Is food in grocery stores genetically modified and is there a way to know? Food companies have disputed whether or not to include labels on genetically modified foods. Food companies do not want to be required to label their food because many people prefer not eating foods that are not genetically modified. Although it costs nothing for food companies to put the label on their food, they still refuse. If food is genetically modified, then the consumer should gain knowledge through labelling. The abbreviation GMO stands for genetically modified organism. A genetically modified organism is a plant that has been altered by the insertion of genes from other animals or bacteria. Typical foods including corn, soybean, cottonseed and sugar beets can be genetically modified. Biotech companies make the genetically modified organisms because they are pesticide resistant. Pesticide resistant means that the organism is immune to pesticides like Round Up. Animals that feed on these foods can no longer eat them. (Smith, Melissa)
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The FDA knows of “genetic instability” yet have no testing for genetically engineered food. FDA scientists have mentioned long term testing because there is no stability, but it didn’t come through. There has been evidence and their own scientists have tried to convince them. The FDA physician who regulates input says, “FDA hasn’t found it necessary to conduct comprehensive scientific reviews of foods derived from bioengineered plants [but instead] expects developers to consult the agency on safety and regulatory questions.”(“Regulation of GE Food and Crops”) The process of genetically modifying an organism is the insertion of genes from a “gene gun”. The cell in that plant has random DNA coming in and it can cause damage to the plant. There is no stability because plants can react differently to the shooting of genes into their cell. (Smith,
The FDA knows of “genetic instability” yet have no testing for genetically engineered food. FDA scientists have mentioned long term testing because there is no stability, but it didn’t come through. There has been evidence and their own scientists have tried to convince them. The FDA physician who regulates input says, “FDA hasn’t found it necessary to conduct comprehensive scientific reviews of foods derived from bioengineered plants [but instead] expects developers to consult the agency on safety and regulatory questions.”(“Regulation of GE Food and Crops”) The process of genetically modifying an organism is the insertion of genes from a “gene gun”. The cell in that plant has random DNA coming in and it can cause damage to the plant. There is no stability because plants can react differently to the shooting of genes into their cell. (Smith,