Clear & Present Danger

 The way extreme environmental groups go off about genetically modified foods you’d think they were referring to Armageddon. To hear them tell it the USDA’s decision to grant non-regulated status for genetically modified alfalfa “will lead to the total destruction of the essential soil food web, massive poisoning of farm workers, and mutant genes and seeds spreading rampant unchecked across the nation and the world”. Whoa, that’s some strong fightin’ words Tex. And just a wee bit , no a big bit over the top. Very reminiscent of the end of the world predictors at the turn of the millennium, their key aim here seems to be more about spreading fear and confusion than it does about educating the consumer on understanding genetically modified foods. GM foods responsibly monitored, utilized, and labeled can help meet the food needs of the world. Extremists claim the USDA’s decision proves the government is protecting big business interests, but perhaps it’s more about discovering ways to keep up with the ever growing demand for, and shortage of food. Unlike GM foods, starvation is a very real and present danger.