Recently, the FDA gave the go-ahead for two new types of genetically engineered foods
- apples that resist browning and potatoes that resist bruising.
These are examples of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs.
Although there has been a lot of debate about GMOs lately, the FDA claims these new GM apples
and potatoes are “as safe and nutritious as their conventional counterparts”.
So what are the pros and cons of the GMO food controversy?
Well, let’s first explore what GMOs are.
Every living thing has genetic instructions, or DNA, which tell an organism’s cells how
to replicate.
If you change those genes, or splice them with new ones, different traits can be expressed,
like, adding fish genes to tomatoes can make the plant more tolerant to cold.
And others have added genes to make drought-tolerant, or pest-resistant plants.
Because a farmer’s livelihood is so susceptible to weather changes, famine, and blight; many
use GMOs to secure reliable crop-yields and profits year over year.
But, GMO seeds are pricey, because big-agricultural businesses like Monsanto have been able to
maintain control over much of the genetically modified seed industry with restrictive patents.
So, why do so many people oppose GMOs?
Well, anti-GMO critics cite health and environmental concerns.
They worry there’s not enough research on GMOs, and we don’t know the long term consequences
of modifying the DNA of our food.
Others worry about the unnatural mixing of the genes of different species.
As an added concern, pesticides specifically associated with GMO crops are reportedly connected
to the national uptick in gluten-allergies.
But, on the other hand, as one Swiss report found, “The real choice is between GM crops
and current conventional pest and weed management practices”, which are known to have their
own problems.
Additionally there are plenty of reports out there that DON’T find GMOs harmful.
One study compared animals that were fed normal or GM food over the course of almost 20 years
-- and found that there was virtually no difference.
However, it is important to note that many studies are funded by pro-GMO interests.
But some of the most well known scientists, like Neil Degrasse Tyson, and Bill Nye the
Science Guy, have also come out in support of GMOs.
The fact is that plants and animals have been genetically modified through human selection
for thousands and thousands of years.
That’s why we have domesticated farm animals, and high-yield crops like wheat and corn.
But, the biggest fear is now that the process of genetic modification is evolving so quickly,
researchers don’t have the time to study their long term effects.
But besides the fear of trusting corporations with the safety and quality of our food, the
argument against GMOs falls a little flat.
If you want to dive deeper into the debate and what proponents and critics of GMOs are
actually saying, make sure to check out this video from our friends at AJ+.
(sound up.)
Thanks for watching TestTube, please subscribe!