GMOs (genetically modified organisms) have become a hot topic of debate in the U.S. Where I’m from, I’ve seen people standing on the side of the road protesting against GMOs, passionately calling for the universal labeling of genetically modified foods.
Many proponents of GMOs have argued that they help underdeveloped countries that lack the proper nutrition to thrive. Vitamin A deficiency, a sometimes lethal threat to the development of vital organs in infants and children, is prominent in such countries. To combat this, scientists have been manipulating the genes of fruit like bananas in order to fortify them with carotenes that will produce Vitamin A. This way, children and families have easy access to a food that could potentially save their lives.
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While we don’t have long enough, independent studies to prove the safety of GMOs, many scientists agree that GMOs are generally safe for the general public to consume. However, the WHO released a study concerning glyphosate, a chemical used in GMO herbicides, and labeled it as a probable carcinogen. This led to further studies and tests done on common breakfast foods to see if glyphosate was contained in the foods. The results were unnerving.
The “probable carcinogen” glyphosate was found in several kinds of breakfast foods including bagels, oatmeal and even organic products. This introduces a whole other issue of the organic industry. The USDA’s website says organically labeled products must be “Produced without excluded methods, (e.g., genetic engineering, ionizing radiation, or sewage sludge).” If GMOs are barred from organic agriculture, then why is glyphosate showing up in tests of organic foods?
This new development is alarming, and it’s still clear that GMOs have a long road ahead of them to win the public over. While I try to eat organically as possible, I can still see the practicality that GMOs offer countries where buying high-priced organics is not an option.
