Emmanuel Gonzalo Professor Lago College Writing 12/16/2013 Lack of Awareness with Genetically Modified Foods

Gonzalo 1

Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, it seems the human race is capable of achieving the impossible with its constant technological advances. On almost a weekly basis, we hear about some break through in technology, unfortunately just like everything else in our lives there is a negative side to it. The technology of genetically modifying foods arguably does us more harm than good. The worst part is that not many are properly informed on this topic, but we, as consumers need to be more aware of what is going into our bodies before the harmful effects can take their toll. A majority of the population is not aware of the genetic modification of foods, but for nearly two decades scientists have been able to improve the genetic make up of organisms, particularly in the plants we eat. This enables crops to be engineered in a lab to be able to give off their own pesticides, and have other abilities the crop would not normally have (The Campaign). While it truly is an amazing science, most of the food we eat today is not natural. Since it is not natural many of its original nutritional properties are not present. The pesticides have the ability to cause the stomachs of the insects eating them to split open. This pesticide called Bacillus thuringiensis has also been known to be the cause of death for many animals that graze from plants enhanced with Bt (The Campaign). This pesticide is

Gonzalo 2 capable of affecting humans as Smith confirms people around the world have traced toxic or allergic reactions to eating GM (genetically modified) products, breathing GM pollen, or touching GM crops at harvest(The Campaign). Bt has caused many allergic reactions and flu like symptoms in humans due to is allergic properties. There could be a connection between genetic manipulation and the increase of food allergies and asthma, but scientists are still searching. The chemical Bt in these crops is developed to be more toxic because insects are starting to become immune. Unlike regular pesticides that can be washed away, these cannot be due to being internal in the genes, rendering this modification of the plant to have the potential to cause more harm than good (Protect Yourself). This is why I do not understand why this continues to go on. Why do corporations care more about profit instead of the health of the population? This is another reason why this information must be spread to everyone it effects. The unhealthy effects of GMOs are displayed while tests are performed on animals, such as rats. These animals show that the bacteria from the genetically modified organisms do not fully digest but instead continue to harvest in the intestines (The Campaign). Jai Godheja increases concern by stating, Scientists also acknowledge that little is known about the long-term safety of consuming food made from GM products. No real long term testing has been done, so as of now a there are only theories of what can actually occur. The corporations are the only ones who are allowed to perform standardized test but they end up doing whatever tests they want. They also refuse to give out all information but insist they

Gonzalo 3 are proven safe in their testing.(Protect Yourself) The US government has not done its job in overseeing the testing of these products before they become available to consumers. They are the only ones who can protect us yet leave us vulnerable. It seems that the only way we can even start being safe is by not taking the risk of consuming genetically modified foods and either growing our own food or try to find organic food. The issue with GMOs becomes more alarming when many are not aware that they are consuming it. Unfortunately GMOs have made there way into almost all of our processed foods. Tim Anderson goes on to explain Today, foods containing GMO products account for 60 percent of food and agriculture products sold in our markets. There are no labeling requirements to identify them as such. The United States and Canada are currently the only industrialized countries that do not require the labeling of GMOs. The only way to avoid GMOs in food is if it says 100% organic. If it just says organic it means at least 95% of the ingredients are organic. Several countries including Greece, Austria, Hungary and Bulgaria have entirely banned the growing and selling of GMOs (Protect Yourself). Most Americans think GMO foods should be labeled and many petitions have gone around, but of course the people can only do so much without government support. The biotech industry, big agriculture and food manufacturers are afraid that labeling might scare off customers and hurt their profits. Because of this they refuse to label their foods with this crucial information.

Gonzalo 4 Today scientists are still not sure of the health effects this can impose on humans. One fact they are certain of is that they are not healthy for us. The Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture for assume it is safe until proven otherwise. Independent scientists that discover any results must get approval from the corporations such as Monsanto before they can legally publish any findings. Those who attempt to publish studies with out permission are threatened (The Campaign). Jeffery M. Smith gives an example of threats when he says, Tragically, scientists who voice their criticism, as well as those who have discovered incriminating evidence, have been threatened, stripped of responsibilities, denied funding or tenure, or fired(The Campaign). The corporations are trying to keep the addition of these ingredients in their food a secret at all costs. Many have lost their jobs and benefits due to the power the corporations have. On the other hand as the population of the world continues to grow this might be the future of agriculture. In Point: The Many Benefits Of Genetically Modified Foods Pearson argues In developing countries, efforts to meet the growing demand for food will probably result in further exhaustion of existing farmland, leading farmers to cut down more forest acreage in a search for fertile soils. GM crops offer an alternative to this environmental catastrophe by providing increased yields from existing farmlands Many nations have been having a difficult time growing sufficient crops in order to feed their population. This is due in

Gonzalo 5 particular to droughts, storms, and pests. The ability of the plants to possibly require less water and have pesticides in their genetics will dramatically increase the success rate of crop growing. It is estimated that hunger and malnourishment that have caused 300 million deaths worldwide since 1970 (Pearson). Certain people may constantly eat foods that might taste delicious but unknowingly are diminishing their health. This issue has only been recently brought up to me but, since learning about GMOs I try and avoid them every chance I get. Many more need to be further educated on this subject. The more one knows about genetically modified foods and their potentially harmful effects they can make their own decision if they would like to continue to consume them, but it is unfair to unintentionally consume these foods. If genetically modified foods continue to be in our market the least the FDA should do is ensure its labeling. Everyone has the right to know what exactly is in the food they eat.

Gonzalo 6 Works Cited Anderson, Tim. "Counterpoint: GMO Foods Are Unsafe." Points Of View: Genetically Modified Foods (2013): 6. Points of View Reference Center. Web. 12 Nov. 2013. Godheja, Jai. "Impact Of GMO's On Environment And Human Health." Recent Research In Science & Technology 5.5 (2013): 26-29. Academic Search Complete. Web. 12 Nov. 2013. Pearson, John. "Point: The Many Benefits Of Genetically Modified Foods." Points Of View: Genetically Modified Foods (2013): 5. Points of View Reference Center. Web. 13 Nov. 2013. Smith, Jeffrey M. "THE CAMPAIGN For HEALTHIER EATING In AMERICA." Total Health 29.2 (2007): 38-40. Academic Search Complete. Web. 14 Nov. 2013. Smith, Jeffrey M. "Protect Yourself From Genetically Modified Foods." Total Health 27.3 (2005): 23-26. Academic Search Complete. Web. 13 Nov. 2013.