- The World Health Organization defines genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. It allows selected individual genes to be transferred from one organism into another, including between nonrelated species. Such methods are used to create GMO plants – which result in GMO food crops. This technology is called biotechnology.
- Farmers and gardeners have been creating plant hybrids for as long as they’ve been growing plants. Biotechnology simply serves as a more technologically advanced method.
- USDA says that while particular biotech traits may be new to certain crops, the same basic types of traits are often found naturally in plants and allow them to survive and evolve.
- Every plant improved through the use of food biotechnology is examined by the FDA and EPA for potential health risks. Tests are done on plants before entering the food and animal feed supply. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that current foods containing biotech ingredients have passed human health risk assessments. In addition, the WHO says no effects on human health have been shown as a result of the consumption of biotech foods.
· The following organizations have studied the issue and say genetic engineering is safe:
o The National Research Council of the US National Academies of Science
o Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
o The United Nationals Food and Agriculture Organization
o The World Health Organization
o The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
o The American Medical Association
o The American Dietetic Association
o The Council on Agriculture Science and British Medical Association
o The European Commission
o Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Have more questions about GMO's? check out www.findourcommonground.com
