Final answer:
Concerns about genetically engineered plants include the potential introduction of new allergens or toxic proteins, but such risks are also present in traditionally bred crops. Regulatory agencies monitor GE crops for safety, and scientific consensus indicates they are generally safe to consume, though allergenicity remains an area for ongoing research.
Step-by-step explanation:
One concern about genetically engineered plants is that the newly introduced gene may code for a protein that is toxic or allergenic. Genetically engineered (GE) crops could potentially introduce new allergens into the food supply, posing a risk to human health. This risk is not unique to GE crops, as traditional breeding practices can also produce new traits with potential risks. However, regulatory agencies monitor these plants to ensure that they do not have harmful effects on human health and the ecosystem. Extensive testing is required for any transgenic plant before it is deemed safe for consumption and environmental introduction.
An example of a beneficial GE crop is Golden Rice, engineered to contain beta carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, which could prevent cases of blindness worldwide. Nevertheless, there are broader ecosystem considerations that must be carefully evaluated when introducing GE crops into the environment to avoid unintentional harm to other organisms or ecological systems.
While the scientific consensus, as concluded by organizations like the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization and the American Medical Association, states that GE crops are safe, the potential allergenicity of GE crops still requires continuous research and monitoring. Similarly, GE Crop Reports advocate for both traditionally bred and genetically engineered crops to undergo rigorous health and environmental safety assessments.