Recently, the Food and Drug Administration released their safety review of genetically modified apples and potatoes, in which they claimed the crops were as safe and nutritious as the conventional versions. Both the Innate potatoes and Arctic apples have been modified to resist bruising and turning brown, while the potatoes limit production of a possible carcinogen when fried. The Agriculture Department had already approved the crops for commercial planting, as they weren't found to pose any risk to other plants. F.D.A safety review are in fact voluntary, as is some of the potential labeling of GMO's, although the F.D.A did urge the companies that produced the apples and potatoes to consider labeling their crops as resistance to browning and possible decreased carcinogen. Many people and agencies strongly oppose this concept of voluntary labeling, and continue to make a push towards required labeling of GMO's.
This article made me think about the amount of genetically modified crops we really have, and may be unaware of. Genetic engineering of food definitely has its pros and cons, but i do think required labeling of GMO's would be a step in the right direction. Many people are scared of this labeling because it could push some people away who are skeptical of GMO's but I think we have a right to know what we are purchasing.
Main Article- http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/21/business/gene-altered-apples-and-potatoes-are-safe-fda-says.html?ref=science
Second article- http://www.theverge.com/2015/3/21/8270005/fda-genetically-modified-apples-potatoes-safe-gmo
I definitely agree that GMO's should be required to label their products as such. However, I think many people are scared of genetic modification, in food especially, because they are unaware of the benefits. If the FDA hasn't identified any harmful effects of the modifications, and instead have uncovered nutritional benefits, what is there to be afraid of?
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ReplyDeleteAs I recently wrote about the release of the genetically modified apple known now as the arctic apple I found this new announcement by the F.D.A. to be interesting. When I first read about these articles the first thing I saw was the disapproval of many people who believed that genetically modifying apples was wrong and would ruin the fruit that has become a staple in many households. But this shows that the apple has not changed for the worse and maybe people should give it a try.
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