05/22/08 GM Foods

With the world population expecting to double in the next 50 years genetically modified food is quickly moving to the forefront. Genetically modified foods have actually been a topic of political fodder for the last several years. While environmental organizations and public interest groups have been actively protesting against GM foods for months, at least thirteen countries have been growing genetically-engineered crops commercially, and of these, the U.S. produced the majority. Genetic engineering can isolate plant genes responsible for drought tolerance, disease and pest resistance and nutritional values and insert those genes into different plants. These genetically modified foods have the capability to provide a solution for world hunger and offer numerous other benefits but as with everything new and unknown it should be approached with caution. Safety testing and regulating should be a top most priority for this technology that offers such great potential.