Discuss: Genetically Modified (GM) Foods: Good or Bad if consumed?

Genetically modified (GM) foods produced through biotechnology methods are considered unsafe by some in the scientific community and they are often of the opinion that only organically grown foods should be consumed. Many foods are labeled non-GMO today and subject consumers to higher prices to purchase these products that claim to be organically grown and free of any bioengineering. Other agricultural scientists claim that even organic foods may have been created through farming practices such as hybridization or cross breeding and are not harmful to consume. And, still others believe the term “Frankenfoods” has created widespread distrust and is used as a scare tactic to cause consumers to turn to alternate food choices often at a higher cost.  

For this assignment, read a scientific article or report about a GMO food(s) from an authentic source such as an .edu or .gov website. Then, write 5 or 6 sentences and give your opinion about whether genetically modified foods should be consumed or not. 

You are not required to read an article in a scientific journal but the article you choose to use as reference (can be the website you used) must be from a reputable source.  

Things to make note of in determining an authentic website and source:

1. The credentials of the Author (Persons with a History PhD are doctors but are not an authentic source for biological issues.)

2. Is there a conflict of interest for the organization and the information released?

3. Is there contradictory information released by authentic sources? 

4. Other red flags of non-authentic websites to look for can be found in this article:   https://healthcentral.nz/10-red-flags-of-junk-science/ (Links to an external site.)

In your own words, write your view about the industry surrounding Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) in your own words. Your opinion about the practice of creating GMO animals and/or plants.

Include in your writing also your thoughts about consuming GMO foods – Do you purchase food that is labeled non-GMO because you feel it is safer? Why or why not?

Include a photo of a specifically labeled non-GMO food that you do or might purchase because it says it is non-GMO. Your posted picture can be taken from the Internet or your local grocery store. Photo must be visible in your posting and include a description of the picture.