Read the article "Are GMOs Safe? Breaking Down the Science of Science-ified Foods" by Jamie Ducharme, published by *Time* on January 5, 2024, the writer talks about whether genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are safe. Ducharme starts by explaining that GMOs have been around for over 30 years, starting with genetically modified tomatoes in the U.S. Even though scientists and the FDA have said that GMOs are safe, many people still aren’t sure. The article mentions that not only Americans, but people worldwide, are still unsure about eating GMOs. A big point in the article is the protest against GMOs. For example, in the Philippines, activists have fought against golden rice, a type of genetically modified rice with added Vitamin A to help …show more content…
For thousands of years, farmers have been selecting the best crops to plant. Today, scientists use advanced technology to do the same thing, but more precisely. They can change crops to make them more nutritious or resistant to pests, which is a more scientific way of doing what farmers have done for ages. Ducharme also talks about how the FDA has approved several GMO products, like salmon, papayas, and apples. These crops are changed so they can grow better and survive longer. Most of the soybeans, corn, sugar beets, and canola in the U.S. are also genetically modified to resist pests, meaning fewer pesticides are needed. Still, some people are concerned and don’t fully trust these changes, even with research showing that GMOs are safe. Fred Gould, a professor at North Carolina State University, is featured in the article. He teaches about GMOs to help clear up misunderstandings. Gould explains that GMOs are common in the U.S. and Canada, but not as much in other countries, especially in Europe. In the U.S., GMOs are in many processed foods, and most people probably don’t even know they’re eating them. In this way, Americans are part of what Gould calls a “natural experiment” because they consume so many