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| Credit: http://www.justlabelit.org/dark-act/ |
Genetically modified foods have had their DNA altered in
such a way that it produces traits not normally found; organisms become unnatural. GMOs contain the genes from different species, and are impossible to create
through crossbreeding. The creation of new, unnatural organisms has definite
effects on the planet around us.
Environmental change has an extensive impact on everything,
whether visible quickly or over a period of time. Widely talked about, toxicity
is probably the most substantial piece of evidence against growing genetically
modified foods. The abundance of chemical pesticides and herbicides surrounding
these crops is worrisome because of their resistance to its effects. Genetically modified foods are considered to be toxic themselves due to
the chemicals being sprayed onto them, which has been known to affect non-target organisms, such
as bees and butterflies. The effect on bees is extremely alarming because of
their importance to the pollination of many food crops; the absence of weed
flowers will lessen the amount of nectar for pollinators. The resistance of
GMOs to pesticides could cause the crops to become as persistent as weeds and
pop up and invade natural settings, which is especially troublesome because of
their negative affect on the nutrients in soil.
In 2014, Vermont became the first state to require the
labeling of genetically modified foods. However, in July the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015
was passed by the House. The debate has become intensified since, with opponents
calling the bill the DARK (Denying Americans the Right to Know) Act because
they feel information will become withheld from the public. This act will make the labeling
of genetically modified foods not a requirement and potentially allow “natural” foods to contain genetically modified ingredients.
The opponents’ poll numbers show that 90% of Americans are
in support of genetically modified foods being labeled; they want to be aware of what
they are ingesting. More than 1.4 million Americans have signed the petition
urging the FDA to require labels. However, according to news articles, big food
makers want the senate to pass a bill making food labels voluntary before the
end of the year. It's your choice; take action and be a part of the debate.
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