Topic > Genetically Modified Foods: Safe or Unsafe - 567

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have become commonplace in our food supply. There are many ethical issues to consider in the entire process, from feeding livestock feed made with genetically modified ingredients, to farming genetically modified crops and the products that end up on store shelves as a result. What can consumers in the United States do to ensure the food they feed their families is safe? How do we know if GMOs in our food supply are safe or dangerous? Many believe there are no known risks related to GMOs. The main purpose of genetically modified crops (GMC) is to make them resistant to pesticides, diseases and pests. According to Henry I. Miller (2012), genetic engineering actually makes foods safer by reducing dangerous contaminants such as fungi and mold in a practical and well-established way. In 2013, 93% of all soybeans, 90% of all feed corn, and 90% of all cotton grown in the United States had been genetically modified. (Weise, 2014) There are other genetically modified crops in the United States such as alfalfa, canola, papaya, sweet corn, and summer squash. The United States is a world leader in genetically modified crops. (Weise, 2014) On the other hand, you argue that GMOs are dangerous to our health and the environment. Ronnie Cummins is the founder of the nonprofit Organic Consumers Association. According to Cummins (2012), genetically modified foods have been found to contain toxins, some of which are deadly and some of which are carcinogenic; Furthermore, GMOs could harm allergic people by exposing them to proteins included in common food products. The Organic Consumers Association is pushing for a total ban on all GMOs and biotechnology...... middle of document ......ra A. Miller. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. In question. Rpt. from “Dangers of Genetically Modified Foods and Crops: Why We Need a Global Moratorium.” Opposing points of view in context. Network. February 22, 2014 Helme, Morgan Anderson. “Fight Over Genetically Modified Foods: FDA Should Step Up Regulatory Step So States Don’t Cross Constitutional Line.” Minn. L. Rev. 98 (2013): 356-419. Opposing points of view in context. Network. February 22, 2014Miller, Henry I. "Genetically Modified Foods Have Numerous Benefits and No Known Risks." Genetic engineering. Ed. Noël Merino. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2013. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "When Technophobia Becomes Toxic". 2012. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Network. February 28, 2014.Weise, Elisabetta. “Genetically modified crops in nearly 12% of fields.” USA Today February 13, 2014: 04B. Opposing points of view in context. Network. February 28. 2014.