Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) have developed into one of the most controversial issues of our time. In recent years, consumers seem to possess a more conscious tone about the quality of their food. Most however, understand an insufficient amount about GMOs along with the risks they impose. Since their introduction, genetically modified foods have not undergone enough research on their potential ill effects. Moreover, genetically modified crops have demonstrated themselves as a damaging force to our ecosystem by way of toxic chemicals. Lastly, the lack of proper genetically modified (GM) labeling has left many buyers uninformed about their purchases. Understanding the dangers of GMOs will help consumers make better-educated decisions
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In 1992, “…Calgene’s Flavr Savr tomato became the first food crop approved for commercial production by the U.S. Department of Agriculture” (Rangel). With regards to time, this means that within the past 30 years GMOs have gone from the science table to the consumer’s table. The FDA nor the USDA test the safety of GE foods. As FDA spokesperson Theresa Eisenman has said, “It is the manufacturer’s responsibility to ensure that the [GMO] food products it offers for sale are safe…” (Ruskin). Meaning, the companies producing GM products also seem to be the ones proving their safety; this comes across as a conflict of interest. Also, transgenic crops have proven themselves dangerous in multiple independent laboratory studies:
“During a two-year study, originally published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology, Professor Gilles-Eric Seralini of the University of Caen and colleagues discovered that rats fed Monsanto’s “Roundup Ready” corn developed significantly more tumors than rats not fed GM corn. In addition, rats fed a GMO diet developed aggressive tumors and died sooner than rats in the control group” (White).
Not only are GMOs detrimental to our health, but appear to be equally unacceptable for our
In 1992, “…Calgene’s Flavr Savr tomato became the first food crop approved for commercial production by the U.S. Department of Agriculture” (Rangel). With regards to time, this means that within the past 30 years GMOs have gone from the science table to the consumer’s table. The FDA nor the USDA test the safety of GE foods. As FDA spokesperson Theresa Eisenman has said, “It is the manufacturer’s responsibility to ensure that the [GMO] food products it offers for sale are safe…” (Ruskin). Meaning, the companies producing GM products also seem to be the ones proving their safety; this comes across as a conflict of interest. Also, transgenic crops have proven themselves dangerous in multiple independent laboratory studies:
“During a two-year study, originally published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology, Professor Gilles-Eric Seralini of the University of Caen and colleagues discovered that rats fed Monsanto’s “Roundup Ready” corn developed significantly more tumors than rats not fed GM corn. In addition, rats fed a GMO diet developed aggressive tumors and died sooner than rats in the control group” (White).
Not only are GMOs detrimental to our health, but appear to be equally unacceptable for our