ine DAILY REPORT By: Divya Patibandla dU sy Includes a personal interview done by: Rita Abboud, a dietician TURN THE PAGE TURN TO READ. MORE ABOUT THE CONTROVERSY OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD ARE GMOS ACTUALLY AS BAD AS THEY ARE PORTRAYED GMOs have been a controversial topic since the time that they were introduced. Many believe that genetically modified foods have a detrimental impact on humans and the environment, but is this actually true? Recent studies show otherwise. Research shows that contrary to popular belief, GMOs appear to be harmless. Rita Abboud, a dietician, explained in an interview that most Americans lack awareness of the fact that GMOs have been a substantial part of their diet for many years. They have been used since 1996, and to date, there is “no evidence-based research that suggests that they pose harm to humans” (Abboud). More importantly, GMOs provide adequate nutrients and without them, some foods would be so expensive that some may not. even be able to afford them. If not for GMOs, health of Americans would suffer greatly. Furthermore, not only are genetically modified foods harmless to humans, but they also do not appear to have a negative effect on the environment as well. In fact, they may be beneficial to the environment. With engineered organisms having the capacity to repel insects, it may “eliminate the need to spray these crops with chemicals that might disturb the existing environmental balance” (Davies). Because GMOs are still relatively young however, further research could potentially show more. Lastly, GMOs have many positive effects on a global basis. Although the long-term effects on humans remain unknown, obvious that the long-term effects on the agriculuture industry have been beneficial. GMOs have allowed us to increase global food security (Abboud). Includes articles by John Rozmajzl about the global impact of genetically modified crops and Kate Bleichrodt, a scientist at University of California.