Regulate Genetically Modified Foods

Everyone on this planet deserves to have food security and not scarcity; in fact, a solution already exists in genetically modified foods. Genetically modified foods are adjusted to have more desirable properties by methods such as extracting DNA from one creature and inserting it into a food to give a certain characteristic. Despite the obvious benefit that this can provide, many Americans incorrectly believe that there is some need to regulate such foods. Despite those opinions, the United States should not regulate genetically modified foods.
Genetically modified (GM) foods pose no health threat to people. Cary Funk and Lee Rainie write that a study found that 88% of scientists connected to the American Association for the Advancement of
Science agree that GM foods are safe to eat—a percentage more than anthropogenic climate change.
In fact, the document titled, “Statement by the AAAS Board of Directors On Labeling of Genetically Modified Foods” states that “
Although such claims are often sensationalized and receive a great deal of media attention, none have stood up to rigorous scientific scrutiny.” Additionally, the FDA has not found any scientific evidence that would suggest that GM foods are any different from unmodified foods (Should the U.S. Have Tighter Regulations on Genetically Modified Food?). Lastly, Lecia Bushak writes that farmers have been modifying crops for thousands of years, and that the only thing changing is that a new gene is being inserted into a crop which otherwise wouldn’t be there. The science has spoken; there is no evidence to prove that genetically modified food poses any threat to human beings.
Genetically modified food is the most promising solution to ending hunger worldwide. One GM food—Golden Rice—has been modified to include Vitamin A, a deficiency of which causes the deaths of 800,000 women and children worldwide (Rice, West Jr., and Black). Moreover, a modified version of the Bangladeshi Brinjal (eggplant) known as Bt Brinjal has resulted in the need for pesticide use dropping by 80% with virtually no crop losses, whereas up to 40% of crops were lost to pests in unmodified crops (Novella). Thirdly, there is another idea with lots of potential—enhancing photosynthesis, which could boost crop yields by around 20%, according to Steven Novella. These examples show genetically modified foods are tackling the issue of world hunger in ways filled with potential. The genetically modified plants are benefiting the environment.
First off, a report shows that the reduced tillage allows for less fuel use and additional carbon storage in the soil, removing the equivalent of 27 billion kilograms of the greenhouse gas CO2 from the atmosphere (Brookes and Barfoot). Next, Jennifer Hsaio writes that corn inserted with a gene that produces insecticides known as Bt corn has a strong anti-correlation with the use of toxic synthetic pesticides—when more of the Bt corn was used, less synthetic pesticides were used. Conclusively, genetically modified foods are curbing climate change and the use of toxic chemicals—unquestionably benefits to the environment. Though a few criticisms of GM foods are legitimate, many are not. The science is clear on genetically modified foods; it is perfectly safe, capable of eliminating world hunger, and is beneficial to the environment. It would then be a travesty for the United States of America to restrictively regulate genetically modified foods. If genetically modified foods can be tinkered with freely, we will soon see a world where every man, woman, and child are well fed, regardless of who they
are.