Genetically Modified Organisms, commonly referred to as GMOs, started becoming a hot topic a few years back when the FDA began deliberating about the approval for sale to the general public for consumption. This has become a heated debate especially here in California as voters will have the opportunity to decide if companies will have to label the packaging of products that have been genetically modified.
Proposition 37 on the November ballot will determine if companies need to include a label notifying the consumer of genetically modified products. The argument from the companies' standpoint is that GMO food does not need any type of special identification because it is exactly the same as regular food. Others believe this genetically tampered food is different and regardless if studies state that there is no need for concern, some consumers stand firmly against eating anything that has been genetically modified or tampered with.
Crossing species which could not occur naturally has genetic engineers quickly scampering about to create larger, faster growing plants, animals and microorganisms. In their effort to improve what is already adequate and sufficient, these companies could inadvertently be creating a worldwide pandemic that may have a ripple effect with disastrous results in the near future. Take GMO salmon for example which are larger and reach maturity more rapidly than natural salmon in the wild.
The fish are genetically engineered to grow 30 times faster than a regular salmon. "The fish, which is branded AquAdvantage, has been altered with a growth-hormone gene from a Chinook salmon and a gene from a deepwater eel-like fish called an ocean pout. The latter allows the fish to grow during the cold months and reach market size twice as fast as other salmon. Normally, salmon do not make growth hormone in cold weather. But the pout's on-switch keeps production of the hormone going year round. The result is salmon that can grow to market size in 16 to 18 months instead of three years."
There is an alarming danger if these GMO salmon were to escape from their birthing farms. Scientists say that if even if a small number of these GMO fish were to get into the wild salmon population, they could be wiped out in a relatively short period of time. Even though these GMO are supposed to be sterile according to the developers, studies have indicated that up to five percent could be fertile which means they could succeed in breeding and passing their genes into the wild. GMO fish could out-compete wild fish for food, space, and mating opportunities since they often exhibit greater aggression than wild salmon.
In regards to GMO salmon, this is just one of the applications for review here in the United States. As many as 16 applications for GMO fish may be under review throughout the world, mostly in Asia, although none are known to be approved yet. That goes to show how close we are to having these types of products placed in our store shelves, possibly without the need for labeling or identifying the fact on the packaging. In other words, we could soon be eating GMO food without even knowing it.
Even though there have been a number of studies conducted to test the safety and nutritional content of GMO foods, some are still concerned there could be long term effects. Effects that may only appear after a decade or two of consuming GMO food. It is these types of questions that cannot presently be answered since long term studies spanning decades of consumption have not taken place. Therefore if this type of food does reach our local supermarkets and grocery stores, you will have to make this decision if it reaches your kitchen table.
Hopefully laws are passed that require companies to label GMO food so at least you have the opportunity to make the decision if your family will eat this option or not.
Gregory L. Gomez, M. Ed, has been teaching 5th grade in the LAUSD for 12 years and has recently embarked on a journey to lose weight, eat healthier, and finally get in shape! Follow his progress on http://HealthyChoicesInLife.com as he strives to lose 60 pounds through dedicated exercise and healthy eating. Get a FREE monthly Healthy Choices Newsletter along with an 17 page Healthy Choices Guide at http://HealthyChoicesInLife.com/why-cant-i-lose-weight.
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