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    GMO foods are genetically modified organisms that have had new genes added to their existing genes to give them new characteristics. While GMO foods may increase insect resistance and environmental protection by reducing pesticide and chemical use, they also present some health and environmental risks. Specifically, genetic modification can cause new allergic reactions in humans. Additionally, antibiotic features built into some GMO foods can decrease the effectiveness of antibiotic drugs. There is also a risk that modified genes could escape into the wild and create "superweeds" or new super-organisms that out-compete natural species.

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    GMO foods are genetically modified organisms that have had new genes added to their existing genes to give them new characteristics. While GMO foods may increase insect resistance and environmental protection by reducing pesticide and chemical use, they also present some health and environmental risks. Specifically, genetic modification can cause new allergic reactions in humans. Additionally, antibiotic features built into some GMO foods can decrease the effectiveness of antibiotic drugs. There is also a risk that modified genes could escape into the wild and create "superweeds" or new super-organisms that out-compete natural species.

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    GMO foods are genetically modified organisms that have had new genes added to their existing genes to give them new characteristics. While GMO foods may increase insect resistance and environmental protection by reducing pesticide and chemical use, they also present some health and environmental risks. Specifically, genetic modification can cause new allergic reactions in humans. Additionally, antibiotic features built into some GMO foods can decrease the effectiveness of antibiotic drugs. There is also a risk that modified genes could escape into the wild and create "superweeds" or new super-organisms that out-compete natural species.

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    GMO foods are genetically modified organisms that have had new genes added to their existing genes to give them new characteristics. While GMO foods may increase insect resistance and environmental protection by reducing pesticide and chemical use, they also present some health and environmental risks. Specifically, genetic modification can cause new allergic reactions in humans. Additionally, antibiotic features built into some GMO foods can decrease the effectiveness of antibiotic drugs. There is also a risk that modified genes could escape into the wild and create "superweeds" or new super-organisms that out-compete natural species.

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    Pros & Cons of GMO Foods

    Last Updated: Jan 13, 2014 | By Joshua Duvauchelle

    Wheat is a common GMO crop. Photo


    Credit Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images

    Overview
    GMO foods are genetically modified organisms that have had new genes from other organisms added to their
    existing genes, according to Brown University. The university says the goal of such genetic engineering is to give
    the original organism new characteristics, such as disease resistance. Although GMO foods may have several
    benefits to your health and the general well-being of the farming industry, it may also present several potential
    drawbacks.

    Cons: Allergic Reactions


    GMO foods can present significant allergy risks to people, according to Brown University. Genetic modification
    often mixes or adds proteins that weren't indigenous to the original plant or animal, causing new allergic reactions in
    the human body. In some cases, proteins from an organism that you're allergic to may be added to an organism that
    you weren't originally allergic to, prompting the same allergic reaction experienced from the first organism.

    Pros: Insect Resistance


    Some GMO foods have been modified to make them more resistant to insect pests. The University of California in
    San Diego reports that a toxic bacterium can be added to crops to make them insect repellent, yet safe for human
    use. This can reduce the amount of pesticide chemicals used on the plants, thus potentially reducing exposure to
    pesticides.

    Cons: Decreased Antibiotic Efficacy


    Some GMO foods have had antibiotic features built into them to make them immune or resistant to diseases or
    viruses, according to Iowa State University. When you eat them, these antibiotic markers persist in your body and
    can make actual antibiotic medications less effective. The university warns that such ingestion of GMO foods and
    regular exposure to antibiotics may be contributing to the decreased effectiveness of antibiotic drugs that is being
    noticed in hospitals around the world.

    Pros: Environmental Protection


    Oklahoma State University reports that the increase of GMO crops and animals often requires less chemicals, time
    and tools, and may help to reduce environmental pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and soil erosion. This can
    improve the general beauty and health of the environment surrounding farms and contribute to the sustaining of
    better air and water quality, which can indirectly benefit your personal well-being.

    Cons: Gene Transfer


    A constant risk of GMO foods is that the modified genes of the organisms may escape into the wild. Brown
    University warns that herbicide-resistant genes from commercial crops may cross into the wild weed population,
    thus creating "superweeds" that are impossible to kill with herbicides. A related risk is that the escape of genetically
    enhanced animals and vegetation can create new super-organisms that can out-compete natural animal and plant
    populations to drive certain species into extinction.

    Pros: More Nutritious Foods


    The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations reports that some GMO foods have been engineered
    to be more nutritious in terms of mineral or vitamin content. Not only does this help you get the nutrients you need,
    it can also play a significant role in battling malnutrition in the developing world. The United Nations advises that
    vitamin A-enhanced rice is helping to reduce global vitamin A deficiencies.

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