GMOs could be hazardous

Allison Proite

Issue date: 10/16/08 Section: News

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Jeffrey Smith signs copies of his books after speaking on the dangers of genetically modified food Monday in Zorn Arena. "I feel differently, more scared then I did before," said junior Briana Odegard, who attended the event, "like there is something more going on inside me."

There are always two sides to every story.

In the case of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), one side says it is an advancement in technology that will benefit all, while the other side says they are a dangerous substance that should never be tolerated.

Jeffrey M. Smith's presentation at The Forum on Monday was based around the fact that GMOs should never be consumed. His presentation, "Seeds of Deception: Genetically Modified Organisms and Your Health," listed many side effects that have occurred or could happen in the future because of the use of GMOs.

Smith is the author of two best-selling books, "Seeds of Deception: Exposing Industry and Government Lies about the Safety of the Genetically Engineered Foods You're Eating" and "Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods."

GMOs are organisms whose genetic material is changed. DNA molecules are taken from different organisms and combined into one organism to create a new set of genes. They were first put on the market in the early 1990s.

Sophomore Katie Nestingen didn't know what to expect from Smith's presentation.

"I definitely gained a lot of knowledge from him," she said. "I can't say for sure yet if it will affect the way I eat."

Sophomore Craig Kuski disagrees with Smith's lecture.

"He put on a good presentation, but it doesn't necessarily change my opinion about food," he said.

The health risks of eating GMOs are extensive, Smith said. He presented five different problems that could arise if consuming these products. Many of these problems have to do with the creation process.

During construction of the gene, the protein may be altered; thus, creating a protein never before seen in nature. Scientists would not know the results of their creation, yet they may put it on the market anyway.

"The main problem with GMOs is these scientists did not do their homework," Smith said. "They want to change our entire ecosystem based on assumptions that have been proven false."

Because of the significant effects these products could have on human bodies, the creation of GMOs need to be stopped, Smith said. Religious groups, health professionals, school campaigns and non-GMO education centers could help influence others that this type of food is not healthy, Smith said.

"GMOs are more dangerous than any other problem we are currently facing," Smith said. "Yet, it's also one of the easiest problems to solve. It's all about education and letting people know the dangers of this type of food."

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