Pros and Cons of GMOs

There’s an argument as to what the pros and cons of GMOs(also known as genetically modified organisms) actually are. Some people think they are 100 percent positive and others believe they are 100 percent negative and neither side will concede to the other. Before writing off GMOs either way, it’s a good idea to read some of the reasoning behind each opinion.

GMOs are microorganisms, plants and animals that have had their genes altered to produce a desired effect that is meant to benefit people in some way. Usually they are modified either to further scientific research or to alter the food supply. Common genetic modifications include:

• Cloning of both animals and plants
• Injecting growth hormones in animals
• Adding antibacterial genes to plants
• Introducing genes that make organisms bigger or hardier
• Making new foods by mixing genes from existing ones

Animal genes are sometimes added to plants, and vice versa.

Common foods that contain GMOs are sugar beets, rice, corn, dairy products and soybeans. Millions of farm animals are fed genetically modified feed. Products that are genetically modified do not have to be labeled, so many don't think of the pros and cons of GMOs as they shop in the grocery store. As time goes on, more and more foods will be affected.

The government and agribusiness tout the benefits of GMOs to the public. One main manufacturer in on the debate is Monsanto, which makes Roundup Ready plants, resistant to weed killers. Some of the benefits they see are as follows:

• Better food quality and taste – Genetic modification can be used to make corn sweeter, peppers spicier, pears taste more like apples and fruit and vegetables keep longer.
• Increased yields, often in less time – Genetic modification can make plants and animals grow bigger and faster, which can save time and money.
• Fewer animal health problems – Genetic modification can result in animals that are resistant to diseases and can better withstand typical factory farm conditions.
• More efficient production of food – Genetic modification can help farmers skip steps in the process, such as spraying their crops with pesticides.

Top critics of genetic modification include environmentalists and proponents of organic foods. Many refer to modified foods as “frankenfoods.” Here is some of their reasoning:

• Safety risks – Genetic modification is a relatively new technology. It is difficult to tell what the long term effects of eating these foods could be.
• Environmental risks – Introducing plants and animals that do not naturally occur into the ecosystem could have devastating effects on current species due to cross breeding and cross pollination.
• Social risks – Poorer countries do not have the means to produce genetically modified foods. Industrial nations may rely less on these countries and cost them much needed income from exports.
• Ethical risks – Changing the makeup of animals is unethical and could start a slippery slope resulting in the cloning of people or other similar prospects.
• Collateral Damage – Making plants and animals that are resistant to bacteria can cause bacteria to become stronger and harder to kill. Making plants herbicide resistant can lead to weeds that are herbicide resistant as well.

People who would rather not deal with GMOs, either the pros or the cons, can buy food that is labeled USDA organic. Any food that is labeled "100% organic," "organic" or "made with organic ingredients" cannot include any ingredient that is genetically modified.

Right now, this is the only way to insure there are no GMOS present in a product, although individual manufactures sometimes apply what’s known as negative labels to their products. One common negative label is seen on thousands of cartons of milk. It asserts that the cows used to produce it do not receive bovine growth hormone, also known as rBGH or rBST.

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