Final answer:
GM soybeans, modified for herbicide resistance, have been on the market since the mid-1990s and are generally considered safe. Consumers can identify them through labels where required. Views on GMOs may differ depending on individual lifestyles and values.
Step-by-step explanation:
Genetically Modified Organisms in Agriculture
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms with artificially altered genomes. A well-known example of a GMO crop is soybean. The modifications in soybean typically involve creating resistance to certain herbicides or increasing tolerance to environmental stresses. GM soybeans first came to market in the mid-1990s, and since then, the proportion of the soybean genome that has been modified is very small, often involving just a few specific genes that have been introduced or altered.
GM foods safety assessments are conducted by various national and international agencies, and GM soybeans are generally considered safe for consumption. Consumers can identify GM foods by looking for labels, although labeling laws vary by country. There is an ongoing debate regarding the necessity of labeling GMO products, with arguments for consumer rights and transparency on one side, and regulatory and scientific perspectives claiming that GMOs are no different in safety compared to non-GM counterparts on the other.
Personal views on genetically modified products can vary greatly based on individual values and lifestyles. Whether one is a vegetarian, an organic gardener, or a major food chain owner can all influence one's opinion on GMOs. Overall, the main ethical, legal, and social issues concerning GMOs include the safety of their consumption, their impact on the environment, the ownership and patenting of genetic material, and the control over genetic information.