Are Genetically Modified Foods Safe?

Ayrek Howard

It is important for us to recognize what is being put into our foods. It is

what fuels our bodies and keeps us alive. There is no need to put chemicals or pesticides into our bodies. They are dangerous and can cause medical problems. GMO’s are popular because they can help with defense against insects and produce a larger yield of crops. Some believe that this can help solve the world hunger problem by providing an abundance of food to developing nations. Although it seems like this addition is helpful, it comes with many negative side effects. A huge issue is that the FDA does not require safety checks or labeling of products to disclose to the consumer that there are GMO’s present in the ingredients. Some of the side effects include increased food allergy reactions, cancer, infertility, viral and bacterial illnesses, toxins, birth defects, shorter life spans, and death. The studies on GMO’s and their long term affects are very limited and unknown. No one is being held accountable for the dangers that come along with GMO’s. Many consumers would not buy GMO products if they were labeled so. If GMO’s are considered safe and healthy, then why are companies against labeling products and letting the consumer decide what they want?

Abstract

What's the Difference?

Organic

Natural, unprocessed food

Labeled “Certified Organic”

Safe for you & environment

Genetically Modified Foods

Genetic composition is altered by gene technology

Plants have been genetically engineered to produce pesticides or resist herbicides

No GMO label required Common GMO products:

tomatoes, rice, potatoes, corn, soy, milk, wheat, canola oil, & aspartame (artificial sweetener) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkszeODUOkc

Faster growing, better tasting fruits &

vegetables that stay fresher longer and are naturally resistant to insects, drought, cold, & disease

Cheap & affordable: Can increase food production for developing nations who suffer from malnutrition

Edible vaccines can be put into fruits & vegetables

Genetically Modified Food Benefits

Genetically Modified Food Hazards

Monsanto is the leading producer of genetically engineered seed.

Over 80% of food in North America contains GMO’s

The FDA does not require labeling or safety checks on GMO products

No one is being held responsible for all of the side effects caused by GMO’s

Genetically Modified Food Hazards (continued)

Unintended side effects to humans:

Allergic reactions Cancer (400-500% ↑ risk of breast,

prostate & colon cancer)

Unacceptable levels of antibiotic residue in milk

Infertility Birth defects Low birth weight Shorter life spans Toxicity Death

Damage to the environment: Toxicity to soil from deadly

chemicals Soil sterility & pollution (lasts up

to 8 months)

Lethal to beneficial insects Extinction of seed varieties Super weeds (endotoxin remains in

soil at least 18 months)

Destruction of forest life Super pests (common plant pests

evolve)

Natural boundaries are violated (crossing strawberries with fish, grains & seeds with bacteria or viruses)

Uninformed Public

60 countries require labeling foods with GMO’s in them, the US does not

30 countries restrict or ban GMO’s, including Australia, Japan, & all of Europe

Long term side effects are unknown and currently not being studied

Americans consume 193 pounds of GMO’s annually

Instead of spraying pesticides ontoplants, plants will contain them in every cell

If GMO’s are so safe, why are they wearing protective clothing?

Safety

A diet filled with organic fruits, vegetables, whole grains, & beans helps lower the risk for

many cancers.

Aleksejeva, I. (2013). Use of genetically modified organisms in

food production and future challenges. Economic Science for Rural Development, 32: 113-119.

Hjelmar, U. (2011). Consumers’ purchase of organic food products: a matter of convenience and reflexive practices. Appetite, 56: 336- 344.

Khan, S. J., Muafia, S., Nasreen, Z., & Salariya, A. M. (2012). Genetically modified organisms (GMO’s): food security or threat to food safety. Pakistan Journal of Science, 64(2): 6-12.

Smith, S., & Paladino, A. (2010). Eating clean and green? investigating consumer motivations towards the purchase of organic food. Australasian Marketing Journal, 18(2): 93-104.

Walls-Thumma, D. (2013). Organic vs. GMO. In S F Gate. Retrieved from http://homeguides.sfgate.com/organic-vs-gmo-78392.html

References