Largest Difference of Opinion Between Scientists and Public Over GMO's

Brad Fox | January 30, 2015
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The biggest difference between public perception and scientists is over genetically modified food in this latest PEW research poll. 

The percentage of U.S. adults who think genetically modified food are generally safe to eat is 37%.

Scientists from the American Association for the Advancement of Science that say GMO foods are generally safe, 88%. 

As it turns out, genetically modified foods are one of the most extensively studied scientific subjects in human history. Conclusion. 

"Although there have been more than 2,000 studies documenting that biotechnology does not pose an unusual threat to human health and genetically modified foods are as safe or safer than conventional or organic foods, questions remain in the minds of many consumers."  Jon Entine - Forbes

GMO crops have dramatically increased U.S. production, increase efficiency of land use, can require drastically less water and pesticide use. Crop failure in developing countries have more severe impacts than a decrease in crop exports like the United States (although small farmers can go out of business in the U.S. with one crop failure). 

So would you rather African farmers continue to grow non-GMO crops that are likely to fail or GMO crops that can feed their country? 

Citizen skeptics point to an increase in allergies as caused by GMO's, others say processed foods are to blame, still others growth hormones. The increase in food allergies is actually over diagnosed, and keep in mind that hormones given to animals are not the same as genetically modifying crops/seeds. Here is a pro con argument for hormones from NYU

That said, research on nutritional quality and longer term health affects is still being done. More research is still needed by government agencies or independent parties, as most of the people performing the pre-market studies are biotech companies.

More than 70% of food you buy in the supermarket has touched by GMO's or is genetically modified in some way. Also, the FDA has our backs, but just ignore the fact former Monsanto chiarmen work in the FDA, alright. 

If you want to live your life in constant fear only buying expensive organic foods whose fertilizers are natural, you should keep in mind there are some pretty toxic substances that naturally occur in our world that could be used in organic fertilizer. Killing bacteria can also be an issue

At the end of the day, try and educate yourself on some basic biology and talk to scientists in your community about these issues. If you only read anti-GMO material online to support your paranoia you will likely go crazy, but at least you will be 100% healthy right? You will also have the added benefit of being a control group when the rest of us start dying in droves from GMO "laced" food. 

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