Abstract

Since antiquity, humans have been highly influenced by genetic makeup for crop selection and its domestication through selective breeding and mutation breeding. Novel crosses for modifying the genetic makeup to produce hybrids with the beneficial trait(s) are started by traditional crop breeders. Further, the alterations in genetic makeup are introduced by mutations and plant tissue culture. Now, the modern biotechnological strategies enable gene(s) transfer between species, for genomic manipulation, which could not occur naturally. Genetic manipulation results in producing genetically modified (GM) crops with beneficial traits, including quality improvement, increased yield, and stress tolerance. As GM crops should be safe for consumption and the environment, GM produce, as a whole crop, crop part, or processed food, has to be considered for an early safety evaluation. Because the biotechnology involved in genetic manipulation may bring some known and unknown risks. As per our knowledge at present, there are three categories of potential risks related to the use of modern biotechnology: (i) risks related to the health of humans, animals, and plants, (ii) risks related to the protection of biodiversity and agricultural sustainability, and (iii) risks related to the ethical and socioeconomic issues. With all-new strategies and technologies, several doubts, questions, and concerns are being raised about tampering with Mother Nature and the associated risks to the environment and consumer health. This review aims to address several key issues associated with recombinant technology and GM foods, such as biosafety, ecological and environmental concerns, and health risks.

Key words: Crop improvement, Biotechnology, Biosafety, Biosecurity, Environment, Regulations, Genetically modified, GM Food