Iowans react to new GMO study saying they are safe for humans
A new study claims that genetically modified organisms also known as GMOs are safe for humans.
The controversy over GMOs has grown since the first GMO product debuted 20 years ago. That's when the National Academy of Sciences started the study just released.
Both proponents and opponents say the findings prove their side of the case.
The study shows that GMO crops do not increase yield, which is a victory for the anti-GMO side because that was a major reason for developing GMOs.
On the flip side, the GMO companies point to the study as evidence GMOs are not harming health.
A spokesman for the Iowa Corn Growers Association said the study means more opportunity.
"It is good news for the farmer and ultimately good news for the consumer and the citizen who has to live in a world where we need more food and we have increasing pressures on our environment," said David Ertl, of the Iowa Corn Growers Association.
Food experts said nearly 80 percent of goods in the local grocery store have GMO components and most are not labeled GMO. This hits at the heart of anti-GMO groups concerns -- getting more information about what's in their food.
"Many of their research projects are funded by big private Ag companies like Monsanto and DuPont," said Sharon Donovan, a food activist.
It's the financial backing of this study that makes Donovan skeptical of the findings.
"Conflicts with the World Health Organization's recent release of their study saying glofocate, which is part of Round Up and put on most GMOs is a probable cancer-causing ingredient," said Donovan.
The study is based on animal, not human reaction, to GMOs.
The head researchers of the study said there's still a possibility of GMO effects showing up in humans down the road, so results are not entirely conclusive.