|
While many in America believe that genetically modified (GM)
foods will reduce the need for pesticides and chemical fertilizers,
helps solve the world hunger problems and help with medical
issues, Europeans are much more resistant such biotechnology.
In fact, in 1998 in response to consumer demands the European
Union (EU) restricted new GM products and required that all
foods containing more than one percent of GM ingredients be
labeled.
However, worldwide, land devoted to GM crops has increased
30-fold from 1996 to 2001, and in the United States GM crops
have spread and contaminated traditional crops so severely
that the U.S. seed industry can’t guarantee that soybean,
corn or canola seeds are GM-free.
While the U.S. government maintains that genetic engineering
is safe, the EU has been somewhat more resistant and 70 percent
of European consumers say they don't want to eat any GMO at
all.
Controversy is brewing over whether Europeans are being overly
cautious or prudent. According to some experts, it is too
soon to know for sure how GM products will affect humans.
Alternet
April 29, 2003
|