Monsanto's Genetically Modified Foods

The human body is not designed to handle all the toxins that are put into GMO products, and as consumers, we should be informed of the potential harm we are putting into our bodies. Helke Ferrie, in his article “Evidence Grows of Harmful Effects of GMOs on Human Health” states, “…all modern human diseases are being caused by environmental toxins of our own making” (12), on the contrary, in the journal “GMOs – A solution or a Problem”, Mark Lynas claims that “… there has never been a single sustained health concern [caused by GMOs]” (132). Ferrie mentions multiple studies where GMOs have proven to “…increase the incidence of cancer, diabetes, hormone disruption, neurological, immunological and other metabolic disorders” (12). After mass amounts of research have been conducted to prove the dangers of GMOs, proof that has been gathered of the detriments genetically modified organisms bring to the human liver; researchers conclude, “… anything that upsets the liver must be… exceedingly

Approximately eighty percent of food eaten in the United States contains GMOs, but not many people know what they are actually consuming from their food sources (Prah). Genetically modified organism, also known as genetically modified organisms engineered in a lab by scientists that alter the genes of plants and animals. By fixating DNA from other organisms into America’s food sources, they create substances that are detrimental to the health of human beings. In addition to this, these genetically modified organisms are completely foreign to the plants and animals they undergo; their genes can become damaged from inserting the genes of the organisms. This unnatural process can interfere with a metabolic pathway in the plant or animal. In addition, studies have shown that on average forty-four percent of people had the “Round-up Ready” herbicide, glyphosate, which is used on genetically modified crops, found in their bodies (Stonebrook). Both, the genetically modified organisms and the chemicals used on them, cause several problems to occur in humans and other organisms which consume GMOs. These include tumors, damaged immune systems, allergies, and infertility; this is dangerous to the health of humans and to their regular body processes. Americans have the right to know what is going into their bodies and how these man-made GMOs are affecting them. By the government

The dangers of the food industry need to be revealed to the public so that people can live healthier lifestyles. For this to be done, the food companies need to start labeling what is in their food. There are numerous harmful chemicals and hormones found in the food we consume, and there needs to be more awareness of what society is recklessly ingesting. A two-year study on the effects of genetic mutation on mice was published on September 19th, 2011 in Food and Chemical Toxicology. In the experiment, the mice consumed corn that was sprayed with Roundup, the food company, Monsanto’s brand of weed killer, or drank water with levels of Roundup that are similar to what is found in U.S. tap water. The shocking results revealed that the mice

Monsanto is an American agrochemical corporation which manufactures pesticides and GMO crops. One of the most well recognized herbicides is Monsanto’s Roundup, which contains the carcinogen glyphosate. To prevent from killing the crops when farmers apply Roundup to their fields, Monsanto invented GMO versions of many staple crops such as corn, soybeans, and cotton which resist Roundup. Like the weeds, these GMO crops still absorb glyphosate, however the crops are able to stay alive through changes in their genetic makeup which make them herbicide resistant. The herbicide tolerance of certain crops has been adopted because it, “simplifies weed control to the use of a single herbicide and a flexible and easy management strategy” (Labrada, 2003), as well as decreasing the cost of weed control programs. As a result, Monsanto bought out most small farms and now owns 80% of the U.S. market share of corn and 93% of the U.S. market share of soy, which are then sold to modern food processing. Upwards of 75% of the processed food on American supermarket shelves contain genetically engineered ingredients. Not only are Americans consuming massive amounts of GMOs, which pose a huge health risk themselves, they are also consuming massive amounts of glyphosate, a chemical known to cause cancer and birth defects (Kruger, 2014). If society stopped consuming carcinogens, the cancer epidemic will be

“A scientific study published last year concluded that eating genetically modified corn (GM corn) and consuming trace levels of Monsanto’s Roundup chemical fertilizer was linked with rats developing shockingly large tumors, widespread organ damage, and premature death” (Adams). This study was published in 2012 and is also criticized by corporate GMO trolls who argued that scientists should not show pictures of rats with large cancer tumors caused by GMOs because the pictures scare consumers into being afraid of GMOs. Roundup is a chemical fertilizer that is produced by Monsanto and the reason why it is harmful is because Monsanto adds pesticides in their chemical fertilizer to keep their crops from being eaten by insects. The evidence provided earlier is significant because the pesticides are a hazard that

With the increased amount of publicity, genetically modified organisms have recently been under harsh scrutiny and criticism. Consumers around the world are concerned whether or not consuming these newly modified organisms have any long term or short term health effects. “An exhaustive new study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, found “no substantiated evidence of a difference in risks to human health between current commercially available genetically engineered (GE) crops and conventionally bred crops,”(Hall). This experiment showed that there are no alarming effects for consumers to worry about when consuming genetically modified crops. Genetically modified crops have been consumed for over twenty years now without causing any increase in health problem in the populations that consume them. These products are some of the most tested and safest agriculture products out there today. All of the testing done on genetically modified crops and their safety is monitored by the Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA), and the Food and Drug Administration(FDA). Across the board with so many different agencies committed to reviewing testing of GMOs these products and organisms are undoubtedly safe

Recently, there has been multiple studies regarding whether or not GMOs are safe for human and animal consumption, and the results are extremely negative (“5 Reasons NOT to Eat Genetically Modified Foods”). From these tests, researchers have found birth defects, sterility, organ damage, gastrointestinal disorder, gut rot, new allergies, accelerating aging, infertility and immune system disorder in rats (“Smith”, “5 Reasons NOT to Eat Genetically Modified Foods”). These tests are not only done on rats. Glyphosate, a substance in Roundup, caused “total cell death in human umbilical, embryo, and placental cells within twenty-four hours” (“5 Reasons NOT to Eat Genetically Modified Foods”). Therefore, Genetically Modified Organisms have been proven to be extremely dangerous to our health. Lastly, “After GMOs were introduced in 1966, the percentage of Americans with more than three chronic illnesses went from seven percent to thirteen percent in nine years” (“Smith”). Additionally, “food allergies skyrocketed, and disorders like autism, reproductive disorders, and digestive problems are on the rise” (“Smith”). Genetically Modified Organisms cause extreme damage on our bodies and should be banned.

Monsanto¡¦s downfall could be attributed to several reasons. The passion of Alan Shapiro¡¦s vision blinded the Company into making rash decisions and the large amounts of money spent pursuing the objective prevented any U-turns later. The company¡¦s unshaken beliefs that it was correct had made it arrogant and not listen to the outrage all around. Monsanto underestimated consumer resistance.

Monsanto is a multinational world leader in the production of the herbicide glyphosate and in the manipulation of genetically modified (GM) seeds. They were a chemical company, which shifted into the new life science area developing numerous patents related to genetic techniques and GM seeds variety. The company entered in the agrobiochemical industry, which is in its growth life cycle based on continuous product improvements and replacement by superior traits. The industry is focused on chemical products used in agriculture and genetically modified crops.

In August 1998 the first controversy was sparked, especially in Europe, by a report from a leading nutrition researcher, Dr. Arpad Pusztai, concerning the safety of GM foods. Pusztai claimed that GM food fed rats showed stunted growth and weak immune systems. His report, however, was greatly criticized and rejected by many scientists because of lack of substantial evidence (Pusztai 1). Nevertheless, the report opened up an area of contemplation. In May 2005, a report published by Monsanto, a leading biotech firm, confirmed differences in kidney sizes and blood composition of rats fed with GM corn (Lendman 1). Although these documented reports are limited to laboratory settings, the results do point to a possibility of health hazards in the long run. It is evident that GM foods require more research before they are safe for consumption because if the symptoms do arise, it will affect a wide range of consumers and the damage will be impossible to overcome. Apart from direct health hazards, there are concerns over the emergence of insecticide resistant weeds and pests because of GM foods (Weaver 160). Since certain species of GM crops are resistant to insecticides, they allow farmers to spray more chemicals in order to avoid weeds and pests from destroying their harvests. However, since all living organisms are biological entities

According to Lois N. Magner, Professor Emerita at Purdue University, there are risks involving the consumption of foods that contain genes that are foreign (129). These GM crops are inserted with a gene that produces a “naturally occurring” pesticide, Bacillus Thuringiensis, which is “toxic to certain pests” (129). One might be eased by the words “naturally occurring” however that gene does not originally appear in that specific pant. Therefore, we do not know how it will affect that organism as a whole. It is important to note that “when people eat these GM foods they ingest the pesticide” (129). “In March 2015, the World Health Organization determined that the herbicide glyphosate (the key ingredient in Roundup®) is “probably carcinogenic to humans”(“GMO Facts”). If the plants are toxic, and the animals are eating these toxic plants, they too become toxic. Nevertheless, we humans eat both plants and animals, doubling the consumption of pesticides. Both Magner and the “NON-GMO” project state that there is no evidence or enough research to claim that “GMO” are safe because human health effects across a lifetime have not been examined. However, animal studies have shown GM foods linked with “organ damage, immune system disorders, accelerated aging, and infertility (Magner pg). Ever since these products were increased health problems have been on the rise. This is extremely worrying as we do not know

GMOs won’t harm anyone, hopefully, this is the common thought of many people, and they believe GMOs won’t affect anyone gravely because there is no physical evidence. But like most controversy scapegoats are necessary because most people do not like difficult investigations that call for heavy research or reading. Give the angry crowds the name and address they will react. Although the food supply has rules, regulations and safety procedures on how to treat the food, clean it and remove harmful food-borne illness; mishaps in the procedures can lead to food-borne illnesses that can not only damage our health, but can also be fatal. So why are consumers being misled by products and instinctively misguided? The very process of creating a GM plant can result in guaranteed damages; they will produce new toxins, allergens, carcinogens, and nutritional deficiencies. As a result, the toxins can now enter into foods and vegetables we eat. Food regulations influence consumers because of the health, the unknown that may come in the future, the environment, and most importantly the unexposed issues that are always censured.

One word that makes consumers eyebrow rise is the word, Monsanto. Monsanto is a company that is an American leading biotechnology company that has products ranging from agricultural seed, technologies, and vegetable seeds. Monsanto is best known for genetically modifying (GM) seeds that are insect and diseases resistant. Now the company is focused on GM meats. However, because of this there has been a lot of bad publicity that has surrounded the company on this issue. Monsanto has had negative documentaries made about this topic and publications presented to the public about this company’s biotechnology practices. Nevertheless, consumers have not forgotten some of this bad publicity that has been given about Monsanto. In this case study, one of the long-term goals for Monsanto was attempting to expand their reach into the European market. The company was trying to impose America’s food and production system on the European culture.

Everyone wants to eat safe and stay healthy. Nowadays, genetically engineered food is everywhere in the United States. Thanks to Monsanto, a company that produces and develops genetic modified crops, according to “Genetically Engineered Crops” by the Center for Food Safety (CFS), “70 percent of processed foods on supermarket shelves - from soda to soup, crackers to condiments – contain genetically engineered ingredients.” Genetically engineered food has deeply rooted in our lives. On the other hand, in other parts of the world, European Union and Russia have been banning any genetically modified food to be produced in their territories. The reason of such difference in terms of policy is because Monsanto has been spending a huge amount of money to tell the Americans that genetic engineered food is totally safe to eat. Other than that, according to “Viral Gene In Genetically Engineered Foods Could Promote Disease” by Dr. Mercola, Monsanto has joined the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. The company is offering Business Ecosystems Training course, which claims to “enhance employees’ awareness and understanding of the links between ecosystems and business.” Should we trust Monsanto?

Much of the public concern surrounding the safety of GMOs stems from the process of actually creating them. This is admittedly not a natural process, which is a surefire way to raise critic’s eyebrows in doubting their safety. However, there is no evidence that supports these myths. The Committee on Genetically Engineered Crops, The National Academy of Science, and the Board on Agriculture and Natural Recourses all agree after extensive testing and observation that there is no additional harm in the consumption of GMO food. The research conducted in animal studies, as well as chemical analysis of the crops, show no indication that GMOs are negatively affecting human health. The next allegation hurled at GMOs is that they may have