Gm Corn Cons

Bioengineering of Genetically Modified (GM) corn began to produce better yields and reduce loss. GM corn has been highly controversial since its beginning. Opponents of GM corn question the health effects, while supporters argue there is no evidence of negative effects. Genetically modifying the diet of the world’s livestock raises ethical questions that have debatable answers.
Genes were successfully introduced into plants in 1983 by both biologists at Washington University and Monsanto–a huge leader in the agricultural biotechnology field (Stone). The first modifications dealt with insect resistance by encoding genes with crystalline proteins. Bacillus Thuringiensis, more commonly known as BT, is a bacterium that produces these toxic, crystalline proteins. These toxins target and attack a wide range of insects and nematodes, reducing the need for chemicals. In 1999, scientists developed a new type of corn that could withstand applications of herbicides, which are toxic substances used to destroy unwanted vegetation. Referred to as, “RoundUp Ready Corn,” it could survive these deadly substances. The government approved

Professor Paul Christou of the University of Lleida, Spain explains not a single report of increased toxicity or allergenicity (increasing people’s vulnerability to allergens) has been reported since the first commercial planting of GM corn. Professor Marcello Buiatti of the University of Florence, Italy hypothesizes that the studies are reported from agencies that are trying to sell these GM products. He believes these companies are either not trying to find the negative impacts or possibly covering them up. It would be in the best interest of these companies, like Monsanto and Syngenta, for the negative impacts not to be made public. Buiatti challenges independent companies that do not sell these products to do the research to prevent