Your Opinions: The science is still out on GMO food safety

Re “The seeds of science” (May 7): Michael Gerson, in his commentary, is making a bad decision for both himself and his dog by not believing that GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are health hazards.

Unlike Mark Lynas, who is not a scientist and whose words Gerson is parroting, I can unequivocally state that there is no scientific consensus about GMO safety and that most of his statements are false. The statement that GMO foods are safe to eat because there is no evidence for harm is not valid because there are no studies on human safety.

In contrast, there is evidence for the toxicity of both GMO plants and the chemicals required for their production in animals. Each of the GMO crops is unique. How can it be claimed that all will be safe?

Finally, GMO crops have produced no benefits for society as a whole, but have resulted in an enormous increase in human exposure to agricultural chemicals.

David Schubert

Professor

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies

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