An overview of genetically modified food products: Benefits, risks, health safety and related regulations

ABSTRACT: Use of modern biotechnology to produce Genetically Modified (GM) food products is a way of providing food safety. One of the major causes of the products development is their high production compared to their traditional counterparts. However, there are many concerns about unpredictable and harmful effects of these foods. Introduction of genetically modified food products into environment without risk assessment and enough investigations by responsible organizations is not rational. In recent years, legal international organizations responsible for safety of foods and the environment have held conventions on assessment of possible risks of genetically modified foods. In this review, benefits, drawbacks and possible risks of GM food products, ethical and legal assessment and risk management of potential health hazards of the products in international level, safety management of production and research procedures as well as the status of setting and controlling regulations in Iran will be evaluated.