

controls (VMAC 2010). Salmon is type of fish which we all know that seafoods have the hig
values for allergenicity and biochemical composition that may harm human health and

create serious physical damage or reactions.

2.3.3 Ecological Problems and the Narrative of Control

Given the broad and raising agreement about the potential risks of GE salmon joining

the vast crowds of escapees from conventional open water net-pen aquaculture (Gausen

and Moen 1991, McKinnell et al. 1997 and Crozier 1998), and the consequent lowering

probability of approval from the FDA, AquAbounty modified its business plan, abandoning

the idea of conventional open sea facilities and moving towards the idea of self-contained,

land-based aquaculture. From then on, with a quite brilliant marketing shift, the GE salmon

became the only solution to make this highly expensive and less polluting fish farming

technique economically feasible. It should also take consideration with the aspect of

narrative control, it is possible that it was made for the expensiveness and to make profit as

well. Genetically modified Organisms are pricey as it uses many tools and materials to

create and so the by-product of it might be as two-times higher value that the original.
 CHAPTER 3

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This research study aims to develop a wide horizon for the betterment of GMO

AquaAdvantage Salmon in the market or so in the environment. In this part, the

researchers find out its main goal of efficiency, advantages, and disadvantages to conclude

the Impacts of GMO on the latter said topic of AquaAdvantage Salmon.

Genetically Modified Organism with the AquaAdvantage Salmon was mainly

immersed in account of the threat for the extinction in the fishery and the high demand for

human consumption. The AquAdvantage Salmon, by one of the leading US aquaculture

corporations, AquaBounty Technologies Inc (ABT). According to ABT, through the addition of

a growth-hormone gene construct, the patented fish is designed to reach the market size in

about 18 months, close to half of the average time-to-market of conventionally farmed

salmon. Moreover, the total feed required to produce the same fish biomass is reduced by

25%, giving the producer a significant net overall economic gain. As the AquaBounty

narrative goes, this saving would make economically viable to rear the fish in otherwise too

costly, physically contained inland facilities, isolated from marine ecosystems, therefore less

polluting and more environmentally sustainable (AquaBounty Technology 2010). It is to give

way also for the farmers health as they feed the conventional one. We have technology as

we surpass to use it for organism’s reproduction and modification.

The genetically modified salmon has its powerful advancement in the field of fishery

and food. One is that AquaAdvantage Salmon save many lives of fisherman for working

almost 24 hours and it will decrease the time span for working. It is the priority of the field

of science because we notice the rapid changing of climate change which is not healthy for a

person in the sea to catch salmons due to the abnormality of the temperature. Secondly, it

suffices the demand for human consumption. It is highly observable that the world is in its
maximal point for overpopulation and so for the need of food is also in its peak. Salmon is a

well-known fish, and it is healthy for humans. Nonetheless, Genetically Modified Salmon is

for the control of the demand of people. Third, it is good for addressing the possible

extinction of species soon. The researchers, concludes that based on the findings, we value

more the GMO as the scientific tool and adversity to cure abuse in fishery or in the entire

resources in the environment.

In contrast, it has downsides. If the processing of GMO Salmon was mishandled it

has a possibility to become a threat for everyone. It may damage biodiversity, lead to

ecological unbalance, and affect ecological environment. (Zhang, et al, 2017) We all know

that Biodiversity is the variation of animals or organisms in the ecosystem that supports

each other and even the human being. If GMO in Salmon has problem towards inserting the

GMO paraphernalia in Salmon’s Belly it may damage the Salmon’s imbalance behavior

under the water and may transfer from one Salmon to another. It may be toxic and cause

unexpected risks to human because of its long incubation period. (Zhang, et al, 2017) It is

observable that the gametes injected to Salmon’s belly take some quite time to be

incubated for some fertilization. If some errors occur in this phase, it is highly risky to the

environment. All in all the resecrhers includes this proposed and theorized disadvantages to

further escapade the journey of AquaAdvantage Salmon in the environment and how some

aspects may trigger if it is mismanage. It should take time to realize and includes

disadvantages for the improvement of the study of GMO in Salmon.

According to Zhang, et al. (2017) As a great power of transgenic crops planting,

China should fully learn from the trade disputes of genetically modified food, perfect laws

such as the safety management, approval and identification of import and export,

accelerate the development of transgenic technology, and strengthen the mutual benefit

and collaboration of the developing countries, thus to gain a strong competitive position in

international trade and maintain the fundamental interests of China better. It is seen the
platforms of the country China regarding the GMO. It should be better year by year by

taking consideration of the aspects that indicates the progress of handling GMO in the

market or in the environment. It should be beneficial in the field of fishery, consumers,

producers and of course eco-friendly.

The researchers would like to recommend the following to ensure better

management of improvement of the GMO AquaAdvantage Salmon:

 Schools and other institutions might use the competency in awareness to spread the

importance of GMO in Salmon or any genetical engineered species. It is to make sure

to propagate more of this phenomenon. It is well known in fishery field but it should

also be known in the public so anyone can have input regarding this experiment.

 Government should take its part in patronizing environmentally friendly platforms to

help in conserving, protecting, and utilizing the resources for the betterment of the

ecosystem and to avoid abusive behavior of human just to provide food for

consumption.

 Environmental groups and movements should stand still with protecting the

environment and so by different agendas and propaganda it should widely be heard

by the government officials to further escalate the people in power in observing and

letting use of their power to garner more explainable and attainable mission in

GMOs.

 For all the people, it must be a collective effort for the GMOs to prove its efficacy and

so the people should take time in realizing its impacts and minimize to appeal the

demand for human consumption. People should minimize the use of endangered

species under GMOs and so for the experimenters of this field should widely have

apprentice in dealing with the deep knowledge for the experiment not for the

pressure that it must be perform just to sustain the demand of the people.
 For the families, it should take time to spread the knowledge with their family

members that many species in our time are candidates for extinction so its time to

minimize the usage and consumption of it.

 For the judicial power, to make policies and guidelines with the effectiveness of

GMOs in the country. It should take terms and conditions to avoid unnecessary

abuse with the environment and other ecological living things.

 For future studies, to focus more on the development of disadvantages and

addressed it carefully through research. In the field of study we aim for the better

and friendly outcomes and so as with the GMOs.

REFERENCES
Aqua Bounty Technologies, Inc. (2010) Environmental assessment for AquAdvantage
salmon. Retrieved May, 26, 2021 from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Alice-
Benessia/publication/279195759_The_impact_of_genetically_modified_salmon_from_risk_a
ssessment_to_quality_evaluation/links/558e4c1508aed6ec4bf3703d/The-impact-of-
genetically-modified-salmon-from-risk-assessment-to-quality-evaluation.pdf

Center for Veterinary Medicine. (2020, April 15). AquAdvantage Salmon Fact Sheet. U.S.
Food and Drug Administration. Retrived May 26, 2021 from: https://www.fda.gov/animal-
veterinary/animals-intentional-genomic-alterations/aquadvantage-salmon-fact-sheet

Clifford, H. AquAdvantage® Salmon - a pioneering application of biotechnology in

aquaculture. BMC Proc 8, O31 (2014). Retrieved May 25, 2021 from:
https://doi.org/10.1186/1753-6561-8-S4-O31

Gausen, D. and Moen, V. (1991). Large-scale escapes of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo
salar) into Norwegian rivers threaten natural populations. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 48: 426–
428.Retriived May 26, 2021 from
https://zero-gmo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/R43518.pdf

Pollack, A. (2015, November 19). Genetically Engineered Salmon Approved for

Consumption. The New York Times. Retrived May 26, 2021 from:
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/20/business/genetically-engineered-salmon-approved-
for-consumption.html

Uptown and Cowan, H. T. (2015, December 8). Genetically Engineered Salmon. Retrieved
May 25, 2021 from: https://zero-gmo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/R43518.pdf

Veterinary Medicine Advisory Committee - Food and Drug Administration Center

for Veterinary Medicine (2010) Briefing Packet AquAdvantage salmon. Retrieved May 26,
2021 from http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AdvisoryCom
mittees/CommitteesMeetingMaterials/Veterin aryMedicineAdvisoryCommittee/UCM22476

Zhang, Jiansheng; Chen, Yanan; Li, Yu. (January 2017) Analysis of Genetically Modified
Food Induced International Trade Law Issues. Retrieved May 27, 2021 from:
https://www.proquest.com/docview/2242859875?pq-origsite=gscholar&fromopenview=true

OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY

 COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY

An Exploratory Analysis on the Impacts of Genetically Modified

Organisms in AquaAdvantage Salmon

The Research Paper Presented to the

Our Lady of Fatima University

College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Psychology

In Partial Fulfillment of Requirements in

Science, Technology and Society (STAS111)

Group 1

Arellano, Jackielyn

Barit, Zarah Abigael

Cabigting, Xeidin Coleen

Cruz, Angelica

Mateo, Paul Gyneth

Mendoza, William Benjamin

BS PSYCHOLOGY 1Y1-2

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION
 1900’s was remembered as a time of strong global economic growth, steady and

rising productivity, and the improvement of cultural diversity and technological innovations.

Due to this fact, the different aspects of society and lifestyle of the people were greatly

influenced and changed from the traditional to modern life. The changes brought by these

factors are truly evident, particularly in the aspect of our food industry. One of the many

innovative contributions of technology and machineries is the production of genetically

modified food that is nutrient-rich. Golden rice is one of the genetically modified food that is

created 20 years ago intended to prevent and combat vitamin A deficiency, as it provide

essential nutrient that a regular white rice lacks. During the year 1999, the two professors,

Ingo Potrykus together with Peter Beyer, they genetically engineered Golden rice from

normal rice to increase its nutrient content. This study focuses on the impacts of Genetically

Modified Organisms on Golden Rice, how does GMOs influence the creation of Golden Rice.

A normal rice cannot provide all the nutrient needed by the body, one of the reason

golden rice was created. (Dubock, 2019, p. 2) Developing countries are experiencing severe

vitamin A deficiency, which causes blindness to almost millions of people each year. Golden

rice is a variety of rice that is genetically engineered to produce Beta-carotene. Beta-

carotene is a plant pigment that serves as a precursor of vitamin A. This can naturally be

found in many fruits and vegetables, giving them the yellow, orange, or red pigment. This

genetic modification makes the rice grains appear in a golden yellow color, thus it is called

Golden Rice.

The goal of the genetically modification of Golden rice is to produce beta-carotene,

which is not normally found in a regular rice (A. Dubock, 2017). When the human body

metabolizes, the beta-carotene consumed will be converted into vitamin A. The result of the

golden rice development may/may not open up more possibilities of developing genetically
modified, bio fortified crops to combat micronutrient malnutrition in developing countries.

(Regis, 2019) studied that vitamin A deficiency may be unknown to most western countries

but it is a serious disease that cause the deaths of millions of people annually in the

developing countries. Many believed that the production and release of this GMOs Golden

rice will be a great help towards the poor who are at risk of Vitamin A deficiency (Glover,

Sung & Stone, 2020).

On these grounds, the researchers aim to identify the following; firstly, to determine

why the normal rice has been replaced by genetically modified golden rice, and the

effectiveness of the desired result upon the invention of this for the aid of the serious health

problem in many countries. Secondly, to ascertain the advantage/s and disadvantage/s of

Golden rice as a replacement to the traditional rice and finally, to establish the effect of

Genetically modified organisms on Golden rice, the risk factor and the benefit of the

consumption of Golden Rice.

CHAPTER 2

FINDINGS (PURPOSE/ADVANTAGES/RISK)
PURPOSE

Had the plants survived long enough to flower, they would have betrayed a distinctly

yellow tint in the otherwise white part of the grain. That is because the rice is endowed with

a gene from corn and another from a bacterium, making it the only variety in existence to

produce beta carotene, the source of vitamin A. Its developers call it “Golden Rice.” The

concerns voiced by the participants in the Aug. 8 act of vandalism — that Golden Rice could

pose unforeseen risks to human health and the environment, that it would ultimately profit

big agrochemical companies — are a familiar refrain in the long-running controversy over

the merits of genetically engineered crops.

According to Amy Harmon (2013) they are driving the desire among some Americans

for mandatory “G.M.O.” labels on food with ingredients made from crops whose DNA has

been altered in a laboratory. And they have motivated similar attacks on trials of other

genetically modified crops in recent years: grapes designed to fight off a deadly virus in

France, wheat designed to have a lower glycemic index in Australia, sugar beets in Oregon

designed to tolerate a herbicide, to name a few.

ADVANTAGES OF GOLDEN RICE

Some benefits of genetic engineering in agriculture are increased crop yields,

reduced costs for food or drug production, reduced need for pesticides, enhanced nutrient

composition and food quality, resistance to pests and disease, greater food security, and

medical benefits to the world's growing population.

Golden rice is a genetically modified, biofortified crop. Bio fortification increases the

nutritional value in crops. Golden rice is genetically modified in order to produce beta

carotene, which is not normally produced in rice. Beta carotene is converted into Vitamin A
when metabolized by the human body. We need Vitamin A for healthier skin, immune

systems, and vision. A major goal of the Golden Rice Project is to supply consumers in rice-

based societies with the recommended daily intake of vitamin A. The tools necessary to

achieve this goal are available since the development of an advanced version of Golden

Rice known as GR2.

According to Bennett ‘et al., (2013), the golden rice has a lot of benefits. Crops with

bio fortification have a higher nutritional value. Golden rice has been genetically modified to

produce beta carotene, a kind of vitamin A that is not ordinarily found in rice. When beta

carotene is digested by the human body, it becomes Vitamin A. Vitamin A is required for

healthy skin, immune systems, and vision. Golden Rice is fully risk-free in terms in health.

It has a lot of human proof that it would function. It is anticipated to be very cost-effective.

The support of public health practitioners is essential for the effective adoption of Golden

Rice as an additional intervention for vitamin A deficiency. Golden Rice is a genetically

modified, bio fortified crop.

Bio fortification increases the nutritional value in crops. Golden Rice is genetically

modified in order to produce beta carotene, which is not normally produced in rice. Beta

carotene is converted into Vitamin A when metabolized by the human body. Secondly,

the advantage of golden rice is that it can be used in areas where vitamin A deficiency is

common, so it can help prevent blindness. However, there are also disadvantages. For

example: beta carotene levels in golden rice may not be high enough to make a difference.

It also sustainable option as once released for common cultivation can be cultivated every

growing season by farmer saved seeds, therefore no need of yearly budgetary investment

for distribution. There is one advantage in poor and developing countries, the staple of

many peoples food diet is rice. The meals of the people in such countries provide them with

very few nutrients. Also, a deficiency of the Vitamin A can lead to blindness, which is

common in these countries as well. Golden Rice is a special advantage to these countries
whose everyday meal is rice as it provides more nutrients their and helps those limit

blindness.

RISKS

Many anti-GMO activists actively voice potential negative consequences of planting

and consuming golden rice. Risks include potential allergies or potential antibiotic

resistance. There is also the possibility that genetically modified foods enter the food supply

inadvertently from planting GMO crops near non-GMO crops, without knowledge from the

consumer. As genetically modified crops would have to be grown, there are concerns about

the effect they would have on the surrounding environment. According to Murganghan

(2016). Another issue concerns the spreading ‘escaping’ or crossing of genes from

genetically modified crops. This could create unwanted resistance of a pesticide or herbicide,

or could increase the strength of weeds. As with humans safety concerns, there is the

possibility that the other animals that eat genetically modified crops will be affected. This

could create inadvertent risks to these species, harming them and possibly biodiversity too

(Mclean, 2011). Studies of the long-term impacts of planting and/or consuming Golden Rice

have been minimal, because it would take decades to really learn anything.

In this study, we used a combination of state-of-the-art approaches to determine the

Vitamin A equivalence of Golden Rice in humans. Plants were growth hydroponically in

heavy water to intrinsically label Golden Rice beta carotene with deuterium. Golden Rice is a

GM crop intended to increase dietary vitamin A. A serious health problem in developing

countries, Vitamin A deficiency can lead to blindness and premature death. Rice, a food

staple produces geranylgeranyl phosphate (GGPP), an early precursor of beta-carotene.

CHAPTER 3

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

 This research paper aimed to know and analyze the reasons why does the normal

rice has been replaced by the GMO Golden Rice, it’s effectiveness, advantages and

disadvantages in the livelihood.

The GMO Golden Rice was made with the purpose of being an alternative for the

white normal rice and to reduce the Vitamin A deficiency. This kind of innovation of rice is

genetically modified to produce a beta carotene, which is one of the sources of Vitamin A.

According to the Philippine Rice Research Institute (2017), Golden Rice was developed

through the use of genetic engineering technique. The grain of regular rice does not contain

beta carotene. Scientists used genetic engineering to introduce the desired characteristic to

rice in order to boost its nutritional value.

There are several advantages of using GMO golden rice in the human body. Since the

GMO produces beta-carotene for Vitamin A, it would provide the human body a healthier

skin, vision and immune system. Golden rice has the potential to be a very strong source of

vitamin A, particularly for individuals who rely solely on rice for nutrition. It was supported

by the journal article of Regis (2019), since the Golden Rice would produce the beta

carotene, the precursor of Vitamin A, when some children are weaned on rice gruel and

didn’t get any beta-carotene or Vitamin A, they can be harmed for the rest of their lives.

Lack of this component in the diet produces vitamin A deficiency, which weakens the

immune system and increases sensitivity to infections and illnesses, causes blindness, and

can ultimately end in death if left untreated.

Also, there are also disadvantages of having a GMO Golden Rice in economy

including its effects on the traditional, conventional and organic rice farmers because they

would lose markets, particularly export markets, which will have a detrimental impact on

rural lives. As stated by Dubock (2014), smallholder farmers who sell locally will not be

charged for the nutritional feature within the seed. Some may accept Golden Rice if it can
command a higher price in the market, but severely impoverished clients are unlikely to pay

it. Farmers may require subsidies to grow Golden Rice, but it is unclear who would pay

them.

The GMO Golden Rice might be helpful but there will be consequences to the

biodiversity. When genetically engineered crops cross-breed with wild species, a potential

danger to biodiversity occurs. It was stated in the study of Dubock (2017), scientific and

regulatory agencies around the world have repeatedly and consistently found crops and

foods improved through biotechnology to be as safe as, if not safer than those derived from

any other method of production. Tere has never been a single confirmed case of a negative

health outcome for humans or animals from their consumption. Their environmental impacts

have been shown repeatedly to be less damaging to the environment, and a boon to global

biodiversity.

The researchers would like to recommend the following to ensure better

management of improvement of the GMO Golden Rice:

 Any government must have proper systems in place to evaluate if it is beneficial to

introduce any new crop, GM or non-GM, into the ecosystem and to monitor its

effects. Many others already do. Policymakers must also have access to systems that

allow them to consider the perspectives of farmers and other important stakeholders.

 To adhere to the most conservative interpretation of the precautionary approach is to

commit the error of believing that the choice of doing nothing is risk-free in and of

itself. Despite this, many developing nations' food security and environmental

circumstances are worsening. Restrictive interpretations of the precautionary

principle that entail a general restriction on the use of GM technology, on the other

hand, need extremely strong explanation.

 Companies marketing GM crops in underdeveloped countries must split the expense

of locally suitable methods to elicit small-scale farmers' preferences for features

picked by plant breeders with governments.

 Companies that produce GM crops in underdeveloped nations must share the

expenses of their participation in plant breeding, when appropriate, with

governments.

 The GMO company must offer subsequent systems to increase the transmission of

balanced information, education, and training concerning the usage of GM crops.

 Policymakers and the crop business were advised to examine several eventualities,

including the notion of compensation. Agreed-upon standards should be widely

disseminated, with a special focus on the position of small-scale farmers in

developing nations.

 It is suggested that, in vulnerable places such as biodiversity hotspots, the

introgression of genetic material from GM crops into related species be monitored.

However, some are not convinced that the probability of gene flow should be enough

to rule out the planting of GM crops in such locations, as long as regulatory

standards are followed. Particular hazards must be recognized in specific situations,

and options for preserving biodiversity must be carefully explored. It is critical to

build and maintain comprehensive seed banks to safeguard genetic resources of

agricultural plants and their relatives.

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