Genetically Modified Foods

Wednesday, June 19, 2013



Genetically Modified Foods
The biggest problem I have with Genetically Modified Foods is the lack of information surrounding them and to be more specific, the safety aspect of these foods. Another problem that exists is the fact that the FDA does not even deem it necessary to inform you that you are eating them.  I'm no scientist, but from my perspective the studies seem at best to be flawed, or at least lean in the favor of the people promoting these foods.  I am also concerned about unpredictable toxins and that Genetically Modified Foods may cause bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics.  There is just not enough information about the health hazards such as toxicity.

The argument that the FDA is involved
Does the fact that the FDA is involved make you feel better?  I would reconsider if it does.  Don't get me wrong, I am not condemning the FDA.  I think they do good work, and I would not like to see how conditions would be without them.  I do think that their stamp of  approval can be questioned at times.  For example, a study performed on tomatoes came to the conclusion that the tomatoes were safe.  It is my opinion that the study was poorly designed and it does not rest on good science.  Why this conclusion?  Well let me point out just one fact. 

The Research

First let’s consider the acute toxicity study done on male and female rats.  The rats were tube-fed homogenized Genetically Modified (GM) tomatoes, and toxic effects were claimed to be absent.  But I would ask the question, why some rats died within a few weeks after eating GM tomatoes.  There were seven out of the forty rats being fed GM tomatoes that died within two weeks for “unstated reasons.”  That’s fine unless you happen to be rat number five or maybe rat number two.  The FDA made the decision that no further toxicological testing of GM foods will be required in the future.  Does anyone besides me find this to be an interesting conclusion?

You are involved
How does this relate to us?  Is the same principle applied? For example there were more rats that lived than died.  So relating this to us, if the Genetically Modified Foods have little effect on most of the people then has the greater good been accomplished?  Consider the small number of rats that died from “unstated reasons.” Now consider how you would feel if you are in the “small number” of people being affected by eating these tomatoes? 

Flawed Research

Someone might argue,  perhaps no one will be harmed by eating them.  And that is the problem, there is just not enough information to say for certain that Genetically Modified Foods are safe to eat.  Not enough research or at least “reliable” scientific studies to prove this.  Just remember though we do have seven less rats in the world.  And consider the rats that skipped the tomatoes and had corn for lunch; their ability to digest was decreased after eating Genetically Modified Maze.  It is my opinion this was another flawed study that does not determine that GM Foods are safe to eat.
The fact remains there could be an unacceptable health risk.  These are “just two” examples of studies conducted that make me scratch my head in disbelief.

Bottom Line

Bottom line, there should be more studies before we allow our children, our grandparents or the expecting mothers of the world to consume this food.  The data on Genetically Modified Foods is just not adequate.  It is my opinion the scientific quality of studies concerning the safety of GM Foods must meet higher standards.   Or better yet just start producing food the way we know is safe.

The argument comes up that the future feeding of the world’s population depends on Genetically Modified Foods.  But doesn't the future of the world’s population need wholesome food?  Don’t we need the assurance from sound scientific studies that the harmful effects don’t far outweigh the “potential benefits” of feeding more people, or should I say, of making more money in feeding people?

I suppose in years to come we will have complete results from eating Genetically Modified Foods, because they are being produced on a grand scale.  It’s too bad that we and our children have to be the "so called rats" of this long term study.

Benefits that I perceive

Aren’t there some benefits you might ask?  Well, I believe the biggest benefit, and really the driving force behind Genetically Modified Foods is that farming them is more profitable.  The use of some of these crops can simplify work and improve safety for farmers (a good thing).  This allows farmers to spend less of their time managing their crops and more time spending the bundles of money they are making.   

I mean –  uh – spend more time on other activates – yeah that’s it – other activities.

Bottom line it’s just more profitable.    

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