Today, foods grown can be genetically manipulated to build new, “improved” version – whether their goal is tasty, size, output, or other frightening, Frankenstein additions.
What exactly is Genetically Modified (GM) food?
GM crops are produced in the laboratory (you know, where the tastiest food is raised), where genetic materials from the cells of one species is transferred to another. The result? Artificially developing new organisms that are not supposed to breed. Mmm… Fish genes in my strawberries.
Why are GM crops used?
For whatever reason they use to justify the results, the artificial insemination somehow “benefits” the grower, but often there are unpredictable side effects. Like in any surgery, complications can arise.
Are there environmental complications something we should worry about?
Yes! There have already been issues arising with GM crops.
- Unexpected toxins and allergens have made their way into our foods. A well-known example was the Brazil nut debacle; its genes, transferred into a soybean, suddenly made the soybean allergenic to anyone with a nut allergy. Toxins, also, cause various bacteria to make its way into our bodies, resulting in sickness and health issues.
- Scientists add genes resistant to common antibiotics, and therefore, these genes are present in our food and, in turn, our bodies. The result? We become resistant to the same antibiotics.
- GM crops effect the environment, as they have introduced species that become pests, leach toxins into the soil, and create a variety of superweeds.
- The plethora of GE crops results in non-GM crops also contaminated, due to crosspollination carried by wind or mixed seeds.
What about social or ethical concerns?
- We don’t always know what we are eating. GM foods need not be labeled.
- GM crop companies control the seed trade, and as a result the farmers lose a lot of rights. In addition, non-GM seeds are difficult to find.
- GM is unnatural. And frankly, that’s a little frightening.
To free yourself from as much Genetically Modified food as possible, download True Food’s Shopper’s Guide To Avoiding GM Foods, a handy list to have on your next grocery outing.
Images courtesy of rowan.edu/biology/faculty/obrien and bftf.org
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Discussion Take a look at what is being said about this article.
tara, on March 25th, 2009 says:
disgusting! thanks for letting us know.
JF, on December 7th, 2009 says:
The whole thing about us become resistant to antibiotics is false…
It IS NOT possible for a food (of any sort) to alter your DNA sequence.
Just putting it out there…
Hey!, on December 7th, 2009 says:
You know GM foods aren’t all that bad. They are safe to eat (unless your allergic to the food or inserted gene), and they’re allowing farmers to grow food that’s cheaper and contains more vitamins. Like golden rice, for example, is helping third world countries combat vitamin diseases that cause malnutrition.
I agree that GM foods are bad, but you have to list both sides of the story, and can’t have a bias when writing informational articles.
GO ECOKI!!!!
Ruby, on December 8th, 2009 says:
i think that genetically modifieng crops is realy stupid i mean food is one thing but ANIMALS is another
i mean poor sheep coliflour thing
and pig dog or dog pig