Entry#6 - GMOs pro and cons

I would like to raise awareness about the food we eat, which brings nutrients to our bodies. Our health and the health of our children depends on that. 

What are GMOs?

GMOs, or “genetically modified organisms,” are plants or animals created through the gene splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, or GE). This experimental technology merges DNA from different species, creating unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and viral genes that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding. According to the nonprofit Center for Food Safety, GMO seeds are used to plant 90 percent of corn, soybeans, and cotton grown in the U.S. These products find their way into many of our foods, from our morning toast, to our salad, to the cookies we snack on at night.

Why Change Seed DNA?

Seeds are genetically engineered for many reasons. Sometimes, it’s to boost seed resistance to insects or to grow hardier crops. They can also be engineered to give foods stronger colors, longer shelf life, or to eliminate seeds, so that we can buy seedless watermelons and grapes. Supporters of genetic engineering say that this technology provides a sustainable way to feed people in countries without access to nutrition-rich foods. Some GMO foods have higher levels of nutrients, such as protein, calcium, and folate. The longer shelf life of some GMO foods means that they can reach remote areas. Supporters also note that GMO corn requires less insecticide, although herbicide use on GMO corn has risen, according to the Economic Research Service.

Why Should We be Concerned About GMOs?

Human Health Risks: More and more studies point to the idea that there’s grave cause for concern about the health effects of consuming GMOs and the chemicals they are sprayed with, including food allergies, irritable bowels, organ damage, and cancer.

Environmental Risks: Seventy-two percent of US GMO crops are engineered to tolerate a certain type of herbicide. But the weeds that these herbicides used to kill are coming back bigger and stronger, creating herbicide-resistant “super weeds” that require greater quantities of more toxic pesticides to eradicate. Even when a farmer isn't growing GM crops, contamination can easily occur—through seed mixing or pollen drift from neighboring GM fields. It can be an economic disaster for organic and family farmers.

I would like to make a comparison-several organizations in Europe have to approve a food before it comes out in the market, while in USA the GMO food has been produced for years without even informing the consumers. Unlike Europe, there is no federal mandate that requires GMO foods to be labeled so that consumers know what they are buying and eating. 

All GMOs, along with irradiated food, are considered "new food" and are subject to extensive, case-by-case, science-based food evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). EFSA reports to the European Commission, which then drafts proposals for granting or refusing authorization. Each proposal is submitted to the Section on GM Food and Feed of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health. If accepted, it is either adopted by the EC or passed on to the Council of Agricultural Ministers. The Council has three months to reach a qualified majority for or against the proposal. If no majority is reached, the proposal is passed back to the EC, which then adopts the proposal.

In USA some states do require labels. In May 2014, Vermont became the first to pass a law that requires labels on any foods produced entirely or partially with genetic engineering.  Maine and Connecticut are also on their way, but bills that mandate GMO labels can only take effect until related bills are passed, which could take years. GMO labeling legislation is pending in 28 other states, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. 

While we wait for label laws to take effect, we should read food labels carefully. If food contains soy, corn, canola, or sugar — and it isn't organic — it is most likely made with GMO products. Look for the Non-GMO Project label, buy organic certified produce and packaged foods, avoid high-risk ingredients, be wary of non-GMO claims that lack certification, avoid processed foods, watch out for restaurants.

Food is very important contributor to our health. As American citizens, we would like to be informed about the food we consume. We would like to be involved in the decisions regarding the way our food is produced.