Whether Courts Should Interfere in Matters Involving Regulation of Genetically Modified Foods
What is Genetically Modified Foods?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), "Genetically Modified Foods are
foods derived from organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been modified in
a way that does not occur naturally, for example, through the introduction of a
gene from a different organism.” This includes plants, microorganisms or
animals. WHO further expound that these “existing genetically modified
crops have been developed to improve yield, through the introduction of
resistance to plant diseases or of increased tolerance of herbicides.” In short, these Genetically Modified foods are
“modern biotechnology” or “genetic engineering” and as a result there will be an
increased chemical used in the agriculture in order to improve yield.
Many
countries have brought their concerns about the Genetically Modified foods due
to its process including the Philippines, wherein the Supreme Court bans the
development of genetically engineered products until only “when agriculture
department promulgates new rules that will more sufficiently comply with the
country’s biosafety framework and international protocols.” (Interaksyon news)
In
the question on whether the courts should interfere in matters involving regulation of Genetically Modified Food, yes, I do
agree that courts should interfere. Genetically Modified foods might as well cause
public health effects and environmental impacts in our agriculture. We should be aware
that even though, these Genetically Modified foods have passed several safety
assessments conducted by national authorities, there is still no available
safety assurance, in fact according to the World Health Organization (WHO), GM
foods’ assurance should be assessed on a “case-by-case basis”. Due to the
increased use of chemicals in the agriculture, we cannot deny that different public
concerns might arise, particularly, the concern for human health.
Therefore,
there being a human or public concern involved, the courts should interfere as
it is their duty of care to ensure the safety of its people regardless of the
benefits of these Genetically Modified foods.
Reference:
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/121368/first-in-the-world--supreme-court-bans-development-of-genetically-engineered-products
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