GMO?

At this moment, I feel as though I have spent too much of this week focusing mainly on very texty pieces of work. Therefore, today I am going to accentuate on something more visual: an infographic.

In "GMO?," the questions and consequences regarding GMOs are accentuated through visual interpretations. According to the article, "Genetic modification may include the ADDITION OF DNA from species that would NOT BREED in nature." After reading this statement, I find this horribly disgraceful and somewhat shameful. Another statement which is exemplified in this infographic is: "GMO varieties of corn and potatoes are engineered to PRODUCE THEIR OWN PESTICIDES." Personally, I find the fact that those words that are bolded are done so quite appropriately. It is in fact quite disorientating to think that plants have been manipulated in such as way that they produce poison. Overall, this inforgraphic emphasizes on the grotesque features of GMOs; thus, giving me another reason to avoid them as much as possible.

It's Not Just Your Health

Although I have written about avoiding GMO products countless times, the routine seems to never get too old. Thus, after reading Wanttoknow.info's article, "GMOs and Genetically Modified Foods
Risks and Dangers of GMOs," I have rediscovered additional reasons to stay GMO-free.

• Agency scientists warned that GM foods in general might create unpredicted allergies, toxins, antibiotic resistant diseases, and nutritional problems
• Tragically, scientists who voice their criticism, as well as those who have discovered incriminating evidence, have been threatened, stripped of responsibilities, denied funding or tenure, or fired
• Americans eat genetically modified foods everyday
• Cows fed GM corn in Germany died mysteriously
• Soon after GM soy was introduced to the UK, soy allergies skyrocketed by 50 percent
• The only human feeding study ever conducted showed that the gene inserted into soybeans spontaneously transferred out of food and into the DNA of gut bacteria
• No one monitors human health impacts of GM foods
• In the US, most people believe they have never eaten a GM food in their lives

Overall, I found this article to be particularly insightful in not only highlighting the health consequences of GMOs, but also the social and long-term.

Article: 

GMOs and Genetically Modified Foods Risks and Dangers of GMOs by Wanttoknow.info

Common Knowledge

As I have stated in the past, Genetically modified organisms are “plants or animals that have been genetically engineered with DNA from bacteria, viruses or other plants and animals. These experimental combinations of genes from different species cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding” (Non-GMO Project). Although the abundance of genetically modified organisms is increasing in the modern world, the idea has received a lot of controversy for it’s unnatural attempt to “better” the food industry. For over the past decade, the ongoing argument over the dangers of genetically modified organisms has remained a significant global dispute. Although many argue that genetically modified organisms have more advantages than disadvantages, the vast majority of people protest against this claim.

However, after reading Environmental Commons article, "What You Should Know About Genetically Modified Foods!", I have found that my definition and understanding of GMOs has been slightly altered. Therefore, I highly recommended, to all those who want a straightforward insight into the "what, why, and how" of GMOs, that you read up on this article (link mentioned below).

What You Should Know About Genetically Modified Foods! by Environmental Commons

4 More Reasons

According to CNN iReport's article, there are four major potential health risks of eating GMO foods.

As stated in the article, these include:
1. Allergies

According to "GMO Compass", "When a new gene is introduced into a plant’s genome, the principal end result is the production of a new protein." Due to these unknown proteins, unprecedented allergies can be a result.

2. Antibiotic Resistance

Furthermore, it has been acclaimed that GMOs have antibiotic resistance. As claimed by "GMO Compass", "Antibiotic resistance genes from GM foods are taken up by bacteria in the gut during digestion. If bacteria carrying antibiotic resistance genes were ever to cause infection, it would be very difficult for doctors to treat."

3. Pesticide Exposure 

Another reason why GMOs are harmful is due to the fact that they are sprayed with insect-repellent pesticides. As stated by "GMO Compass", "Bt, is a bacterium that has attracted much attention for its use in pest control. The soil bacterium produces a  protein that is toxic to various herbivorous insects."

4. Unpredictability and the Unknown

Lastly, GMOs are dangerous because they are unpredictable. As stated by US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, GMOs are "Resistant to pests and the herbicides used to control weeds, these new crops were so popular with farmers that millions of acres were planted with them by the turn of the millennium."

For more information please visit:

4 Potential Health Risks of Eating GMO Foods by CNN iReport

Genetically Modified Foods: Breeding Uncertainty by Charles W. Schmidt

Do GMOs Mean More Allergies? by GMO Compass

Pest Resistant Crops by GMO Compass

Antibiotic Resistance Genes: A Threat? by GMO Compass

ɔːˈganɪk

• organic: produced or involving production without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or other artificial chemicals (Oxford English Dictionary)

What does "organic" mean?

According to the United States Food Department, organic "is the term used to describe raw or processed agricultural products and ingredients that have been (a) organically grown (farmed) and (b) handled in compliance with the standards"

What are the USDA's standards for organic products?

According to "The World's Healthiest Foods," organic products must be free of:

• Most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides
• Sewer sludge fertilizers
• Genetic engineering
• Growth hormones
• Irradiation
• Antibiotics
• Artificial ingredients
• Many synthetic additives

Although organically grown crops are beneficial to consumers, they are also beneficial to the land that they are grown in.

In terms of being beneficial to the land, organic products:

• Use of crop rotation
• Use of composted animal manure with specified carbon to nitrogen ratios and temperature readings.
• Use of uncomposted plant materials

Overall, organic products have demonstrated to be much more beneficial to our well-being in comparison to genetically modified organisms; therefore, it is highly recommended to incorporate more organic crops into a healthy, daily diet.

For more information on organic please visit: Everything You Need to Know About Organic Foods by World's Healthiest Foods

For more information on why you should decrease GMO consumption please visit:

First the Rats... then Us

GMO Disadvantages

Stay GMO-Free

GO FAIRTRADE!

As I have mentioned before, it is highly preferable to switch to non-GMO and/or organic products; in order to effectively decrease consumption of GMO chicken. However, there is an additional option that is not only beneficial to you, but to those less fortunate as well. Go for fair trade products! By buying fair trade products, you help those less fortunate earn a responsible and fair living. According to the Mirror in their article “40 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE FAIRTRADE PRODUCTS,” there are, as stated, forty good reasons and facts that should incline you to make better decisions and purchase more fair trade products.

If I were to list out all the reasons, the list would be quite extensive; instead, please visit:  40 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE FAIRTRADE PRODUCTS

First the Rats... then Us

According to the Institute for Responsible Technology’s article “GMO Danger,” expressing concerns over negative outcomes of GMOs,  GMOs have the potential to be extremely dangerous.
As expressed in the article, there is evidence that GMOs have done the following:

• Bt cotton has killed thousands of grazing livestock
• When GM corn is consumed by mice, decreases fertility
• Mice fed GM soy had a shorter life expectancy rate
• GM soy caused infertility in hamsters
• Rodents fed GM corn had a decrease in immunity
• Cooked GM increased soy allergen as much as seven times
• Soy allergies increased 50% when GM soy was introduced in the UK
• GM potatoes caused rats to grow cells excessively, leading to cancer

Overall, for the most part, GMO had a significant negative impact on rodents. Once again, giving us a reason to be safe rather than sorry.

The Reality of Experimentation

As emphasized in David Horsey's genetically modified-themed cartoon, genetically modified organisms are not completely ensured as to be safe; since, they are yet to be tested for their potential consequences. In the cartoon, a consumer labeled as"USA", distinguishing American consumers, is unaware of the possible negative outcomes of GMOs; however, he is experimenting with them anyways, posing as a guinea pig like figure. Whilst the scientist, labeled as the FDA (Food Department Agency), acts as though this trial is a lab experiment. What is ironic in this piece is the reality of this piece, interpreting as a visual illustration of how the American, perhaps even global, genetically modified industry works.

Mystery Wheat?!

After previously posting, as well as learning, about CNN Eatocracy, it prompted me to go further, evaluate, and analysis more of their featured articles. According to an article entitled "Genetically modified wheat creeps into crops, concerns farmers", it has recently been discovered that a farm in Oregon, U.S.A. was growing genetically modified wheat, which posed as a health concern due to the fact that it is "immortal." As stated by Prof. Carol Mallory-Smith at the University of Oregon, "I knew it was going to be an extremely sensitive issue," she claims once she had conducted experiments verifying the wheat was contaminated with GMOs. This instance has caused an outrage among families and protesters, who once again have expressed their anger upon the biotechnology corporation: Monsanto. Ironically, although the seed was produced by Monsanto, it was to serve the function of resisting its own weed-killing product "Round Up." In addition to this strangeness, it is an outrage to hear that the wheat "was never approved for market." On the more negative side, regarding countries who are strictly non-GMO, they have started to decline imports of U.S. wheat. This could seriously negatively impact the American agricultural industry. Overall, "researchers say we may never know how that genetically modified wheat ended up in that field."

GMO A-GO-GO!

Whilst browsing the internet, I found this hilarious video entitled "GMO A-GO-GO!", a short, comedic, animated video highlighting the dangers of GMOs. In this video, some of the hazards of GMOs listed include, but are not limited to: the inclusion of insect and fish genes and increased use of pesticides. However, it is also noted that the use of pesticides has resulted in a decrease in pest and bee populations. This is extremely harmful to the welfare of the ecosystem; since, insects are essential to pollination. Furthermore, it is also mentioned that GMOs have also been proven to kill weeds, which in unnatural to the biological structure. Moreover, the crops that undergo genetic modification consist of corn, soybeans, cotton, alfalfa, papaya, and rapeseed oil, as well as numerous others. In addition, the video accentuates the humans are essentially "guinea pigs" for GMO testing; since, GMO's do not undergo a lot of experimentation before being released in the open market. Also, it is claimed that GMOs have been tested to negatively impact the overall health of a rats, and large biotechnology companies are often the owners of farms. Overall, the big idea advocated in this video was that if no one takes a stand against GMOs now, then there's no telling what the future holds.

GMO Insects?

According to the BBC's article "Decision awaited on genetically modified insect trial", a UK biotechnology company has begun experiments on genetically modified insects. If their research gains approval, the company aims to release the olive flies in Spain. Once in Spain, upon mating with female olive crop pests, the males with exert a "female-killing" gene. The aim of this experiment is to reduce the olive pest population. Nonetheless, personally, I do not completely agree with the UK biotechnology company's actions. Although this trial will ensure the decrease of the olive pest population, it will also negatively impact the ecosystem as a whole. However, the biotechnology company's justification for this experiment is to protect olive agriculture in Europe, as it is an important industry. 

Chipotle Up for Discussion

Recently, in CNN's Eatocracy's article "Chipotle lists GMO ingredients", American-Mexican fast food chain Chipotle, revealed a list of genetically modified products that are presented in their food. Personally, I found this video very intriguing, as I believe that more restaurants should follow Chipotle's initiative and provide information to their customers on what exactly they are eating. Compared to other restaurants, Chipotle has prided itself in being a "healthier" alternative. In addition, Chipotle also strives to promote healthy eating. However, recently Chipotle made the announcement that a lot of their ingredients derive from GMO sources, these include: chicken, beef, soybean oil, rice, etc. According to nutritionist Katherine Tallmadge, "when foods are genetically modified their genetic material has been unnaturally change, that's because it's been processed, grow on factory like farms." Nonetheless, in the effort of switching to healthier alternatives, Chipotle has attempted to implement the use of sunflower oil over soybean oil; since, soybean oil can lead to heart disease and arthritis. Whilst, sunflower oil is beneficial to health; according to Katherine Tallmadge. Furthermore, the presence of GMOs in Chipotle's food may not entirely be their fault; since, as they claim, it is difficult to be rid of GMOs. Overall, companies like Chipotle are striving to make an effort to be more healthy, which is more than can be said for a large percentage of restaurants, all of whom are actively contributing to unhealthy-dangerous lifestyles to all who consume their products.

Video can be seen at: Chipotle lists GMO ingredients

Rice Breakthrough

Although it may appear that, on this blog, I am quite strongly dissaprove with genetic modification of crops; in this case, my opinion can be hushed. According to the BBC's article "Is it 'wicked' to oppose GM crops?", "Golden Rice", a specific type of genetically modified rice, engineered to have an increased amount of vitamin A has been aclaimed to save 670,000 lives per year, says Environmental secretary, Owen Paterson. In Paterson's interview with the BBC, he labeled those who opose the genetic engineering of this rice as 'wicked'; since, they are not taking into consideration that the breakthrough could potentially save millions of lives. As for Director of the International Rice Research Institute in Manila, a non-profit, independent body involved in developing Golden Rice, Dr Robert Zigler who believes that those who protest against Golden Rice express "an aggressive manipulation of half-truths." Personally, in this instance, I quite strongly agree with the perspectives of both Paterson and Zigler. When looking at the wider picture, if Golden Rice proves to be successful, it could potentially be the solution for vitamin A deficiency. In my opinion, Golden Rice should be further experimented and trialed to conclude it's effectiveness.

For more information visit: http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24515938

GMO Disadvantages

According to Youth and Environment Europe, "Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are organisms that have been subjected to techniques of genetic engineering". In the youth organizations article "Eat GMO-FREE food", statistics and facts are used to persuade the audience to go "GMO-free".

YEE's reasons to avoid GMOs:

• The long term effects of GMOs are unknown
• GM crops have increased pesticides
• GMOs are not the solution to end world hunger 
• GMOs threaten the ecosystem
• GMOs have to potential to contaminate non-GMOs
• GMOs destroy farmland; thus, destroying agricultural oppertunities

YEE's advice to avoid GMOs:

• Buy non-GMO products
• Buy organic products
• Support locally grown products
• Grow your own food

According to a study in 2009:

• 62% of crops have herbicide tolerance
• 15% have insect resistance
• 21% have cultivated mixed traits
• 2% are virus resistant

Why do GMOs resemble zombies?

GMOs: The Walking Dead by Nursedegree.net

In nursedegree.net’s informative infographic  “GMOs: The Walking Dead of The Food Industry”, the harmful risks of genetically modified organisms on human consumers and the ecosystem are stressed upon. As exemplified through the title, the infographic is linking a reference to the television show by the title of “The Walking Dead”, which is structured around a collapsing post-apocalyptic society, where the vast majority of the population consists of half-dead, flesh-eating corpses. Thus, through this allusion the infographic reveals that, like the zombies, genetically modified organisms are harmful due to their unnatural cause of existence. Through the mention of evidence, the infographic asserts that genetically modified organisms provide a lack of health and financial benefits, by means of  alluding to a credible source. All in all, “GMOs: The Walking Dead of The Food Industry” recognizes the unanticipated realities of the genetically modified food industry.

Humor with GMOs

Jason Chatfield's "GM Bread"

At first sight, this cartoon may appear to be comedic and simple. However, after close analysis, I find that I have uncovered its seriousness, as it actually has a much larger effect that it may seem. As demonstrated in the illustration, the side effects of genetically modified organisms are presented by the consumer of the genetically modified bread appears to be growing a third arm out of his back. In the picture, a man is seen rushing into the genetically modified bread consumer’s house, exclaiming, “Stop!! Is that GM [genetically modified] bread??” the consumer then replies, “Yeah! How’d you know?”. However, what the consumer fails to recognize is that the reason for the man’s worrisome behavior is concern, due to the fact that the consumer is unknowingly growing a third arm. Through this example, the consumer represents the majority of people who are ignorant to the possible side effects of genetically modified foods. Overall, the cartoonist illustrates the possible negative outcomes of genetically modified foods, by accentuating the indefinite, unknown long-term effects of genetic engineering and how it could be potentially dangerous to health.

Illustration by: Jason Chatfield
Visit Jason Chatfield's Website to view his gallery

From the Perspective of Science & Reason

Although an overwhelming majority of people are anti-GMO, there is not a lot of defining evidence to support their thesis. However, back in 2012, at a Greenpeace conference in the Philliphines, Principal Scientist of the Gene Regulation Laboratory of the Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Dr. Chakraborty, made a case to promote anti-GMO movements. According to Dr. Chakraborty, "GMO technology is highly uncertain, as such, they are inherently unpredictable and irreversible. No short or long term study on these man-made living food crops has conclusively shown that they are safe for humans, livestock or biodiversity. And all scientific studies about the benefits of GM crops are conducted by the same companies that sell it. For this reason, scientists recommended that the Indian government immediately stop the field testing of all GMO crops.” During his talk, Dr. Chakraborty supported his statement with scientific reasoning, using the ban of the Bt eggplant in India as an example. Ironically, in the Philippines, crops resembling the Bt eggplant are being introduced, which could be a cause for potential harm. Besides the possible health consequence, it has been noted that the introduction of GMO crops into Filipino agriculture could also prove as a negative factor towards farmers, as it may be harmful to the prosperity of the industry. Overall, through this conference, individuals such as Dr. Chakraborty, and Greenpeace official have a goal in mind to cause all governments to abolish GMO's in their agriculture; in order to improve the health of the ecosystem and its inhabitants.

For more information, please visit: Gene scientist tells public why GMOs are unsafe

Stay GMO-Free

Due to the fact that genetically modified foods have undetermined consequences, why take a chance when reduction of risk is an option? With these simple and easy tips, take precautionary methods in order to decrease personal consumption of genetically modified organisms.

First off, it should be noted that about 70% of supermarket products somehow contain genetically modified organisms.
The most common food items containing GMO's include, but are not limited too:

• soybeans
• corn
• cooking oils
• sugar
• dairy products (e.g. milk, cheese, yogurt)
• grain products (e.g. bread, biscuits, cereals)
• frozen foods
• cookies/biscuits/chips
• meat and eggs

Although this list may seem extensive, if one is careful, identifying these factors should not be challenging. However, when these products, as well as several unlisted products, are purchased ask the following questions?

• Have I briefly read over the ingredients?
• Is it verified as "GMO-free" or "organic"?
• Do any of the ingredients include the most common GMO products?
• Is there an alternate healthier option over this product?
• Am I supporting local businesses by buying this product?
• Have I checked the expiring date? Does that indicate that this product includes preservatives?

All in all, remember that your physical well-being is your personal responsibility; the only one who can ensure a healthy lifestyle is you. In order to live a happy and healthy life, taking small steps towards moving away from GMO's can conclude to life-changing/saving results.

Weed-killing Crops

According to The New York Time's Associated Press in their article "Agriculture Department to End Some Restrictions," the United States Agriculture Department (USDA) has recently announced that they are legalizing the use of weed-killing seeds. From the perspective of farmers, this act shall positively impact them, as they will be able to rid themselves of pesky weeds, whilst economically plowing seeds. Whilst several environmentalists and scientists fear this legalization; due to the fact, it could persuade farmers to increase their chemical usage. Personally, I agree with the environmentalists and scientists; since, the consequences of this reform could be potentially damaging to the health of the entire ecosystem e.g. humans, animals, plants, and the environment. Therefore, I believe that this decision should have been more thought out before it was pursued; as this could be the root cause of indefinite, negative future outcomes.

For more information, please visit: Agriculture Department to End Some Restrictions

European Soil GMO Free

According to the BBC Business's article "Monsanto drops GM crop plan in EU," it has been determined that agricultural biotechnology corporation, Monsanto, has come to the decision to no longer attempt to grow genetically modified organisms in the European Union; instead, they plan on pursuing attempts to import. In this article, the idea presented is Monsanto's difficulty to establish cultivating genetically modified crops, due to European GM food concerns. Therefore, due to the fact that approval for growing genetically modified crops can be prolonged for an indefinite number of years; instead, Monsanto is said to attempt to import their products into the Europe. However, at the time being, Monsanto had decided upon growing "conventional" seeds in Europe. In my opinion, I believe that the European Union should reject Monsanto's proposal to grow genetically modified crops; due to the fact that it negatively impacts organic farmers and has unforeseen on humans, animals, plants, as well as the environment.

An Organic Outlook on Cheerios

For my first analysis, I thought that it would be beneficial to begin on a happy note; as it turns out, the next time you indulge in Cheerios you should acknowledge the variation of ingredients. According CNN Money's Aaron Smith's article "General Mills: Original Cheerios are GMO free", recently the producers of Cheerios, General Mills, have come to a decision to replace the cereal's GMO products such as beet sugar and corn with non-GMO substitutes. In this article, General Mills spokesman, Mike Siemienas, claims "We do value our Cheerios fans and we do listen to their thoughts and suggestions." This change in ingredients is significant because it demonstrates that the potential of a united group of people can result in definite action. As for social media and activist groups "this is a huge victory", says co-founder of GMO Inside (a campaign dedicated to helping all Americans know which foods contain GMOs), John Roulac.

For more information visit: General Mills: Original Cheerios are GMO free

What is GMO 360?

Here at GMO 360, we pride ourselves in informing about all current events regarding the ethnics of genetically modified organisms. On this blog, you will find analysis of numerous GMO-related news articles, with an additional GMO 360 opinionated insight. Overall, our purpose is to track the progression of the global reaction on genetically modified organisms.

What is a genetically modified organism?

Genetically modified organisms are “plants or animals that have been genetically engineered with DNA from bacteria, viruses or other plants and animals. These experimental combinations of genes from different species cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding” (Non-GMO Project). Although the abundance of genetically modified organisms is increasing in the modern world, the idea has received a lot of controversy for it’s unnatural attempt to “better” the food industry. For over the past decade, the ongoing argument over the dangers of genetically modified organisms has remained a significant global dispute. Although many argue that genetically modified organisms have more advantages than disadvantages, the vast majority of people protest against this claim.