Genetic modification technology for nutrition and improving diets: an ethical perspective

•GM biofortification includes public health promotion technologies.•From a dietary perspective, current health risks remain low for GM foods.•Health risks associated with GM foods are unclear but still feed the ethical debate.•Fair implementation of GM foods requires an understanding of contexts and messaging.

Genetically modified (GM) techniques to improve the nutrition and health content of foods is a highly debated area riddled with ethical dilemmas. Assessing GM technology with a public health ethical framework, this paper identifies public health goals, the potential burdens of the technology, and areas to consider for minimizing burdens and ensuring beneficence, autonomy, and little infringements on justice. Both policymakers and food producers should acknowledge local food environments and the agricultural context of each community in order to effectively prepare communication strategies and equitably distribute any proposed GM food intervention.

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