Leesa Gray

PEAR paper
English 2010, Brandon Alva
December 9th, 2014

GMO, A RIGHT TO KNOW!

As a child I remember coming home from school and choosing healthy snacks over junk
food. For as long as I can remember maintaining good health has been a top priority of mine.
Since I have understood the significance in eating whole foods versus processed, careful
planning of what I consume has been a lasting habit of mine. I thought I had taken in enough
information to avoid GM (Genetically Modified) foods. However, I was shocked and angered to
find out that my careful efforts had been in vain. I had been consuming GMOs (Genetically
Modified Organisms) and never knew it. How did this happen? What happened to my right to
know?
What exactly is it about GMOs that freak me out? Is it the thought of poisonous
chemicals existing in my food? Or maybe the idea of another DNA species mingling with MY
own DNA? Either way, fear based or not, I believe (as an American citizen) I have a right to
know what is in my food BEFORE I choose to consume it.
Recently I was invited to explore my fears, if thats what they were, toward GMOS. What
I found was not only surprising, but life changing. It was amazing how a little more light could
change the whole view.

My journey began behind enemy lines. I was first directed to find out the oppositions
intent and reason for creating GMOs, so belligerently I ventured into their territory. I came
across many articles raving about the benefits of GMOs. All the while feeling bored and annoyed
with the lies toward its safety. If there was one thing I knew, I knew GMOs were not safe. I had
read studies on the health of sick livestock dramatically improving once GMO feed was stopped
and grass feed was introduced. An article in Mother Earth News states, Studies have linked
genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to cancer, deterioration of liver and kidney function,
stomach inflammation, and impaired embryonic development (Why to support). With this
knowledge, I really had no desire to even learn the opposing argument. It was then that I realized
I had a bias and it was blocking me from seeing a different viewpoint. Without understanding the
opposition, how would I ever know if my opinion was based on real truth? Suddenly my search
to learn and understand the opposing argument was no longer for assignment purposes, but for
myself. It was imperative to my progress that I drop the bias and restart with an open my mind.
This was the only way to gain an understanding based on real facts, opposed to fear.
As I began reading with an open mind I actually wanted to learn the intent behind the
creation of GMOs and the hope it held for the future. I learned things I didnt know. Like how
genetic engineering had been around for more than half a century, nearly everything humans
have eaten through the millennia has been genetically altered by human intervention. Mankind
has been breeding cropsand thereby genetically altering themsince the dawn of agriculture.
Todays techniques for modifying plants are simply new, high-precision methods for doing the
same (Van Montagu). I learned the future hope for GMOs is to sustain crop abundance from the
effects of climate change, especially in an increasing population. The Wall Street Journal states,
Between now and 2050, global population growth will rise by about one-third, to 9.6 billion

from 7.2 billion, reducing arable land per capita.during a period of greater climate volatility,
which may place dramatic new stresses on agriculture (Van Montagu). So a plan to have seeds
that can thrive through drought and disease is a good idea. Other enlightening facts I learned
follow:
Fact 1: GMOs have been studied extensively with a process that allows for greater
precision. Scientists are continuously working towards ways of improving food. Soon we may
even see varieties of apples that no longer turn brown. Unlike the high precision of GMOs, old
fashioned crossbreeding has no way of separating a good trait from an undesired trait. Therefore
lengthening the process through tedious back-crossing cycles of elimination. Genetic engineering
however, is a very exact and controlled process. An article in the Irish Times says, Genetic
engineering can precisely zap in the desired characteristic without any accompanying
undesirable traits, and can also transfer genes across species, whereas traditional breeding is
restricted to crossing varieties within the same species. In principle, genetic technology can tailor
plant characteristics to suit any environment (Revel).
Fact 2: The scientific consensus is that existing GMOs are no more or less risky than
conventional crops (Borel). This being true to the fact that all farmers, even organic ones, use
pesticides, including those more dangerous than the typical glyphosate.
Fact 3: Theres a limit to what manufacturers can tell consumers about their food
labels cant enumerate every possible or perceived concern (Base Food).
Fact 4: Its widely estimated that 70% to 80% of the packaged food in conventional
supermarkets contains genetically engineered ingredients (Base Food). Almost all soy, corn,
and sugar are genetically modified.

Fact 5: Consumers who want food without GMOs can buy them by looking for products
that have the Certified Organic or Non GMO labels (Dumais). It is true, we already have
labels telling us which products are GMO free. Products that are Certified Organic are already
non-GMO.
Through these facts, I began to understand and see GMOs differently. Having an open
mind definitely helped to mold a new perspective. For the first time I was able to see that GMOs
may actually be a way to help the world as opposed to a means of controlling it. These facts
along with the hundreds of scientist backing up GMO safety caused me to ponder the facts
behind my own beliefs.
More than 90% of Americans polled in the New York Times last year said they wanted to
know if their food contained GMO ingredients. This percentage represents an increasing number
of consumers who desire a new labeling law that will require food companies to inform their
consumers whether or not their product contains GMOs. The law is called The Right to Know
Project (Decunzo), and is the fastest growing label claim in the natural foods industry
(Smith). According to Mother Earth News, Big Ag and food processors spent $44 million
(Why to support) fighting against the labeling initiative in 2012. It seems to me to be nothing
more then a very expensive power struggle.
Labels are already on a vast majority of product packaging, giving us a variety of
information about the food we eat. Our milk bottles state 1%, 2%, whole, or skim. We see the
words Gluten Free on a growing number of products and are always alerted if the item has been
processed in a factory that also processes nuts. For years we have been able to read what is in our
food, from sugar and salt levels to artificial colors and sweeteners. So what is the big deal now?
One would wonder if all the money spent to fight the labeling law implies to consumers there is

something to hide. An article in Mother Earth News states, GM foods should be labeled; there is
simply no good argument against telling consumers the whole story, (Why to Support) and in
the Concord Monitor a similar article stated, as consumers we have a fundamental right to
know what we are eating (Faber). I take it a step further, claiming that as Americans we have
that right, along with the right to choose for ourselves, whether or not to trust GMOs.
I now had a better understanding of GMOs. In terms of crossbreeding, it was definitely
less scary. And who knows, one day GMOs just might save the world from hunger in impossible
growing conditions. So why is so much money being spent hiding it? Instead, why not spend that
money sharing the wonderful benefits of GMOs with confidence in labeling them?
Despite my newly gained knowledge on GMOs, Im still not ready to put my trust in
them just yet. Personally I need solid proof on the safety of mixing a murderous DNA species
(from weed killer) with my own.
Both parties agree that studies alone are not sufficient enough to prove GMO safety. As
stated in a recent news article defending GMOs, Opponents say there is no proof that it is safe,
but it is difficult to see how this could be proved (Reville). Their widespread use makes it
difficult to determine their safety or risk. For the past 20 years Americans have been in the dark
about foods containing GMOs. I, and numerous others, have been eating GMOs without
realizing it. An article in Better Nutrition states, By 2011 94 percent of all soybeans and 88
percent of all corn grown in the United States was genetically modified (Smith). What that
means, is roughly 80% of all packaged food contains genetically engineered ingredients, largely
because soy, corn, and sugar are disguised in a countless number of food products.
Recently Consumer Reports found GMOs in a bag of corn chips that read All Natural
and No GMO. The report states, When we tested samples of the corn chips from six bags,

each from a different lot, we found that the amount of genetically modified corn in all of the
samples averaged over 75 percent. The report goes on, our testsnot only revealed the
amounts of GMO, but also identified the types of genetic changes that were made to the corn
(Are There GMOs). This means the weed killer still remains in the food it is modified into.
Obviously a GMO label cant tell the whole story. Honestly, what is the point of labeling
GMOs when there are equal, if not more pressing, health concerns pertaining to our food. The
labeling law would serve us better if it were about safety regulations on all food, as stated in the
Los Angeles Times, Labeling laws should set a priority on providing information that
significantly affects consumer health (Base Food). A friendly cautioning sticker perhaps,
telling consumers to wash me thoroughly, Ive been sprayed with pesticides, or may contain
traces of antibiotics for meat and dairy products. These ingredients largely affect human health.
As consumers we deserve this type of information.
GMO advocates have a chain of qualified scientists backing-up their research, but even
with such credentials, none of it matters. Because this battle really isnt over safety. That
argument is pointless and is only won by the opponent with the most air. The Concord Monitor
agrees, The argument over safety has no legs to stand on (Faber). This ongoing battle really
isnt about safety or even about the problems climate change may create for farming. It isnt
about how to feed a rapidly growing population in 2050, it isnt about saving third world
countries from hunger, nor is it about the environment, or even money. It is about one thing and
one thing only, and that is my personal right to information. Information about the food I put into
my body. I not only have a right to know, but the right to choose.
I recently posted a poll of my own on Facebook, asking my friends and family to answer
3 simple questions: 1. Do you know what GMOs are? 2. Do you care if they are in your food? 3.

Would you pay more for a label stating so? For question 1, 82% knew what GMOs were, 18%
had no idea. Question 2, 76% cared to know if they were in the food they consumed and 24%
didnt (two of which trusted GMOs). Question 3, 76% would pay more, while 24% would not.
This poll surprised me slightly. I was surprised that some knew nothing about them and surprised
to hear those not care. For the most part, people want to know what is in their food. Why
wouldnt we?
In the end, the responsibility to stay informed about whats in my food is my own. It is up
to me to take measures into my own hands by buying organic, looking for the Non-GMO Project
Seals, and avoiding highs risk ingredients, such as stated:
The eight most common GM food crops are: corn, soy, canola oil, cottonseed,
most Hawaiian papaya, sugar, and be aware of cows injected with GM bovine
growth hormone, and meats from animals that have been fed GM feed. Also look
for dairy products labeled No rBGH or rBST, artificial hormone-free, and meat
labeled organic or 100% grass fed. (Smith)
There are also free Non-GMO shopping Guides available to download online. As I stay updated
on the war against GMOs, I will know better what to avoid and what to buy. Now that I know
GMOs were created with good intent and purpose, and even though I may not agree with them
being in my food, I can at least understand and respect those that do. In the future, when I
unknowingly consume a GMO product, at least I know enough not to freak out. The war on
GMOs may never end, but at least Im armored with weapons of knowledge on real facts rather
than those of fear.

"Are There GMOs In Your Corn Chips?." Consumer Reports 79.11 (2014):
17. Academic Search Premier. Web. 30 Oct. 2014.
This article shares an experiment done on 6 different bags of corn chips,
ranging from all natural, Non-GMO, and organic. Surprisingly significant
amounts of GMOs were still found in the original corn chip bags. With studies
done on animals proving the harmful effects of GMOs, it is vital that
consumers have a label they can trust.

"Base Food Labeling on Fact, Not Fear." Los Angeles Times. 05 May 2014:
A.13. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 29 Oct. 2014.

This article urges consumers to take a deeper look into the safety of GMOs,
and see that there is nothing to be afraid of. Labeling foods is unnecessary
and couldnt possibly tell the consumer everything about the food. In fact, a
label is more likely to only scare the consumer away from purchasing the
food.

Borel, Brooke. "Core Truths." Popular Science. Jul. 2014: p. 56. SIRS Issues
Researcher. Web. 29 Oct. 2014.
This article answers the 10 most common claims about GMOs and refutes
them with scientific research. With the increase in GMO crops, it is
imperative that consumers understand the truth behind it so that they are
not afraid of it. Especially with how fast research is advancing, soon GMOs
may not even be able to be detected.

Decunzo, Caroline. "Main Meal: Woes and GMOs." University WireOct 22

2013. ProQuest. Web. 30 Oct. 2014 .
This article begins with the question, what constitutes real food. It then
moves toward The Right To Know Project wherein it states that 80% of our
processed foods contain GMOs, which poses a potential threat to the health
of its consumers and wonders if this is what the corporate giants are trying
to hide.

Dumais, John. "GMO Labeling: Bad for Business, Bad for Consumers."
Concord Monitor. 07 Jan. 2014: n.p. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 29 Oct.
2014.
This article asks the consumer to sort out the fact from the fiction while
realizing, that GMOs are already in 70-85% of the food theyre currently
eating. They have proven themselves good, and not just for human
consumption. What the consumer needs to realize is how labeling will be bad
all around, especially in expense.

Faber, Michael. "I'm a Grocer, and I'm for GMO Labeling." Concord Monitor.
13 Jan. 2014: n.p. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 29 Oct. 2014
This article disputes the claims made in President John Dumais previous
article titled, GMO Labeling: Bad for Business, Bad for Consumers. Faber
disproved almost every point Dumais made to defend his position on GMO
labeling. Faber concludes his rebuttal by saying, As consumers, we have a
fundamental right to know what we're eating and 93 percent of surveyed
Americans want to know.

Reville, William. "Let's Open Our Minds and Mouths to GM Food." Irish
Times. 17 Oct. 2013: p. 12. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 29 Oct. 2014.
This article explains the basics of genetic engineering in simple terms.

Genetic modification of food was a radical development and it was greeted

with appropriate caution. However, decades of strict examination have failed
to produce evidence of harm. It is time to trust and accept the
considerable advantages of GM crops. Then the whole world can prosper.

SMITH, MELISSA DIANE. "Gmo Reality Check." Better Nutrition 74.8 (2012):
36-39. Academic Search Premier. Web. 30 Oct. 2014.
This article boldly claims that Americans have been in the dark about GMOs
for nearly 20 years. Recently that has started to change, more individuals
than ever have started taking a stand against GMOs. But what we didnt
know may already be harming us. Growing medical visits could already be
the signs of GMO consumption. GMO consumption carries huge health risks
with it. The best way to make a difference is to start changing your food
purchases now and stay away from GMO foods, the best you can.

Van Montagu, Marc. "The Irrational Fear of GM Food." Wall Street Journal.
23 Oct. 2013: A.15. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 29 Oct. 2014.
This article lists the phenomenal benefits of GMO crops with time-proven
evidence. It exhorts America to embrace the best features of traditional
farming with the latest technology. The article also states how nearly
everything humans have consumed, over the years, has been genetically

altered by human intervention. Americans are urged to show their

intelligence by removing their bias toward GMO foods.

"Why to Support Labeling GM Foods." Mother Earth News. Aug/Sep 2013: p.

8. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 30 Oct. 2014.
This article talks about the continuing controversy over GMOs. It states,
Whether you're for or against GM foods, one things for certain: The science
is incomplete. More than 90% of Americans dont trust the experiments
done on GMOs and are asking for the right to know what is in their food. We
are already given a variety of information through food labels, so why not
add just one more thing?