Are Genetically Modified Foods Safe?
Experts say that 60-70% of all processed foods contain ingredients with GMOs, including but not limited to cereals, snack foods, and sodas. In the United States it is not required for foods to be labeled when GMOs are present. The US government believes that the genetically modified crops are safe, help resist disease, and can assist in feeding starving nations. Can this be true considering Europe refuses to use them stating that the risks outweigh the benefits. What possible risks does Europe have that the United States doesn't? It doesn't seem possible. The safety of GMOs has not yet been proven but there are studies currently being conducted. Such studies will be discussed in later weeks. Below is a list of some basic pros and cons of genetically modified organisms in food.
Pros of GMOS:
The ability of the plant to resist pests and disease
Drought tolerance
Increased production of food
Drought tolerance
Increased production of food
Cons of GMOS:
Introduction of allergens and toxins into food
Contamination of non-genetically modified foods
Possible antibiotic resistance
Negatively effecting the nutrients of the plant
Image source http://foodwinefitness.com/2013/gmo-food-labeling/
Resources:
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/are-biotech-foods-safe-to-eat
http://foodwinefitness.com/2013/gmo-food-labeling/
Something that really caught my eye was that the safety of GMOs has not yet been proven. From your last blog, it seems that GMOs are in almost anything we consume, due to supply and demand. The risk:benefit ratio seems to be skewed more towards the risk, which is a bit concerning to me. The cons are ideal for today's high-demand society but Europe might have a point. What if they are dangerous? We have already formed a dependence on GMOs to produce mass amounts of necessary goods. It will certainly be hard to cut out GMOs, from the general public, if they do prove to be harmful. This post definitely got me thinking. Well done!
ReplyDeleteWhat proved to be a concern for me are the cons of GMOs in food; this is especially concerning considering how fast and how easy we can get food. These GMOs are obviously in the products we find at our local grocery stores. For me, and I hope most people as well, the risks outweigh the benefits. As a slowly-transitioning vegetarian, it should not only be about healthy eating but careful eating as well. Some of the foods we consume may seem "natural" but it is, for sure, difficult to figure what's been genetically modified. I look forward to reading more. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI was surprised that GMOs is not 100% safety for sure, and the US government only believes GMOs is safe. Also, the safety of GMOs has not yet been proven, therefore, i was afraid about the product with GMOs label. The reason is because that products with GMOs labeled always are common food in our daily life.
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