Which concern is commonly cited by opponents of GMO crops?

• A. They are associated with increased chemical use in food
• B. They always decrease yields
• C. They cannot be regulated
• D. They are risk-free

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is environmental and health concerns tied to how GMO crops are used in farming. Opponents frequently point to increased chemical use, especially with crops engineered to be tolerant to herbicides. When a plant can survive a herbicide, farmers may apply more of that chemical across larger areas, which can raise chemical residues in food and amplify environmental impacts. This worry is central even though some GMO traits, like pest resistance, can reduce certain pesticide applications in specific cases. So the concern about rising chemical use is what critics most often emphasize. The other options don’t fit as well: GMO crops haven’t universally decreased yields; many varieties have boosted yields; GMO regulation exists in many places; and no technology is considered completely risk-free.