Genetic engineering

Without mentioning it on the labels, a lot of the food products found in local food stores have Genetically Engineered Organisms (GEO), also called Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO). Over 80% of consumers in the United States want to have GMO labeling, but the FDA has ruled against the necessity. Not only did they rule against stating the presence of GMO or GEO on food labels, they have also banned companies from issuing labels that state they are GMO or GEO free. No sense in confusing us consumers, as the FDA thinks we are consumed enough already. What we may really be confused about is who is the FDA protecting -- people’s health and lives, or food and drug companies?

Genetic engineering is using genes derived from bacteria and viruses and artificially modifying genes from plants and animals by splicing DNA from one organism to another. The intention, by innovators of this engineering, was for the good of mankind. It was intended to weed out less desirable qualities in favor of good ones to grow better crops, enhance flavors and nutrition and make improvements. They wanted to reduce grow times, produce higher yields, have less loss of crops, improve animal health, conserve energy, reduce waste and wipe out starvation. Intentions were all good; no one set out to do the environment and populous harm.

However, many experts and scientists are now feeling not enough forethought and research was put into the potential risks, not even to mention people who are ethically opposed due to health, religious or personal opinions. Possible but not proven dangers could be: new allergens, toxins, contaminations of food and water that are irreversible, weeds resistant to herbicides, loss of biodiversity, destruction of the ecological balance of nature and effect on health. Studies are being conducted on possible effects on autism, obesity and cancers.

The foods already on the shelves of supermarkets are tomatoes, squash, corn, potatoes, and soybeans which are used in 60% of all processed foods. Some cheese and canola oils have GMO also.

Everyone agrees that food and agriculture is big business. All the public would like right now is the right to choose. Labels should tell us whether food items have GMO or not. Simple. Then we decide whether to buy or not to buy.