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Paige Cutler
Dec 8, 20172 min read

Say No to GMOs

What’s a GMO?

GMO stands for genetically modified organism. It is also the process of taking genes from one species and inserting them into another. People do this to try and get a desired trait or characteristic into a plant or animal.

Cons

You should be concerned about GMOs because feeding them to animals can make the animals get tumors. It can also damage their immune systems, make them have small brains and livers, cause birth defects, and cause reproductive problems. They also sometimes cause allergic reactions.

What foods are GM?

From a website called GMO Education the author says: “Currently commercialized GM crops in the US include soy (94%), cotton (90%), canola (90%), sugar beets (95%), corn (88%), Hawaiian papaya (more than 50%), zucchini and yellow squash (over 24,000 acres).” According to the website USA Today the first genetically engineered food in the USA was the Flavr Savr tomato in 1994.

What are some genetically engineered traits that have been added to our food crops?

They have added herbicide tolerance crops and pesticide-producing crops. Herbicide tolerance crops is when farmers can spray weedkillers directly on their crops without killing it. Pesticide-producing crops is when the plant can produce its own internal pesticide.

How can you avoid GMOs?

Another reason for why a person should stay away from GMOs is because they can also include glyphosate, which is a herbicide that is sprayed mostly on genetically modified corn. Glyphosate can also harm animals, and it MIGHT be harmful to humans as well. Research is still increasing on this topic. To avoid GMOs you can read labels, and avoid buying processed food products containing soy, canola, and vegetable oil. You can also look for the NON-GMO Project Label, and get a copy of the NON-GMO Shopping Guide. Also keep in mind to buy organic when possible.

Non GMO project label

These are the sites where I got the information. Go check them out to find out more!

  • “Good reasons not to eat genetically modified foods.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 17 May 2015, www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/good-reasons-not-to-eat-genetically-modified-foods/2015/05/17/21c86198-fb26-11e4-a47c-e56f4db884ed_story.html?utm_term=.af8099fb1f9a.

  • “Glyphosate.” National Pesticide Information Center, npic.orst.edu/factsheets/glyphogen.html#whatis.

  • Smith, Jeffrey. “10 Reasons to Avoid GMOs.” Institute for Responsible Technology, 16 Jan. 2017, responsibletechnology.org/10-reasons-to-avoid-gmos/.

  • “GMO Information.” Kids Right To Know, www.kidsrighttoknow.com/gmos/.

  • “GMO Education.” Institute for Responsible Technology, responsibletechnology.org/gmo-education/.

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