Genetically modified foods (GMOs) have been extensively studied for decades with no documented evidence that they pose health risks. However, public backlash against GMOs has been significant and misguided. If legislation requires labeling foods as GMO, it could eliminate the use of bioengineered crops which have potential to reduce world hunger and malnutrition by keeping food prices low. The unintended consequences of such legislation could be substantial increases in food prices and reduction in affordable food both domestically and internationally.

1. GMO’s: Taking a Closer Look
Most people agree that special interest groups influence government policies in a
negative manner; however, sometimes, the American people do it for them. Such is
the case with GMO foods, which have proved catalytic for developing the kind of
grass roots political pressure unseen with other major issues. Sadly, studies suggest
the backlash against genetically modified crops is misguided. What's more, it could
lead to tragic consequences for millions of people throughout the world.
Are They Really a Threat?
Vilified for being unnatural and untested, GMOs have actually been under the
microscope for decades. In fact, several studies have shown they pose little to no
threat to human health or the environment:
• A 2004 study from the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) determined that
there is no documented evidence that genetically-engineered foods pose any
adverse health effects.
• In 2003, the International Council for Science found no evidence that foods
made with genetically modified ingredients produce any ill effects
whatsoever. This particular study

2. was especially compelling, because it represented 29 scientific unions and 111
national academies.
• According to the World Health Organization, GMOs have had no impact on
human health in the countries where they're been approved for
consumption.
• In 2010, the European Commission reviewed 50 separate studies on the safety of
GMOs. Ultimately, it determined that there was "no scientific evidence" linking
biotech crops to higher risks for health or environmental problems.
• In 2012, the American Medical Association threw its weight behind a Council
on Science and Public Health report which stated that bioengineered foods had
shown no negative effects on human health during the nearly two decades
they've been available to consumers.
Why All the Support?
To many, it may seem counterintuitive for so many health organizations to back GMO
foods; however, a closer look reveals why. By keeping food prices low, bioengineered
foods have the potential to put an end to starvation throughout the world. They also
have the power to eradicate health problems associated with malnutrition. In fact,
Time magazine recently published a cover story detailing how scientists were able to
fuse genes from rice and daffodil flowers to create a so-called "golden rice" that
provides beta-carotene, which the human body converts into Vitamin A. While this
may sound like small news in the U.S., it's a big deal in third world countries, where
almost a million children die each year due to Vitamin A deficiencies, while another
350,000 go blind.

3. Unseen Consequences
Outraged by the thought of GMOs entering the food supply, many Americans have put
significant pressure on politicians who have responded by introducing legislation
requiring food labels which differentiate bioengineered products from all-natural
ones. While this may seem like an innocuous occurrence; it's anything but.
According to industry experts, if food producers are forced to label their foods as
GMO, there's a good chance these foods won’t sell very well. In turn, stores will be
forced to buy non-GM commodities, resulting in a trickle-down effect that could spell
the end of bioengineered foods.
That may sound like an especially sweet victory to the groups who have dedicated
their time and money to eradicating GMOs. Sadly, however, industry experts agree it
will also drive food prices up substantially. As a result, there will be less affordable
food for Americans who live below the poverty line. These measures could also spell
the end of numerous worldwide efforts aimed at eliminating starvation and
malnutrition in poorer regions throughout the world.