A Study of Gmo Products for Harmful Elements

Introduction: The Evolution of Maize and Modern Genetic Modification

Approximately ten thousand years ago, maize was domesticated by Mesoamerican peoples. This domestication was so successful that maize, which began as a plant called teosinte, became an entirely different crop, now known as corn (Hirst, n.d.). Today, the relationship between humans and edible plants is far different than it was, with most Americans rarely buying plants in their raw form. Technically speaking, the Mesoamerican people altered the genetics of their crops, but genetic engineering today is entirely different. Despite the fact that genetically modified organisms, often referred to as GMOs, could positively revolutionize agriculture, questionable practices and health risks prevent genetically modified foods from being a safe or sustainable option.

Understanding GMOs: A Double-Edged Sword

What exactly is a GMO? As highlighted by the Mesoamerican people, among millions of other societies that have participated in the domestication of crops, the genetic modification of crops is not inherently bad. The basic concept of genetic modification—changing the biological makeup and physical properties of a crop to increase agricultural efficiency—is utterly fabulous. In fact, genetic modification has led to the popularity of many foods such as blueberries, sweet potatoes, grapes, and countless others. Genetic modification, in that sense, is one of the vital technological innovations in the history of mankind. But not all that glitters is gold—especially not shiny genetically modified apples. Today, over 90% of the genetically modified seeds being planted and harvested are designed by Monsanto, one of the most controversial corporations of the modern world (Tong, n.d.). Monsanto’s genetic modification happens not in the fields, but in laboratories. Monsanto’s genetic modification does not take decades, but rather a few months. Monsanto’s genetic modification depends not on natural progression, but rather on starkly unnatural modification. Rather than allowing crops to change over time with the help of human intervention, Monsanto rapidly and forcibly alters the DNA of common foods.

Monsanto: A Controversial History

These genetically modified seeds yield crops that stay ripe for longer, can be more flavorful, and are generally more fruitful. Let’s be real—that sounds great! Unfortunately, genetic engineering under Monsanto is far from the utopian agriculture we all wish it was. For starters, Monsanto’s background is beyond questionable. A life sciences company until the late 1990s, Monsanto oversaw the production of chemicals, polymers, food additives, and pharmaceuticals (“Dark History of the...”, n.d.). Monsanto has been a leader in the production of PCBs, DDT, and dioxins—not to mention the infamous chemical weapon Agent Orange. PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, are classified as environmentally toxic, an organic pollutant, a probable carcinogen, and have been banned by the United States Congress (“What Are The Human Health Effects Of PCBs?”, n.d.). While genetically modified crops stay ripe for unnaturally long and are sometimes enhanced in flavor, do you really want to consume any product from a company with this kind of history? Do you really want to ingest food produced by the same company responsible for Agent Orange? Gradual genetic modification of crops could be, and historically has been, incredibly successful. But under corporations such as Monsanto, such success is simply not possible. Our diet is vital to our most basic bodily functions; we shouldn’t be letting a chemical company control it.

GMOs and Pesticides: An Unhealthy Relationship

Furthermore, GMOs are almost always used alongside pesticides. Concerning pesticide use, the EPA could offer only a meager “reasonable certainty of no harm to infants and children as well as adults [upon eating foods treated with pesticides],” (“Food and Pesticides”, n.d.). The next section of their website explained how to reduce pesticide consumption; not very convincing. That’s like saying “I’m reasonably certain this pill won’t kill you and your family, so here are some ways you can avoid it.” While genetically modified crops stay ripe for unnaturally long and sometimes are enhanced in flavor, do you really want to consume any product from a company with this kind of history? Do you really want to ingest food produced by the same company responsible for Agent Orange? Genetically modified crops could have been, and historically have been, incredibly successful. But under Monsanto, such success is simply not possible. Our diet is vital to our most basic functions—we shouldn’t be letting a chemical company control it.

Health Risks and Global Perspectives

With such a shocking background comes equally shocking health risks. Despite Monsanto’s claims that their genetically modified crops are safe for consumption, the 64 countries of the European Union that have banned or required labeling for GMOs would probably disagree (“Canada and GMO’s – Where In the World Do We Stand?”, n.d.). Monsanto’s website is quick to boast that “We have pediatricians, toxicologists and dietitians on staff to rigorously examine all products and all proposed products,” but something just doesn’t add up (“Ask Your Question About Monsanto, Sustainability, and More”, n.d.). Although this claim appears convincing, the validity is rootless. Many of their scientists are managed by connected companies, such as the NABDA, which is almost certainly affecting the results of their experiments (“Nigeria: Open Letter to Mr President Muhammadu Buhari…”, n.d.). In a recent study from an unaffiliated lab, a shocking 70 percent of female rats died prematurely when fed GMOs. Similarly, fifty percent of males died early. Almost all of these premature deaths were from cancerous tumors (Adams, n.d.).

Conclusion: The Need for Caution and Regulation

Despite the fact that the United States consumed over 170.5 million acres’ worth of genetically modified crops in 2011, genetically modified products are still not even required to be labeled by the Food and Drug Administration. Why is it so unusual for companies to label products made with GMOs? Because there is a lot of public fear and uncertainty regarding GMOs—with good reason. The historic practice of gradually transforming the genetics of a crop is wonderful and has been instrumental to the success of mankind. But the genetic modification Monsanto has introduced, which is starkly unnatural, relies on pesticides, and may or may not cause cancerous tumors, is just the opposite of what this world needs.