What is a GMO? What does it do? Questions like this have circulated since the implication and introduction of GMOs in the mainstream production of American food. Genetically modified organisms are plants or animals that have been genetically engineered with DNA from bacteria, viruses, or other plants and animals. There has been much controversy over whether or not GMOs should be used in mainstream production in America but the truth is that war is already won. With 80% of conventional processed foods containing GMOs in the U.S. you already eat GMOs everyday. I’m here to elaborate on the social implications, concerns, benefits, and dangers surrounding the consumption of GMOs.

Some concerns surrounding GMOs say that genetically modified foods are potentially dangerous for human health. Some of the health risks many are afraid of include antibiotic resistance, allergenicity, nutritional changes and the formation of toxins. Human gut microflora and pathogens can take up genetically modified materials including antibiotic resistant genes. This may reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics therefore increasing the risk of antibiotic resistant diseases. In order to give the public the option of making informed decision about the consumption of genetically modified foods enough information on the safety tests of the product is required. Unfortunately such data is limited due to a number of factors such as how hard it is to compare the nutritional contents of genetically modified crops with traditional crops because the crops grown in different areas might vary depending on growth and conditions. Another concern with GMOs is labeling. Currently the U.S.A. and Canada do not have laws stating that GMO labeling is required. With labeling come advantages such as the solidification of consumer rights that will help buyers make an informed decision.

The benefits surrounding GMOs say that the use of genetically modified crops are very cost effective. The amount of GM crops that are grown and survive exceeds that amount of organic crops that survive. Types of GM crops such as insect resistant crops save farmers money in that fewer pesticides can be used. PG Economics and Annual Reviews (a nonprofit scientific publisher) have both said, “The amount of hectares (100 acres) using genetically modified crops has increased exponentially over the years, along with the profits. Since it began in 1996, the global farm income gain has been $78.4 billion and on average income has increased $100 per hectare.” Another benefit of GMOs is that foods can be modified to have better texture, taste, and include more essential vitamins and nutrients. These better foods also have a longer shelf life due to “by suppressing two enzymes (A-Man, B-Hex) that accumulate during ripening” [National Institute of Plant Genome Research]. Lastly from what the University of California in Santa Cruz says is that the genetic engineering of plants has the potential to provide edible plant vaccines that could be used to