A major study in the United States has confirmed that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and GMO food are safe for consumption for both humans and animals. However, skeptics are not convinced.
It might even be harder to convince consumers who are getting contradictory information on these genetically-modified food.
"We feel like it's too early to know if it's safe. We are taking a huge risk in inserting GMOs into the food stream at the rate we are," said organic grocery company Thrive Market co-CEO Gunnar Lovelace.
The recent report was funded by the U.S. Congress and conducted by the National Academy of Sciences. But prior to the release of the official findings, consumer rights group Food & Water Watch had already criticized the study.
The group alleged several committee members who were involved in the preparation of the report either received research money from several biotech companies or they had ties to the biotech industry.
"Policymakers develop 'science-based' rules and regulations on GMOs based on what the science says - especially what the National Research Council (NRC) says, because it is part of the National Academy of Sciences, chartered by Congress to provide scientific advice to the federal government," wrote food researcher Tim Schwab in the Food & Water Watch website.
The new study is not the first to conclude that GMOs are safe to eat. The long-standing debate on the aptly called "Frankenfood" is expected to continue despite what science reveals in recent and even upcoming studies.
In fact, when the researchers published their findings, some of the criticisms thrown at the new GMO study dipped a little into religion by asking if scientists can play God.
Some of the critics are dedicated to the belief GMOs are an insult to the "natural order of things" and are therefore harmful to human health.
Many groups agree that the continuous scrutiny on the genetic engineering of crops may be good, even needed. While reports found that GMO foods aren't "unhealthy," for many GMO critics, this doesn't necessarily mean that there are no negative effects that can arise from it.
GMO supporters believe that advances in genetic engineering help yield better produce. On the other hand, critics stand that these advances result in relying on technology instead of focusing on the creation of sustainable farming techniques.
