Food Safety and Sustainable Development

Abstract

Genetic engineering is most often (and apparently rightly) associated with modern agriculture and food production. But besides the real and potential advantages derived from manipulating genes of living organisms, related threats should also be noted. Food and food production provides the basis for the existence and functioning of our civilisation. Tools used by man to sustain his existence affect the environmental conditions which, in turn, determine the production capacities and availability of natural resource diversity. Therefore, human life depends on it. Their careful use will ensure development, while a lack of prudence or control over undertaken actions may have serious economic and ecological consequences.

Keywords: food safety, sustainable development, GMO, genetically modified organisms

JEL Classification: O13, Q20, Q32, Q41, R11, M14