Is GMO really safe and what exactly is it? You decide.

GMO stands for genetically modified organisms. In other words, foods that have been genetically altered to some degree. Genetic modification was created to make foods more resistant to viruses, bacteria, and insect infestation and more. In terms of animals, it increases the growth rate. Genetic modification has not only allowed for farmers to produce larger crops but also crops that are more nutritionally rich. This breakthrough has saved thousands if not millions of lives around the world from starvation. In terms of animal meat, genetic modification has allowed for a greater production of meat, eggs and milk. In addition, the byproduct of GMO is less. Meaning better waste management, less water and soil needed. It also allows for the use of “greener” bioherbicides and bioinsecticides. Sounds good, are there any down sides? GMO has been around for sometime now, however no one really knows how, when or if it will affect humans. Since antibiotics are used, this can potentially increase human’s resistance to antibiotics. It can also potentially increase risk of allergies. Not all labels on food products will tell you if the item is genetically modified. Also this process causes stress on the animal. There is also the potential risk of advances in genetic modification being made and those results being altered to suit the best interest of other wealthier countries. There is also the disturbing fact that we could be consuming some animal genes in plants and plant genes in animal genes. Lastly, knowing that the product that has been created by God through nature is now being modified. People should have the right to choose whether they want a genetically altered food or not. With that in mind, foods should be labeled to disclose this information. When something is too good to be true, it usually raises red flags and should be questioned. In the case of GMO, it could have some terrible repercussions down the road for humans and nature.