Genetically modified strawberries are the latest addition to the growing lists of GMOs available in the market. Scientists who are constantly on the lookout for ways to create the next 'super-food' have managed to gene splice peanuts to create genetically modified strawberries that are able to withstand low temperatures.
Though this may sound like a great prospect for farmers and consumers alike, genetically modified strawberries did not actually receive the expected feedback from both parties.
Strawberries have always been considered a source of vitamins and essential anti - oxidants as well as a popular favorite fruit among many. But as each fruit comes with their drawbacks, many farmers and exporters saw its tendency to freeze quickly as a disadvantage.
The scientists who created these genetically modified strawberries saw a window of opportunity when they isolated the gene that makes peanuts immune to low temperatures and decided to create strawberries that will have the ability to be stored for longer periods of time. Apart from this ability, these genetically modified strawberries are also considered to be a stronger crop that is more resistant and able to yield more fruit.
Apart from these advantages, genetically modified strawberries come with rather disturbing side effects. Since as many as 1.6 percent of Americans are diagnosed with peanut allergies, the modification of strawberries using the genes from peanuts was frowned upon and protested by many. The reason for this is the fact that peanuts can create all sorts of adverse reactions on those who are allergic to them. These reactions include swelling, puffing and in rare but not entirely unlikely cases, death.
Since there is no set in stone law about labeling GMO foods, most people are worried about the chances of these genetically modified strawberries being picked up by those who are diagnosed with peanut allergies and having severe reactions to them. Since the government hasn't imposed laws on labeling GMO foods and mentioning their genetic component sources, this is not an entirely unlikely possibility and just might cause some innocent consumer's death in the process.
Most researchers brush the theory away stating that the mere addition of the freezing gene may actually trigger a reaction in peanut allergic people but, the public isn't so confused and have voiced their opinions about the now dubbed 'killer strawberries'.
Environmentalists have noticed that the wild strawberries that grow in the vicinity of the plantations of genetically modified strawberries have been quick to pick up the new characteristics and will result in the extinction of natural wild strawberries. Scientists are now working on a way to correct the mistake by researching ways to make use of similar genes in fish who are also born with the ability to remain unfrozen in the cold winter months.
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