Professor Wenzell
English 100
11 February 2015
Paper #1
Genetically Modified Foods Are a Problem In the past couple of years Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) have been taking over America at an increasing and alarming rate. Over the past few years many Americans, including myself, have been concerned about GMO foods and if it’s safe for people to consume. With this in mind, more than sixty other countries ban or require GMO labeling on their food products. GMO products, such as tomatoes can last longer on display without rotting as well as other vegetables. Americans are concerned with GMO food products along with the health issues related to them. This is why so many people are buying organic products. American consumers …show more content…
There is much debate about whether or not GMO products should be banned; however, many people are concerned that the FDA has not fully researched the health risks on humans. As a mother, I watch what my son eats and I read the labels, I look at children’s cereals and I do not know where the wheat came from. That concerns me. According to Mike Barrett, his article “GMOs, Monsanto’s RoundUp Found in Kellogg’s Froot Loops,” he states, “Independent DNA lab testing has verified that 100% of the corn in Kellogg’s Froot Loops is genetically modified corn, containing DNA sequences known to be present in insecticide producing Bt and Roundup Ready corn” (Barrett). Ric Bessin, Extension Entomologist researched and found that “While the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) regulates genetically modified foods, it considers Bt-corn to be nutritionally equivalent to traditional corn” (Bessin). Most GMO crops are corn and are known as the six major GMO crops which include soy, alfalfa, canola, cotton, sugar, and beets. According to The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) they “[urges] physicians to advise all patients to avoid genetically modified (GM) food” (“Genetically”). Therefore, many people think that the FDA is not protecting the American people. Their own scientists warned people of possible toxins, possible allergies, …show more content…
Over the years it has been proven that GMO products are in everything we eat and according to the FDA labels do not have to be applied, but polls show that 93% of people want labels on GMO products despite of what the FDA says. With that being said, many people are concerned about how much pesticides are used to produce GMO crops and the super weeds they can turn out. The past few years Americans have been trying to ban GMO products, but until the FDA says otherwise GMO products are here to stay. So what can Americans do to demand labeling or fix the problem? It starts by getting educated and learning the pros and cons of GMO products, and, most importantly, petition to label and say no to GMO foods.
Works Cited
Barrett, Mike. "“GMOs, Monsanto’s RoundUp Found in Kellogg’s Froot Loops,”." Natural Society. Natural Society, 30 Jan. 2015. Web. 3 Feb. 2015. naturalsociety.com/gmos-monsantos-roundup-found-kelloggs-froot-loops/>
Bessin, Ric. "Bt-CORN: WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT WORKS." UK.ag. University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, n.d. Web. 2 Feb. 2015. 2.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ ef130.asp>.
Bronner, David. "Herbicide and Insecticide Use on GMO Crops." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 15 Nov. 2014. Web. 08 Feb. 2015.
"Doctors ' Health Warning: Avoid Genetically Modified Foods." GMO Health Risks- Institute for Responsible