How are GMO effecting small children, andor adults in America?

Expert response from Kevin Folta

Professor and Chairman, Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida

Friday, 27/06/2014 10:06

I'm glad to answer your question as a scientist, but also as someone who is raising his niece. I'd never give her something dangerous, and in our house we absolutely do not worry about GM foods.
 
Your question implies a negative effect of the technology, much like that derived from anti-GM websites. The scientific answer is that there are absolutely no cases of any harm from this technology in 17 years of use. That's in small children and adults — no problems.
 
If you search the web, you'll find many opinions that disagree with that statement. However, these are opinions. Websites frequently confuse correlations between GMO use and other issues, like autism or allergies. However, there is no hard link established. Their argument is like saying that umbrellas cause it to rain.
 
There are some positive effects. GM corn keeps meat prices down and is a renewable fuel to decrease U.S. dependence on foreign oil. We'll see other positive traits in the near future, such as genes that help shelf life or product quality.

Expert response from Kevin Folta

Professor and Chairman, Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida

Friday, 27/06/2014 10:06

I'm glad to answer your question as a scientist, but also as someone who is raising his niece. I'd never give her something dangerous, and in our house we absolutely do not worry about GM foods.
 
Your question implies a negative effect of the technology, much like that derived from anti-GM websites. The scientific answer is that there are absolutely no cases of any harm from this technology in 17 years of use. That's in small children and adults — no problems.
 
If you search the web, you'll find many opinions that disagree with that statement. However, these are opinions. Websites frequently confuse correlations between GMO use and other issues, like autism or allergies. However, there is no hard link established. Their argument is like saying that umbrellas cause it to rain.
 
There are some positive effects. GM corn keeps meat prices down and is a renewable fuel to decrease U.S. dependence on foreign oil. We'll see other positive traits in the near future, such as genes that help shelf life or product quality.