How many of you know what a GMO is? A GMO also known as a genetically modified organism is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. I've known about GMOS for about a year now, and since then it's shocked me that food that not only my family eats but I as well, can be genetically modified. Since I found out back in 2013 I've always tried to purchase things with the GMO free seal. I now want to inform you about the dangers GMOS can present to you and your families. Today I will be talking about the history of GMO foods, the dangers of it, and ways to help us steer clear of GMO food. I will introduce you to the NON-GMO project and hopefully persuade you to take action, and make a change.
A GMO is a genetically modified organism. This means that scientist took the A gene from one species and forced it into the DNA of another species. An example was when they crated the flavor tomato they took the gene of a fish and forced it into the DNA sequence of a tomato to keep it from freezing. These organisms would have never developed on their own; they are not part of our revolutionary process they shouldn't exist; yet we are eating them. GMO foods were introduced into our diet in 1996. As of right now there is only one sate in the US that requires mandatory GMO labeling that state is Vermont. The main GMO crops you should be concerned about are corn, canola, sugar beet, cotton, papaya, zucchini, yellow squash, palm, alfalfa, and soy. These foods are engineered to be round-up ready, which would bring me to my next topic for tonight.
As I stated before, the foods were engineered so they can be round-up ready, this means that the GMO corn and other plants are able to produce their own Pesticide called BT toxin. This pesticide is designed to kill insects. It attacks the gut cells causing the insect to bloat up and die. A lot of people were worried that this pesticide would have the same effect on humans.
