Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are not high on most physicians' worry lists. If we think at all about biotechnology, most of us probably focus on direct threats to human health, such as prospects for converting pathogens to biologic weapons or the implications of new technologies for editing the human germline. But while those debates simmer, the application of biotechnology to agriculture has been rapid and aggressive.

This afternoon, the U.S. Space of Representatives voted in choose of a arguable invoice that seeks to set a unified same old for the labeling of meals containing biotech elements.

The GM Labeling Law to End All Labeling Laws

Timothy Wise of Tufts University gives an update on the GMO debate.

As the vitriol intensifies in what passes for debate over the safety of genetically modified foods, scientific inquiry, thankfully, continues. A Tufts researcher, Sheldon Krimsky, recently published his assessment of the last seven years of peer-reviewed evidence, finding 26 studies that "reported adverse effects or uncertainties of GMOs fed to animals."

If recent history is any indication, Sheldon Krimsky should expect to be slammed as a “science denier.”

The current vehemence is the product of a well-funded campaign to “depolarize” the GMO debate through “improved agricultural biotechnology communication,” in the words of the Gates Foundation-funded Cornell Alliance for Science. And it is reaching a crescendo because of the march of the Orwellian “Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015” (code-named “SAFE” for easy and confusing reference) through the U.S. House of Representatives on July 23 on its way to a Senate showdown in the fall.

People who question the wisdom of growing genetically modified organisms — or doubt their safety when eaten — often are overwhelmed by the powerful biotech industry.

Should food companies be required to label products that include GMOs — genetically modified organisms? At the moment, there doesn’t appear to be credible evidence that GMOs can harm human health.

In three weeks, propagating, raising or growing any kind of genetically-modified crop will be considered criminal activity in Josephine County, Oregon. That’s because a year ago on May 20, 2014, the county made American history when it passed an ordinance banning genetically-modified organisms, giving people until September 4, 2015 to remove, harvest or burn crops containing them. Made up of approximately 83,000 citizens, Josephine Country passed the “Genetically-Engineered Plant Ordinance” as part of its efforts to eliminate GMOs in the region. The community is currently planning its GMO-FREE ZONE Celebration on September 4 during which people will post signs throughout the region boasting its newly-acquired GMO-free status to visitors and residents alike.

Despite spending $800,000 in its efforts to overturn the legislation, Syngenta has been forced to remove its genetically-modified sugar beet crops in the area and move its offices out of the region. Its warehouse has been abandoned. While Syngenta claims to improve food security in an environmentally-sustainable way with its genetically-modified seed, the company faces mounting lawsuits from farmers over their inability to ship corn produced using Syngenta’s genetically-modified corn seed internationally. According to the news source, there have been over 1300 lawsuits filed by farmers in Minnesota alone. Syngenta is one of the world’s largest genetically-modified seeds manufacturers as well as the world’s largest crop chemical producer.

PLATTSBURGH — City of Plattsburgh councilors have taken steps to make the city free of GMOs and pesticides.

"This is important because we all need to be conscientious of our responsibility to keep our planet healthy," Councilor Rachelle Armstrong (D-Ward 1) said at a recent council meeting.

The council unanimously approved a lengthy resolution that encourages city departments and residents to refrain from the use of Genetically Modified Organism seeds and pesticides on their lawns and other areas outside their properties.

The main concerns are that GMOs and pesticides can affect the bee population and other pollinating insects, causing harm to food supplies, and that humans can suffer serious health issues because of their use.

In the spring of 2013, Tara Cook-Littman was on the front lines of the struggle to pass a Connecticut law requiring the labeling of food containing genetically modified organisms. But Congress is moving to take back the ground food labeling advocates like Cook-Littman have won.

Five years ago, Dan Beyers took his farm in a new direction. Or, rather, back in an old direction.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1599, aka the DARK ACT (Deny Americans the Right to Know). My representative (I use the term loosely), Elise Stefanik, voted for the bill, which was written to Monsanto specifications.