Why Genetically Modified Organisms (gmo) Should not Be Consumed

Introduction

Did you know that most of the time you are consuming GMOs?

Why Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) Should Not Be Consumed

In recent years, geneticists, in pursuit of profit, have replaced our diet with genetically altered foods, adversely affecting human health and local communities. Being resistant to pesticides, GMOs are created by splicing genes of different species that are combined through genetic engineering (GE), something that is impossible to do in nature (The Non-GMO Project, n.d.). Consuming these genetically altered and more processed foods can lead to an increased risk of diseases and even cancer. Most of the time, we do not even realize that we are eating these harmful toxins as they are infused in our food without our knowledge (Label GMOs, n.d.). Farmers who maintain traditional farming practices and choose to grow organic produce are constantly trying to keep their businesses alive. Larger corporations, however, which choose to use genetically modified (GM) seeds, make larger profits with less time and effort involved. Choosing to buy local organic produce over crops that contain genetically modified organisms can not only help you stay healthy but also keep our local farmers in business so that they may continue to grow their crops the way nature intended.

Health and Environmental Impacts

Although GMOs were only introduced in 1996, the side effects can already be seen: There have been increased allergic reactions, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and other toxic hazards. While these side effects of GMOs may seem minuscule in the grand scheme of things, the lasting effects can be much more drastic. More and more children are having life-threatening allergies, which can be attributed to increased GMO intake. Already thirty-seven people have died from side effects of GMOs, 1,500 were partially paralyzed, and 5,000 were temporarily handicapped by chemicals used in harvesting GMOs (Smith, 2003). These numbers do not include the number of children born with birth defects associated with the chemical glyphosate. This chemical alone can cause infertility, stillbirths, miscarriages, and cancers. Studies in animals have shown that GMO intake leads to premature death, mammary tumors, and liver/kidney damage.

Ecological Consequences

Furthermore, chemical products used on plants for their gene modification can lead to unexpected specimens that can be a danger to nature. GMO supporters argue that scientists use those chemical products to increase either the productivity of food or animals or to make them better than the original strain, and the final result can lead to pest resistance. However, in the article, “Herbicide and Insecticide Use on GMO Crops Skyrocketing While Pro-GMO Media Run Interference” by David Bronner (2013), the author speculates that, “…we now have huge swaths of the country infested with 'superweeds” and 'superbugs' resistant to glyphosate and Bt…”. Bronner explains how bugs and germs will eventually grow resistant to the GMOs inherent to pest resistance. The bugs and germs will be able to develop their own resistances because they have time, and they will become dangerous to the environment.

Corporate Influence and Market Dynamics

Monsanto, the biggest producer of GMO seeds, has a history of being wrong about safety. When planting GM seeds, pesticides and herbicides are used so that these crops become resistant to them. Toxicity is a huge issue surrounding chemical pesticides and herbicides. GMOs may be toxic to non-target organisms. Bees and butterflies are the most talked-about examples currently. Bees are hugely important in the pollination of many food crops but are unfortunately extremely endangered by modern agricultural techniques, such as GM crops. The chemicals found in these herbicides lead to an increase in the death of bees and butterflies.

Our local farmers are competing heavily with larger companies that support GM crops. The reap and harvest time for GM crops is way more consistent than for naturally grown crops. This then leads to higher demand for GM crops so the food markets can stay afloat. Even though farmers’ crops are healthier, the demand for food drives toxic crops like GMOs to the market because they are produced more quickly. However, they do not discourage our farmers whose main goal is to protect consumers while these corporate giants are protecting their assets and are more motivated to make profits. The article, “Genetically Modified Food Are Not the Answer to World Hunger” by John Robbins (2012), claims, “The biotech companies have invested billions of dollars because they sense in this technology the potential for enormous profit and the means to gain control over the world’s food supply. Their goal is not to help subsistence farmers feed themselves. Their goal is to maximize profit.” The author in the article explains how biotech companies are just for their own interest. The biotech company's answer to the problem of world hunger complicates the situation by creating more disasters.

Conclusion

Now, what should we do with all this information? GMOs have not been adequately tested on humans, and are just one of the many reasons why they should not be consumed. With their long list of side effects that are present in both animals and humans, taking a stand against GMOs is important if we want local farmers to continue growing their crops without genetic mutations. We need to support them by buying their products rather than a brand name. Not only does buying locally grown produce supply healthier food, but also promises that the healthy food one is purchasing will still be available for years to come. Although the pricing may differ, one is paying for the quality of the food and essentially, one's quality of life. GMOs were not meant to be consumed and conflict with our body’s natural biochemical balance. By consuming GMOs, one is putting his or her own life at risk. It is one’s own body and only one can decide what to put in it.

References

• Bronner, D. (2013). Herbicide and insecticide use on GMO crops skyrocketing while pro-GMO media run interference. Organic Consumers Association. Retrieved from https://www.organicconsumers.org
• Label GMOs. (n.d.). The Non-GMO Project. Retrieved from https://www.nongmoproject.org
• Robbins, J. (2012). Genetically modified food are not the answer to world hunger. Huffington Post. Retrieved from https://www.huffpost.com
• Smith, J. M. (2003). Seeds of deception: Exposing industry and government lies about the safety of the genetically engineered foods you're eating. Yes! Books.