What is one of the primary health concerns of GMOs for consumers?

One of the primary health concerns of GMOs for consumers is the potential development of food allergies. This concern arises from the introduction of new genes into plants through genetic engineering, which can produce proteins that did not previously exist in those foods. If a new protein is similar to a known allergen, it may trigger an allergic response in sensitive individuals. This principle is particularly significant for consumers who are cautious about what they ingest, especially those with a history of allergies, leading them to worry about the safety and long-term effects of GMOs on their health.

While other concerns exist regarding GMOs, such as potential reductions in nutritional value, increased toxicity of the crops, and environmental pollution, they do not directly address immediate consumer health in the same way that the risk of developing allergic reactions does. These broader issues tend to focus on ecological or nutritional impacts rather than direct health effects on the individual consuming the products.