How safe are GMO crops?
The majority of scientists have consensus that there is nothing inherently risky about genetically engineered crops. Splicing genes from one organism into another has been used for years. One example is the production of an enzyme required in processing cheese. No one calls that dangerous. Recently introduced genetically engineered rice (golden rice) that could potentially eliminate vitamin A deficiencies has been met with widespread acceptance. Before a variety with a new trait is approved for cultivation, it has to go through rigorous government agency approval process. For example, in the US, three agencies: the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must approve the new gene(s) before the traits are released. The process is very involved and takes up to 2 years for final approval. The agencies ask the following questions: is it safe to consume (FDA); is it safe to grow (USDA); and is it safe for
