The Pros And Cons Of Genetically Modified Organisms

Have you ever heard someone talk about GMOs and not understand what “GMO” stands for? “A Genetically Modified Organism is an organism whose genetic material has been altered. Modification may include the mutation, deletion or insertion of genes from another species to achieve characteristics that may be more desirable such as bigger in size or resistant to disease or bugs. In addition to foods, GMOs are also widely used in scientific research and in pharmaceuticals. Organisms that have been genetically modified include micro-organisms such as bacteria and yeast, insects, plants, fish and mammals” (Chicago Tribune).
“Research and development of GMOs have been going on for more than 30 years now with the first wide scale planting of genetically engineered crops in 1996” (pknewby).
“A recent analysis of over 1,000 studies conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineers and Medicine and released in May, concludes there’s no safety reason to justify labeling GMOs. They have also found that GMOs are generally safe and don’t seem to harm the environment. Scientific research on the safety of genetically modified modified foods has proven them safe to eat. The American Medical Association stated there is ‘no scientific justification for special labeling of bioengineered foods’ and that “voluntary labeling is without value unless it is accompanied by focused consumer education” (Huffington