Sheraden Kimball, editor-in-chief
A national protest against one of America's largest agricultural biotechnology corporations took place last week. Beyond their deep-seated aversion to genetically engineered food products, these "activists" are anti-science.
Genetically modifying foods has been a part of history for quite some time. However, it wasn't until the 1980s that scientists discovered specific pieces of DNA could be transferred from one organism to another. The promise of genetic engineering was magnified in 2000, when researchers found a way to enrich foods with vitamins and nutrients using the modification process. This breakthrough made it possible to aid malnutrition in impoverished countries.
The March Against Monsanto campaign explicitly refers to GMOs as "poison". They make a bold claim; and a misleading one. According to the FDA, genetically engineered foods must meet the same requirements as foods from traditionally bred crops.
Before any produce makes it to the grocery store, developers assess whether any of the new genetic material contains toxins or allergens. In addition, the FDA declared that in most cases, genetically modified foods are equally as nutritious as conventional products.
Choosing to boycott genetically engineered products is the consumer's prerogative, but getting congress involved seems silly, especially when labeled products are readily available at organic grocery stores like Whole Foods.
The natural foods grocery chain has committed themselves to a project designed to provide labeled non-GMO products to customers. Companies that voluntarily label their products may even experience an increase in sales.
Genetic engineering is an incredible scientific development with tons of potential in resisting pesticides, enhancing yields, and minimizing hunger. Organizations like March Against Monsanto are formed by paranoid and misinformed individuals, seeking to alarm the population.