Precaution before Profits: An Overview of Issues in genetically Engineered Foods and Crops
By Sophia Kolehmainen
INTRODUCTION
The introduction of genetically engineered crops into our food supply has become a major controversy provoking debate in the media, in federal, state, and local governments, on college campuses, in grocery stores, and throughout the world. Those within the industry argue that genetically engineered (“GE”) food and crops are a natural extension of traditional breeding methods and that any negative reaction by consumers is based on fear and a lack of understanding. As this article shows, the position of the industry is manipulative. By raising fear and ignorance as rebuttals to valid concerns, the industry shifts the debate away from the merits and substance of argument. At a minimum, the risks and benefits of genetically engineered food are inconclusive, and the technology itself is so new that the full implications of its widespread use cannot possibly be predicted. In addition, the current regulatory structure is inadequate and unable to protect individuals from potential risks. These facts, coupled with a major imbalance in power and financial resources between industry and consumers, lead to the conclusion that the only reasonable option for the use of genetic engineering in agriculture is to move with extreme caution.
Part Two of this essay explains the science behind the technology used to create genetically modified food and crops. A brief overview of the technology is necessary to understand the risks posed and evaluate any benefits claimed. Part Three explores the nature of the controversy, evaluating the potential risks and benefits of the technology by looking at the major claims on both sides of the debate. Part Four of this article examines the existing regulatory structure for GE food and crops in the United States and concludes that the structure is not adequate to protect consumers from the potential risks of these products. Though evidence exists to suggest that GE food and crops may have serious risks for human and environmental health, no one is currently guaranteeing the safety of these products. The article concludes that in light of the potential health risks, lack of benefits, and inadequate regulation of genetically engineered food and crops, the only reasonable approach is to place the burden of safety on those creating the risks, whatever they may be, and to call for a moratorium on the sale of genetically modified food and crops until adequate safety testing answers the questions the technology raises.
The introduction of genetically engineered crops into our food supply has become a major controversy provoking debate in the media, in federal, state, and local governments, on college campuses, in grocery stores, and throughout the world. Those within the industry argue that genetically engineered (“GE”) food and crops are a natural extension of traditional breeding methods and that any negative reaction by consumers is based on fear and a lack of understanding. As this article shows, the position of the industry is manipulative. By raising fear and ignorance as rebuttals to valid concerns, the industry shifts the debate away from the merits and substance of argument. At a minimum, the risks and benefits of genetically engineered food are inconclusive, and the technology itself is so new that the full implications of its widespread use cannot possibly be predicted. In addition, the current regulatory structure is inadequate and unable to protect individuals from potential risks. These facts, coupled with a major imbalance in power and financial resources between industry and consumers, lead to the conclusion that the only reasonable option for the use of genetic engineering in agriculture is to move with extreme caution.
Part Two of this essay explains the science behind the technology used to create genetically modified food and crops. A brief overview of the technology is necessary to understand the risks posed and evaluate any benefits claimed. Part Three explores the nature of the controversy, evaluating the potential risks and benefits of the technology by looking at the major claims on both sides of the debate. Part Four of this article examines the existing regulatory structure for GE food and crops in the United States and concludes that the structure is not adequate to protect consumers from the potential risks of these products. Though evidence exists to suggest that GE food and crops may have serious risks for human and environmental health, no one is currently guaranteeing the safety of these products. The article concludes that in light of the potential health risks, lack of benefits, and inadequate regulation of genetically engineered food and crops, the only reasonable approach is to place the burden of safety on those creating the risks, whatever they may be, and to call for a moratorium on the sale of genetically modified food and crops until adequate safety testing answers the questions the technology raises.
