2. Abstract
It is important for us to recognize what is being put into our foods. It is what fuels
our bodies and keeps us alive. There is no need to put chemicals or pesticides into
our bodies. They are dangerous and can cause medical problems. GMO’s are
popular because they can help with defense against insects and produce a larger
yield of crops. Some believe that this can help solve the world hunger problem by
providing an abundance of food to developing nations. Although it seems like
this addition is helpful, it comes with many negative side effects. A huge issue is
that the FDA does not require safety checks or labeling of products to disclose to
the consumer that there are GMO’s present in the ingredients. Some of the side
effects include increased food allergy reactions, cancer, infertility, viral and
bacterial illnesses, toxins, birth defects, shorter life spans, and death. The studies
on GMO’s and their long term affects are very limited and unknown. No one is
being held accountable for the dangers that come along with GMO’s. Many
consumers would not buy GMO products if they were labeled so. If GMO’s are
considered safe and healthy, then why are companies against labeling products
and letting the consumer decide what they want?
3. What's the Difference?
Organic
Natural, unprocessed
food
Labeled “Certified
Organic”
Safe for you &
environment
Genetically Modified
Foods
Genetic composition is
altered by gene technology
Plants have been genetically
engineered to produce
pesticides or resist
herbicides
No GMO label required
Common GMO products:
tomatoes, rice, potatoes, cor
n, soy, milk, wheat, canola
oil, & aspartame (artificial
sweetener)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkszeODUOkc
4. Genetically Modified Food
Benefits
Faster growing, better tasting fruits & vegetables that
stay fresher longer and are naturally resistant to
insects, drought, cold, & disease
Cheap & affordable: Can increase food production
for developing nations who suffer from malnutrition
Edible vaccines can be put into fruits & vegetables
5. Genetically Modified Food
Hazards
Monsanto is the leading
producer of genetically
engineered seed.
Over 80% of food in
North America contains
GMO’s
The FDA does not require
labeling or safety checks
on GMO products
No one is being held
responsible for all of the
side effects caused by
GMO’s
6. Genetically Modified Food
Hazards (continued)
Unintended side effects to
humans:
Allergic reactions
Cancer (400-500% ↑ risk of breast, prostate
& colon cancer)
Unacceptable levels of antibiotic
residue in milk
Infertility
Birth defects
Low birth weight
Shorter life spans
Toxicity
Death
Damage to the environment:
Toxicity to soil from deadly
chemicals
Soil sterility & pollution (lasts up to
8 months)
Lethal to beneficial insects
Extinction of seed varieties
Super weeds (endotoxin remains in soil
at least 18 months)
Destruction of forest life
Super pests (common plant pests
evolve)
Natural boundaries are violated
(crossing strawberries with fish, grains &
seeds with bacteria or viruses)
7. Uninformed Public
60 countries require labeling
foods with GMO’s in
them, the US does not
30 countries restrict or ban
GMO’s, including
Australia, Japan, & all of
Europe
Long term side effects are
unknown and currently not
being studied
8. Safety
Americans consume 193
pounds of GMO’s annually
Instead of spraying pesticides onto
plants, plants will contain them in
every cell
If GMO’s are so safe,
why are they wearing
protective clothing?
9. A diet filled with organic fruits, vegetables, whole
grains, & beans helps lower the risk for many cancers.
10. References
Aleksejeva, I. (2013). Use of genetically modified organisms in
food production and future challenges. Economic Science for
Rural Development, 32: 113-119.
Hjelmar, U. (2011). Consumers’ purchase of organic food products: a
matter of convenience and reflexive practices. Appetite, 56: 336344.
Khan, S. J., Muafia, S., Nasreen, Z., & Salariya, A. M. (2012).
Genetically modified organisms (GMO’s): food security or
threat to food safety. Pakistan Journal of Science, 64(2): 6-12.
Smith, S., & Paladino, A. (2010). Eating clean and green?
investigating consumer motivations towards the purchase of
organic food. Australasian Marketing Journal, 18(2): 93-104.
Walls-Thumma, D. (2013). Organic vs. GMO. In S F Gate. Retrieved
from http://homeguides.sfgate.com/organic-vs-gmo-78392.html
