Arguments Against Gmo

When people worry about eating healthier food options the thought of unhealthy fruits and vegetables never comes across their mind. They do not know that most of what is written on that package or box are lies. The number one thing that people are not informed about is that “GMOs are in as much as 80% of conventional processed food” including fruits and vegetables (“GMO Facts”). Genetically modified organisms “are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering” (“GMO Facts”). In other words, scientists insert DNA from one specie into another which does not occur in nature.

Most developed nations do not consider GMOs to be safe , but the U.S. supports it. The only reason GMOs exist is so that crops can be more resistant to pesticides, but the U.S. government blindly ignores the hundreds of other problems that they are continuously creating. Studies have shown that toxins and chemicals such as pesticides found in GMOs can cause “organ damage, gastrointestinal and immune system disorders, accelerated aging, and infertility” (“10 Reasons”). Toxic insecticide produced by genes

in genetically modified food such as corn “was found in the blood of pregnant women and their unborn fetuses” (“10 Reasons”). Many disorders and diseases such as cancer, autism, food allergies, and reproductive and digestive disorders have increased in the past 9 years and are still accelerating. Ever since “GMOs were introduced in 1996” it became a contributing factor to the increase of “numerous health problems” (“10 Reasons”).

Americans have every right to believe that genetically modified crops are not safe to eat. Especially since the government is not honest about the effects. Not only have GMOs created problems for humans over time but in one case death was the immediate cause. In the 1980s, “one hundred Americans were killed by L-tryptophan” which was a “contaminated supplement” used in protein-based foods (“What’s the”). The supplement also harmed another 8,000 American citizens by making them ill. Toxins such as MON810, MON863 and NK603, which are mostly used in corn varieties, are considerably used in the United States and have been studied to prove that they are reactive with the kidneys and liver which is why gastrointestinal and immune system disorders are a long term issue from consuming GMOs. A lot of material from genetically modified food can be found inside of us according to human studies which is why “The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) urges doctors to prescribe non-GMO diets for all patients” (“10 Reasons”).
Genetically Modified Organisms not only affects humans and their health, but also wildlife and the environment.

Crops that produce pesticides “contaminate nearby streams” which ends up “affecting aquatic life” (“Dangers to”). Herbicides such as glyphosate have been found in streams and rivers and may contain toxic ingredients that can kill living organisms in the water. Weeds turn into “super weeds” when they adapt to herbicides and become resistant. “Super Weeds” increase the use of herbicide and “the benefits of herbicide resistant crops are diminished” or put to waste (“Dangers to”). These genetically modified varieties can develop harmless and beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies into pests. Many birds and insects are at risk from pesticides since the chemicals and toxins contaminate the pollen they

collect.
The government ignores “most of the health and environmental risks of GMOs” because “the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t require a single safety study, does not mandate labeling of GMOs, and allows companies to put their GM foods onto the market without notifying the agency.” (“10 Reasons”). Scientists are attacked and threatened when they “discover problems with GMOs” because people get informed about the effects and stop buying GMO products which decreases the profit the government receives. Although, there are organizations that “[protect] the non-GMO food supply and [give] consumers an informed choice” (“GMO Facts”). There is a way for companies to stop using GM products and that is only if people stop buying their products since “GMOs gives no consumer benefits,” which will give farmers no choice but to stop growing them (“10 Reasons”). If a small percentage of people “start rejecting brands” containing GMOs then it “will become a marketing liability [and] food companies will kick them out” (“10 Reasons”).
Buying organic, non-GMO and natural foods can be expensive and it is one of the many reasons people go for the processed foods, but they are paying for the quality of their food and essentially the quality of their life. By consuming GMOs, people are putting their life at risk and therefore should start buying products that are safe for themselves and their family. In conclusion, people can prevent any potential health risks and truly be healthy by avoiding any genetically altered products.