Chipotle removes GMO foods from the menu.
(Mirror Daily, United States) – Fast-food chain Chipotle declared last year that they would start their “G-M-Over It” campaign (GMO), proving their commitment to healthy food by erasing from the menu genetically engineered ingredients.
However, scientists were not that worried regarding any possible danger due to GMO foods. One of the reasons why Chipotle started their campaign was because, as they acknowledged, they were still serving GMO dairy products, meats, and soft drinks.
Researchers from the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine, presented Tuesday their study which revealed two major points regarding the GMO. First, the fact that genetically engineered crops are not more dangerous than conventionally bred crops.
Second, the weed and insect resistance that has developed through their use represent a ‘major agricultural problem.’ Plus, substantial differences were detected in nutrient composition between nonengineered and engineered crops. However, relating to what happens naturally among nonengineered crops, there is no different variance.
Plus, there was no evidence that engineered food leads to a higher risk of health issues such as obesity, autism or cancer. Nevertheless, scientists discovered that genetic engineering used mainly in commercial farming posed a significant problem concerning the agriculture industry.
The reason is that this engineering is used to provide insect and herbicide resistance. Around 12 percent of the world’s cropland is used for growing genetically engineered crops, mainly cotton, corn, and soybeans.
Farmers hoped that herbicide- and –insect resistant crops would be more efficient, increasing the profits for large commercial companies but also reducing the use of toxic insecticides and promoting food security around the world.
According to the study, less insecticide is used nowadays, maintaining the well-being of the environment. However, researchers established that there was not much improvement thanks to the genetically engineered crops from U.S. more than the previous one.
The study is not finished yet, meaning that scientists will find more clarifying answers regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the genetically engineered crops. Still, the information which has been offered to the public until now provides a clearer picture regarding this situation.
Nevertheless, we will find out in the future whether GMOs are dangerous or not and how should people react to this type of food.
Image Source:Restaurant Business Online