Scientists argue risks vs. benefits for public food supply

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are abundant in our food supply and in most (at least 60 percent to 70 percent) of our processed foods, including cereals, baked goods, breads, snacks, desserts, cake and brownie mixes, soy foods, corn products, high fructose corn syrup and even sugar.

Genetic engineering differs from conventional cross-breeding as GMOs are made by inserting a piece (or multiple pieces) of DNA from a plant or animal into the DNA of an entirely different species.

This added DNA provides some desirable property. For example, GMO plant crops are specifically engineered to resist insect pests, thrive in different environments or to withstand the application of herbicides to improve the control of weeds.

Genetically modified plants have also been developed to produce specific vitamins, resist viruses and even produce certain medicines. Genetic engineering can also be used in animals to improve disease resistance, enhance growth, produce healthier meat and dairy products or perhaps eventually even produce medicinal drugs in milk or eggs.

Yet, GMOs are widely debated even among scientists. Are they beneficial for farmers and the food supply, or are they hazardous to our health and to the environment?

The world picture

GMO food crops are a relatively new phenomenon and have been in widespread use only since the 1990s. The U.S. is the worlds leading producer of GMOs, and 90 percent of GMO crops use bioengineered seeds from Monsanto.

Some countries have banned or restricted GMOs, including many in Europe, Asia, South America and Africa, while others have embraced GMOs (including the U.S., Canada, India and China). Europe requires labeling of GMOs, which resulted in the dramatic drop in sales of GMOs and explains why big agriculture is adamantly opposed to labeling in the U.S. China has had great success with GMOs and is the largest producer of GMO cotton in the world.

In the U.S., most of the recent legal battles have been over labeling, and currently, GMOs are not required to be labeled here. Connecticut and Maine recently passed laws to mandate GMO labeling, and Whole Foods has promised to sell only non-GMO foods by 2018.

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GMOs are hotly debated

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