Katerina Fuskandrakis

Peggy Lopata
English 1010
July, 29th 2014
Issue Exploration Essay
Regulate, label, or ban? These are the main questions surrounding the controversial
topic of genetically modified organisms. Many believe that GMOs should not be used in our
foods without strict regulations and proper labeling. There has been no way to evaluate the
benefits or risks to our health and environment by GMO use due to the fact that there is no
labeling or regulation system in place.
The main concern about the use of GMOs, is the lack of adequate time to thoroughly
study the long term effects of consuming these chemicals. Without proper labeling the
consumer is not being informed or given the choice to avoid these chemicals, to potentially
abstain from future health issues. The FDAs own scientists have actually warned that these
never before seen foods could create new toxins and new allergens and needed to be
thoroughly tested (Smith 1)
Another issue found quite alarming by many GMO critics is without foods being properly
labeled, how is it possible to actually be able to study and assess the risks involved with
consuming these foods? Critics also say that because there is no system in place for tracking
products that contain GM ingredients, and no labeling that lets consumers know which
products contain them, there isnt a good way to monitor the health effects of eating GM foods
over the long term. (Blackwood 1)
Another thing that is found to be disturbing about the GMO industry, is the minimal
amount of studies they have done to prove GMOs are safe. The recent studies that have been
done using animals and GMOs have raised a definite cause for concern. Based on animal
research with GM foods, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) says that
there are serious health risk associated with eating GM foods, including infertility, immune
system problems, accelerated aging, disruption of insulin and cholesterol regulation,
gastrointestinal issues and changes in organs. (Smith 1)
The information from credible and reputable sources about the safety and the long term
effects are scarce. The GMO advocates present their case in a much different light. Most
advocates focus on the financial aspects and limiting effect that regulation and labeling of
GMOs would have for the consumer. Many people argue for GMO labels in the name of
increased consumer choice. On the contrary, such labels have limited peoples options. In 1997,
a time of growing opposition to GMOs in Europe, the E.U. began to require them. By 1999 to
avoid labels that might drive customers away, most major European retailers had removed
genetically modified ingredients from products bearing their brand. Major food producers such
as Nestle followed suit. (Editors 1) GMO labeling could be limiting to the consumer. If the
public could trust food companies to label appropriately, then they could possibly leave all
products on the shelves and give the consumers a choice. GMO labeling in Europe caused GMO
products to be removed from the stores, even big companies such as nestle removed GMO
ingredients. This is a sign that GMOs could potentially be harmful. If there was no risk, why
would they no longer be available?
GMO advocates are working to raise awareness that leading a non GMO lifestyle would
be more expensive for the consumer and by providing a GMO option, which requires less costly
upkeep to produce crops, provides a more affordable alternative for the masses. Because
conventional crops often require more water and pesticides than GMOs do, the former are
usually more expensive. Consequently, we would all have to pay a premium on non-GMO
foodsand for a questionable return. (Editors 1) Some advocates estimated that a ban on
GMOs would raise an average familys annual food expense by four hundred dollars. Many
people believe that, yes, a non-GMO lifestyle maybe a little more expensive but shouldnt it be
our choice as consumers whether or not we want to spend our money on a natural product.
There are many different view points when it comes to the use of GMOs. Both the critics
and the advocates have very strong and valid arguments. If GMOs are to be used in our
products as consumers we should have accurate information and labeling to be able to choose
what is best for our lifestyles. While having a GMO affordable option may be the cheaper and
faster alternative, does not mean it is safe. With proper regulations and truthful labeling on our
food that we could thoroughly study GMOs and be able to really assess whether or not they
should be banned. Just because the time hasnt been taken to study the new science of
genetically modifying our foods does not mean that as consumers we should have to choose
blindly and possibly sacrifice our health. Regulate and label. That is believed to be the answer.



Works Cited
Smith, Melissa Diane. GMO REALITY CHECK Academic Search Premier,
Better Nutrition, Volume 74 Issue 8, August 2012. Article. July
18 2014

Blackwood, Alisa. GMOs 101 Academic Search Premier,
Health (Time Inc. Health), Volume 18 Issue 4, May 2004. Article.
Jul 18 2014

Editors, Fight the GM Food Scare Academic Search Premier, Scientific
American, Volume 309 Issue 3 September 2013, Editorial, July 21
2014