The Furor Over Genetically Modified Foods

With the world's population booming and the food prices skyrocketing, biotechnologists suggest that genetically modified foods could boost supplies. However, genetically modified foods are greeted with wariness in many regions, particularly Europe, for many reasons. Some question whether such food products pose a safety hazard for humans, while other critics express concern about the environmental impacts. Perhaps more significantly, many people do not trust the companies that research and devise such foods. Monsanto, a former chemical company, began producing genetically-modified products in 2000, but some consumer activists cannot look past the company’s history of dumping dangerous chemicals into landfills and creeks and expect Monsanto to continue aggressive business practices as a biotech company. Until biotech companies can win the trust of their consumers, genetically modified foods will be regarded with uncertainty and misgiving. – YaleGlobal