Genetically Modified Food: It's the End of the World as We Know It

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Recommended: negative effects of GMOs on the environment

In 1994, a company called Monsanto created and received approval for a genetically modified “Flavr Savr” tomato. Since then, 95% of the United States sugar beets, 94% of the soybeans, and 88% of the feed corn is genetically modified. Initially, genetically modified foods were created and marketed to increase yield, for drought tolerance, to enhance nutrition, and offer other consumer benefits. These GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are species of plants and animals that have been genetically altered with DNA from bacteria, viruses, or from other species. None of the current GMO traits live up to what the biotech industry promised. In addition to that, the only approval system in place for GMOs is a voluntary consultation process that is overseen by the FDA. “Foods that are [genetically modified] are presumed to be safe unless the FDA has evidence to the contrary”, says Gregory Jaffe director of the Biotechnology Project at the Center for Science in the Public Interest (Weise). It is in the hands of companies like Monsanto to notice any harmful effects on the environment, animals and humans. People like Mike Adams and Jeffrey Smith help provide the general public with insight into the truth about GMOs. The use of genetically engineered organisms is harmful to humans and to the environment. Adams warns in an article, "Everything is at stake. If we do not change course, human civilization will not survive its own poisoning."

Nearly 100% of all commercial GMOs are engineered to withstand direct application of herbicide. Over 75% of all genetically modified crops are considered Roundup ready (RR). As a result, use of Roundup has increased 15 times since GMOs were introduced. Glyphosate is the main chemical in Roundup (paten...

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Non GMO Project. "GMO Facts." Non GMO Project. 20 January 2014 .

Roseboro, Ken. "Farmers' seed options drastically reduced in GMO-producing countries." 28 February 2013. The organic & non-gmo report. 21 1 January .

Weise, Elizabeth. "Genetically engineered foods Q & A." 28 October 2012. USA Today. 24 Jan 2014 .

WHO. "20 questions on genetically modified foods." World Health Organization. 20 January 2014 .

Whole Foods. "The GMO Controversy: What You Need to Know." Whole Foods Magazine, September 2008.

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