Final answer:
The primary disadvantage of growing GM foods lies in potential human health risks and environmental impacts, though comprehensive studies like the 2016 NASEM GE Crop Report suggest they are likely safe. Public concerns persist due to the unpredictability of long-term effects and ecological interactions. The debate on GM food safety and labeling regulations continues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary disadvantage of growing genetically modified (GM) foods has been the concern for potential risks to human health, such as producing new allergens, and the environmental impacts, like harm to other organisms or ecosystems. Although GM foods are rigorously evaluated for toxicity, allergenicity, gene stability, and environmental effects, public concern remains high due to long-term health effects and ecological consequences that may not be fully understood. Furthermore, while GM crops have made advances in reducing pesticide use and some have improved agricultural traits, they have not universally led to the anticipated advancements in nutritional quality, disease resistance, or significant yield increases.
One point of contention is whether genetically modified organisms alter the intrinsic properties of the organisms. However, it is important to recognize that both traditional breeding practices and modern genetic engineering produce permanent genetic changes, though traditional breeding can have more unpredictable impacts due to its less precise nature.
Finally, the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) published the "GE Crop Report" in 2016, consolidating scientific findings on GE crops. It concluded that GE crops are no more dangerous than conventional crops to human health and that genetically modified foods are likely safe. Still, debate continues regarding not only the safety but also the labeling and regulation of GM foods.