Table of contentsIntroduction1.1 Context and importance of the research1.2 State of play1.3 Content and innovationsConclusionOver the years, the production of genetically modified foods has been authorized in commercial quantities in Africa. This has helped African farmers produce more at all times of the year, unlike non-genetic farmers where they might not be able to grow well during drought or adverse weather conditions. This avoids the high rate of famine in Africa. Moreover, it is cheap and everyone can afford it, regardless of their economic background and social status. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essayDespite their many benefits, they also have an impact on consumers' health. Basically, this article is more interested in the health risks that African consumers are exposed to when consuming these genetically modified foods.Introduction1.1 Background and significance of the researchGenetically modified organisms (GMO) or genetically modified foods (GMF) , used interchangeably, are made by inserting a gene from an external source such as viruses, bacteria, animals or plants into usually unrelated species. Biotechnology has given us the ability to overcome insurmountable physiological barriers and exchange genetic material between all living organisms. Improving food security for the long-term sustainability of agricultural production systems and the quality of the natural resource base remain important challenges globally. Additionally, pressures from population growth and inadequate socio-economic infrastructure have created problems of deforestation, soil erosion and pollution. The evolution of this agricultural biotechnology has created social and ethical divergences. There is widespread controversy over how biotechnology can be used to plant high-quality, high-yielding crops while protecting the ecosystem and human health. Although it is claimed that food biotechnology, by improving plant productivity and developing nutrient-enriched staple foods, is the promising solution to malnutrition and food shortage, evidence accumulated over the past 20 years introduction of GMF on the market do not fully support these claims. Consumers are primarily concerned about the long-term effects of biotech crops on human health, such as antibiotic resistance, allergenic potential, unnatural nutritional changes, and toxicity. Additionally, agricultural biotechnology companies and their affiliated scientists present genetically modified foods as an environmentally friendly crop. Currently, 27 genetically modified plants have been approved for commercialization, including edible crops such as alfalfa, beans, corn, Polish canola, potatoes and sugar beets. About 40 countries in total have approved commercial production of food and feed based on genetically modified crops that have revamped their resistance to abiotic stress, disease and herbicides. 1.2 State of the art Since 1996, when the first genetically modified organism (GMO) was produced commercially, the cultivation of genetically modified crops has expanded to approximately 125 million hectares in 25 countries in 2008. In the United States, companies have a direct interest in the production ofgenetically modified seeds and made their presence known to the general public. They also argued that approximately 90% of all corn and soybean acres are planted with GMOs in the United States. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the masses who support genetically modified foods have realized the importance of GMOs. foods and the role they play in preventing malnutrition in developing countries; which affects nearly one in eight people worldwide. The Philippine government allowed and adopted the commercialization of genetically modified foods in 2002 due to high yields and income for farmers and the promise of low input costs due to low pesticide use. Notwithstanding the above, some countries have also banned and severely restricted their importation. In 2011, the Hungarian government burned more than a thousand acres of corn crops suspected of containing genetically modified seeds. Comment from Lucille Abruquah: You have highlighted in your research the importance of your research for African policy makers. This section should also have something about Africa, maybe about GMOs in Africa, because everything here is about another country with no mention of Africa. The flow of ideas is not very smooth. Currently, we are witnessing the emergence of GMOs on the African market. African farmers are now used to producing GMOs. In Africa, the majority of the population directly benefiting from agriculture is much higher than in Europe, as 60% or more of all Africans are still farmers who directly depend on agriculture for their income and livelihood . Most African countries now produce a wide range of crops containing GMOs. Genetically modified foods were inherently dangerous and could create hard-to-detect allergies, poisons, gene transfer to gut bacteria, new diseases, and nutritional problems. The consumption of GMOs presents serious risks for the health of African consumers. Some of these serious health risks include infertility, immune dysregulation, accelerated aging, dysregulation of genes associated with cholesterol synthesis, insulin regulation, cell signaling and protein formation, as well as modifications of the liver, kidneys, spleen and gastrointestinal system.1.3 Content and innovationsA lot of research has been done on genetically modified foods, depending on how long they have existed, how they are cultivated and reasons why they have emerged around the world, as the use of genetic technology in food production has become attractive due to the growing needs. food and its improved quality. Ian Murnaghan, 2018, argued that the price of genetically modified foods at the consumer level can vary significantly. In some cases, prices are higher while other times they may be lower, reflecting the complex set of factors that influence the prices of genetically modified foods as well as the impact of different production levels. Consumers opposed to genetically modified foods can expect to spend more if they choose organic products. This increase in costs tends to be linked to the smaller scale of many organic farms, particularly local ones. In fact, the organic produce industry has seen rapid growth, which some attribute in part to the British public's distrust of the products.