Harmful Effects Of Genetically Modified Organisms

1666 Words7 Pages
Cypress Thomas
Mrs. Ford
English 6
28 January 2015
The Harmful Effects of Genetically Modified Organisms
Does one really know how harmful genetically modified foods are to living organisms, or even to the environment? In grocery stores, 70% of the processed food sold contains genetically modified soybeans and corn. Also, a large percentage of canola, sugar beets, and sugar cane are genetically modified. Without even knowing it, Americans have been consuming genetically modified ingredients that have been hidden in their food since 1996. Is it not time to do something about it? Genetically modified organisms, also known as GMOs, are living organisms that have had their genetic material changed artificially through genetic engineering in a…show more content…
First of all, genetically modified foods can cause many health risks to living organisms and even to the human body. New diseases, allergies, and nutritional problems are just a few of the side effects that FDA scientists warned can be caused by genetically modified foods. Producing its own insecticide, genetically modified foods can cause damage to the brain, liver, pancreas, and intestines. In an experiment,where rats were fed potatoes that have been genetically modified, they had extremely smaller livers. In another experiment, when rats were fed the GM canola, they had 12 to 16 percent heavier livers than normal rats. There is also evidence that genetically modified soy causes liver damage in humans. Knowing this, 89% of soybeans that are sold in the United States are genetically modified. Smith says, “In the1980s, a contaminated brand of a food supplement called L-tryptophan killed about 100 Americans and caused sickness and disability to another 5,000 to 10,000 people” ( “Spilling the Beans: Unintended GMO Health Risks” NP). This proves that genetically modified foods are harmful and are not 100% safe. Bleeding stomachs are also another deadly effect of genetically modified foods. After rats were fed tomatoes that had been genetically modified, 7 out of the 40 died and 7 also had bleeding stomachs (Smith 24). Also, the genetic material from genetically modified soy transfers into bacteria and continues to function inside of our intestines. Genetically
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