GM foods - are they harmful?

GMO, genetically modified organisms, or GM foods are those that have had their genetic material, such as DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) manipulated for practical uses. Normally, this involves introducing foreign genes into micro-organisms in order to change their genetic code thereby changing their basic nature. DNA molecules are the basic building blocks of the chromosomes contained in living cells, and carry within them the biochemical hereditary information that determine the structure and function of most living creatures. Those codes consist of segments of DNA that specify particular traits that distinguish one individual from another.

In the field of agriculture, GM techniques hold both potential benefits and great dangers. There are considerations of the impact GM foods may have on humans and the effects of GM crops on their surrounding environments. We know that what affects the environment also affects the human body. While no one knows for sure what those effects will be, it does not mean we can assume they are safe. The corporate players see only quick fortunes in using GM crops, and are obviously unconcerned with questions of safety to health.

If GM techniques are going to be used, shouldn’t they be developed responsibly, with adequate testing and evaluation of their environmental, market, and social impacts? After all, there are early indications that GM foods do have an impact on human health. The list of concerns about the potential dangers to human health are as follows:

• Toxicity – scientists from the FDA itself suspect that genetic engineering could make foods toxic
• Allergic reaction – genetically engineered foods could produce a new protein allergen, or enhance the synthesis of existing plant food allergens. For example, when a gene from a Brazil nut was engineered into soybeans, people allergic to nuts had serious reactions. Without labeling, people with certain food allergies will not be able to know if they might be harmed by the food they are eating.
• Antibiotic resistance – many GE foods are modified with antiobiotic-resistant genes and so people who eat them may become more susceptible to bacterial infections.
• Cancer – Dairy products from animals treated with bovine growth hormone contain an insulin-like growth factor that may increase the risk of breast, prostate and colon cancer.
• Immuno-suppression – There have been numerous animal tests results linking genetically engineered foods to immune-suppression.

Perhaps the strongest argument against the unfettered use of genetic engineering techniques is this: GM crops have no counterparts in nature, which means nature has had no opportunity to develop the kinds of natural controls and defenses that normally keep other species in balance with the life forms around them. No one can predict the effects of introducing unfamiliar organisms into our surroundings, especially if the genetic traits they carry end up being transferred to wild or domestic relatives of the genetically modified plant species.

The following is just one example of the ramifications of GE foods: A popular new variety of corn plant which has been genetically modified to resist insects emits a poison fatal to corn-boring caterpillars. Pollen from the plants blows onto nearby milkweed plants, the exclusive food of young Monarch butterfly larvae, and gets eaten by tiger-striped caterpillars. The engineered pollen killed nearly half of those young before they became butterflies. Monarchs, which already face ecological pressures, may soon find themselves on the endangered species list. Scientists believe other butterflies may also be at risk.

If GM crops are introduced irresponsibly, it is highly likely that we will be facing a world without butterflies, and full of uncontrollable herbicide-resistant superweeds. This may not be the result that was intended but it is almost inevitable. So when you hear GMO-supporters claim that there is no proof that GM crops are harmful, they are correct. Nevertheless, all indications point to the harm they can and will do. Time will tell the story. I, for one, would rather not sit back and wait. Let's slow this freight train before it careens out of control.