Genetically Modified Foods Annotated Bibliography

Research Paper: Food Fight As of 2015, there are over thirty species of genetically engineered crops which include corn, soy, and cotton. Genetically Modified Organisms or GMO’s “can be defined as organisms (i.e. plants, animals or microorganisms) in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination.” (WHO) This paper will focus on genetically modified crops, as no GM animal has been approved for human consumption barring one exception. Since the introduction of GM crops for human consumption in the late 1980’s, the public has expressed concerns over the safety of these products. Americans should know that Genetically Modified crops are safe for the environment

insects which are not pests) to the gene product; the stability of the gene; the reduction in the spectrum of other plants including loss of biodiversity; and increased use of chemicals in agriculture.” (WHO) . People such as Barry Commoner believe “One of the most pervasive features of modern technology is the notion that it is intended to “improve on nature”—to provide food, clothing, shelter, and means of communication and expression which are superior to those available to man in nature.” (351) Also

“Genetically modified ingredients are present in an estimated 75%-80% percent of all processed foods in the U.S.” (Imhoff) and “America's per capita consumption of genetically modified foods has reached 193 pounds annually” (Imhoff). Most of the GM ingredients are found in processed foods and many Americans feel they have a “right to know” which products contain GMO’s. A view of an opponent of labeling states “mandatory GMO labels would only intensify the misconception that so-called Frankenfoods endanger people's health” (Fight the GM Food Scare). Another point to consider is the price tag of mandatory labeling, “an array of groups in mainstream agribusiness, the grocery industry, and the biotech industry, many of whom would bear the cost of implementing new labeling as well as potential loss of sales to wary consumers who aren't sure what the labels mean or whether they should be worried.” (Dahl) That is to say, that requiring the labeling of foods containing GMO’s would cause the uninformed consumer to avoid buying the product without a clear understanding what effects or lack of effects GM foods really have on their health. While this view has taken hold of a number of Americans, just as many believe that labeling should be mandatory. “Studies suggest that eating most GMOs won't be harmful