Ayala letter: GMOs

I appreciate the article “Engineered Salmon OK to eat by FDA” because it brings genetically modified organisms (GMOs) back into conversation. It is important for consumers to have informed opinions about GMOs and their food choices. It is critical to weigh the benefits of GMOs and not to let phobias turn us away from potential environmental benefits they offer in food production. GMOs can be used to grow industrial crop yields with vast reductions in pesticides, freshwater and artificial fertilizers. They can lower food costs while retaining nutritional value. These overshadowed benefits should be included in a balanced manner when we evaluate GMOs in our agricultural system. Since a complete ban on GMOs is unlikely given their pervasiveness, consumers should opt to make decisions based on research and facts of GMOs. The passing of the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015 allows states to voluntarily label products containing GMOs. This act helps consumers identify and retain power over their food choices. While GMOs remain a topic of controversy, the decision to label them serves the consumer today and makes the conversation of how we’ll continue to grow food in light of environmental changes all that more important.

This story was originally published December 25, 2015 at 10:08 PM with the headline "Ayala letter: GMOs."