The genetic modification of crops has been a cause for concern, especially in recent years, as the use of crop modification has increased. Genetic modification of crops (GMC's) are defined as "foods derived from organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been modified in a way that does not occur naturally, for example, through the introduction of a gene from a different organism." (Who, 2016). Over the past decade, there has been a steady increase in the acreage of genetically modified crops worldwide.  The United States had 47.6 million hectares of land used for genetically modifying crops in 2004, while in 2014 this number grew to a whopping 73.1 million hectares of land. This increase supports the fact that the use of genetic modification, for the crops that we eventually will consume, has risen greatly in recent years. This rise in genetic crop modification has caused an increase of groups in opposition of GMC's. The use of GMC's, in foods consumed by the population, results in more consequences than benefits. Genetically Modified Crops should not be permitted for human consumption because, GMC's are overall extremely unhealthy for the body, GMC's are harmful to the environment, and the genetically modified crop regulations by the Food and Drug Administration are not strict enough, to ensure safety for consumers. 

Genetically Modified Crops are unhealthy in multiple ways for the body. The procedure of genetically modifying crops, is corrupting the natural processes in which food is produced. This means all sorts of new toxins and pesticides are being introduced to our bodies. This exposure of unfamiliar toxins has many detrimental results to the body. "The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) urges doctors to prescribe non-GMO diets for all patients. They cite animal studies showing organ damage, gastrointestinal and immune system disorders, accelerated aging, and infertility. Human studies show how genetically modified (GM) food can leave material behind inside us, possibly causing long-term problems." (Smith, 2011) This research alone shows the risk that is being taken, when consuming foods that have been genetically modified. "Numerous health problems increased after GMOs were introduced in 1996. The percentage of Americans with three or more chronic illnesses jumped from 7% to 13% in just 9 years; food allergies skyrocketed, and disorders such as autism, reproductive disorders, digestive problems and others are on the rise."(Smith, 2011). This being discussed, there is a fairly strong proportional correlation between the rise of GMC's and the rise of illness, allergies, and disorders in humans. 

Because of how recent GMC's have become visible in the publics daily lives, there is yet a great deal of research left to be performed. Most of the research that has been done so far has been done on animals in laboratories. The results of these studies add support for opposition of GMC's. "People do beastly things to animals," Goodall said at an event at the National Press Club Tuesday, referencing animals such as  mice, cows and pigs that have experienced adverse effects  --  ranging from diarrhea to tumors  --  from eating genetically modified feed. "At least if the animals have suffered in this way, let's listen to what they're telling us. Let's take heed," she said." (Miller, 2015). The effects that resulted after feeding animals genetically modified foods, shows the potential negative effects that could occur in the human body, also. Another study that is widely known in the genetically modified organism community is Dr. Oraby's GM soy diet, rat experiment. For one to three months Dr. Oraby fed rats a GM soy diet, the result was cut short do to the large amount of deceased and unhealthy rats. "This study showed a wide range of toxic effects, including DNA damage, abnormal sperm, blood changes, and damage to the liver, the kidneys and testes. This study shows concrete evidence that GM foods are hazardous to your health. Most Americans have been eating GMOs for a lot longer than three months. The only reason we're not all dead is because GM foods are not the only food that we eat. If 100% of all of our food were genetically modified, then our overall health as a nation would be even worse than it already is." (Edwards,2015). There are negative effects of the consumption of genetically modified foods, all throughout the human body. The rise of GMC's will play a large role in the decline of our nation's health. 

Not only do genetically modified crops pose a great threat to the human body, these toxic creations also pose a threat to the environment around us. Many pesticides and herbicides are sprayed onto crops in order to increase the production rate to feed the growing population. After the presence of rain these pesticides are washed downhill and ultimately end up in local water streams, and ponds that are access pathways for drinking water for communities. Another major disadvantage of genetically modified crops on the environment, is the transfer of pesticides into insects during the natural pollination process.  "GMOs may be toxic to non-target organisms, bees and butterflies being the most talked-about examples currently. Bees are hugely important in the pollination of many food crops, but are unfortunately extremely endangered by modern agricultural techniques, such as GM crops. Monarch butterflies are specifically at risk from GMO maize plants. In addition to bees and butterflies, birds are also at risk from pesticides, and work as biological control agents and pollinators, again, like bees."(Glass, 2013). With insects being exposed to these pesticides, this puts them unknowingly at risk for negative after effects of the toxic exposure. This exposure, can also lead to an increase in mutated organisms and the evolution of transgenic organisms, "For others, genetic engineering is the route to large-scale ecological and social catastrophes. Introduced exotic pests, and mutated pathogenic microorganisms." (Hoy, 1991). GMO's also cross- pollinate, further polluting the environment. The act of cross pollination is transferring pollen from the male reproductive organ to the female reproductive organ, in order to result in reproduction of the plant. "GMOs cross pollinate and their seeds can travel. It is impossible to fully clean up our contaminated gene pool. Self- propagating GMO pollution will outlast the effect of global warming and nuclear waste. The potential impact is huge, threatening the health of future generations. GMO contamination has also caused economic losses for organic and non- GMO farmers who often struggle to keep their crops pure." (Smith, 2011). The spread of genetically modified pollen and seeds is a domino effect and will cause harmful effects to natural plants and insects throughout the ecosystem. 

In result of the increase use of pesticides, to expedite the process of growth in the genetically modified crops, the crops have begun to develop a resistance to the pesticides. These crops have come to be known as "Super Weeds". "As weeds adapt to herbicides, they develop resistance and evolve into what are called "super weeds". When that happens, herbicide use increases and the benefits of herbicide resistant crops are diminished, if not lost." (Smith, 2011) If genetically modifying crops continues to expand, there will be a need for more and more toxic pesticides to be used in order to maintain the growth rate. This increase in pesticide use will just lead to more negative after effects on our environment and our bodies. 

As of now, the federal Food and Drug administration oversees the regulation of genetically modified foods being available to the public. The current regulations do not have the consumer's safety as a priority. "However FDA does not itself test whether genetically engineered foods are safe. The FDA has repeatedly made this clear. As Jason Dietz, a policy analyst at FDA explains about genetically engineered food: "It's the manufacturer's responsibility to insure the product is safe" (Ruskin, 2015). Obviously, the manufacturer's main concern for their products is profit. This being said, the manufacturer will not test their products as in depth as necessary, to insure complete safety of the genetically modified food for the consumer. The "testing" that does occur from manufacturers, is not supervised by the FDA and the results and statistics that the manufacturer produces is all the information the FDA has to go off of in regards to safety. This is not a full proof system, and it is very easy for toxic chemicals in genetically modified foods to slip by the FDA and ultimately end up being consumed by your loved ones. 

Another highly controversial topic that pertains to genetically modified foods, is whether or not these foods should be labeled, in order for the consumer to be aware that the food they are about to consume has been genetically modified. It is a right for the consumer to be informed on what is going into their bodies. There are multiple policy options being discussed by government officials regarding this issue. The options are: "1) Allow no labeling regarding the use or nonuse of GMOs 2) Require mandatory labeling of products that use GMOs 3) Allow voluntary labeling of products that do or do not use GMOs 4) Allow voluntary labeling of products that do not use GMOs, with an accompanying disclaimer noting the government's judgement about the differences (e.g.,safety) between products that use and do not use GMOs." (Caswell, 1998) The second option should be in acted into our food market. This option allows for the consumer, to be completely knowledgeable about the genetically modified ingredients used in the creation of their food. This will enable the customer to make an informed buying decision. If GMO labeling does become a requirement for foods, there are two types of labeling being discussed. The first type of labeling is referred to as "positive labeling". "Positive labels would involve the statement: "This product may contain GMO's". Given the extent in which GMO's have already entered the food and fibre chain." (Runge, Jackson, 2000). The issue with the "positive labeling system is that little information is given about what "GMO" means. This labeling idea could be more beneficial to the consumer by adding the definition of GMO. Another form of labeling would be "negative labeling". "A negative label would read: "This product (or seed) contains no GMO's". Such a label has numerous advantages." (Runge, Jackson, 2000). This labeling system will allow the customer to be completely sure that there was no genetic modification used in the production of the food they are going to be consuming, while not having a negative outlook on the manufacturer. Vermont has recently created a July 1, 2016 deadline which will require foods to have GMO labeling on them within the state. Even though some large food companies will participate in GMO labeling, many companies still refuse to observe the negatives of genetically modifying their products. "It's also worth noting that all of the companies that have revealed plans to label adamantly defend the "safety" of GMOs -- without once mentioning the fact that the vast majority of GMO crops, from which GMO food ingredients are derived, are sprayed with glyphosate, classified last year by the World Health Organization as "a probable human carcinogen." Clearly, we have a long way to go before food corporations acknowledge the devastating consequences of the GMO monoculture model on the environment, human health and global warming." (Paul,Cummins,2016). These large companies are simply just trying to satisfy the government, and the consumers without recognizing the real underlying concern of GMOs. If genetically modified foods are going to be on the shelves of grocery stores in communities, correct labeling is an ethical necessity.

The question now is, "What can be done in order to eliminate genetically modified foods, or make them safer for human consumption?" There are multiple solutions for this question. In order, for GMO's to be made safer, it is essential to simply continue research on them. Genetic modification, like any sort of technological advancement, becomes better and safer by trial and error. However, the availability of genetically modified foods should be made limited to the public, until researchers are more confident in the safety of the products. Government agencies, also hold a sense of responsibility for the safety of genetically modified foods also. The regulations that are currently being implemented, need to be made stricter and more personal testing of these foods needs to occur in order for the safety of the consumer to be viewed as precedence over the manufacturer's profit. Another solution, is consumers can make the conscious switch to a strictly organic diet. Organic foods are defined as foods that are produced without using pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms or ionizing radiation. Only eating organic foods will allow the consumer to be one hundred percent positive that the foods they are consuming have not been modified in any way, shape or form. Organic foods are clearly labeled to ensure easy identification for the consumer. There are many stores nationwide that cater mainly toward organic foods. These stores include, but are not limited to, Whole Foods, Earth Fare and Safeway. These food chains specialize in organic foods and have services available to assist in leading an organic lifestyle, free of genetic modification. 

A solution that will be most productive as the use of genetic modification continues to rise, is to properly educate farmers and producers about what is being added to their crops. Many farmers and manufacturers are unaware of what exactly they are putting into their products. What they know is that the addition of genetically modified ingredients allows for a faster production rate, therefore increasing their profits. Any farmer, producer or manufacturer should be required to take a course in genetic modification. This course will give a detailed overview of what genetic modification is and the effects that they have on the environment, and the consumer's bodies. This course will give producers the opportunity to make a more informed decision concerning the use of genetic modification in their products. Being unaware of the negative effects of GMOs puts producers at a disadvantage when anti-GMO groups protest against the producers. With the educating of farmers and other producers of genetically modified products, this could actually also result in further technological develops when combining the producer knowledge of farming with the researcher's knowledge of GMOs. 

Genetically Modified Foods are currently a growing epidemic in our modern day society. The negative effects of this genetic modification of natural crops, are being overlooked and can lead to extremely harmful consequences in regards to our environment, and the human body. It is vital to provide awareness towards genetic modification for the safety of the consumers. As a consumer, are you aware of what is in the food that is going in your body? There are a multitude of cancer causing agents in genetically modified ingredients that consumers are completely oblivious too. Food allergies are also very common when conversing about genetically modified foods. Since there are many foreign substances within the ingredients used for genetic modification, this can cause for a higher risk in food allergies to these substances. Ingesting a food that a person is unaware they may have allergies from, due to the ingredients within the food, could possibly have a deadly ending result. Coinciding with ingesting water that has been contaminated with runoff pesticides involved in the genetic modification process, is also very harmful to the human and animal body. As a consumer, you have a greater voice than ever in aiding this issue. The easiest way to make a difference when concerning GMO regulations, and processes is to contact your senator representative. A senator's job is to represent the people within a certain area, in order for the people to have a voice in what is happening within their communities. The senator also has the authority to write and vote on new bills to put into action. The best way to contact your local senator, is to simply write a letter to him/her. In this letter, address the issues concerning GMO production and regulation that you have. There is power in numbers and the more people to act upon this relevant issue, threatening ourselves and our loved ones, the more of an impact and the better chance of acquiring results we have as a community. 

