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[marilyn.monroe]

In GMO Myths and Truths, the authors attempt to cross this divide by taking a science-based, heavily referenced approach to dealing with claims for the benefits of GM foods.
 
On the basis of this research, they argue that a large body of scientific and other authoritative evidence demonstrates that most claims for benefits of GM foods are not true. On the contrary, they say, the evidence presented in their report indicates that GM crops:
 •Are laboratory-made, using technology that is totally different from natural breeding methods, and pose different risks from non-GM crops
 •Can be toxic, allergenic or less nutritious than their natural counterparts
 •Are not adequately regulated to ensure safety
 •Do not increase yield potential
 •Do not reduce pesticide use but increase it
 •Create serious problems for farmers, including herbicide-tolerant "superweeds", compromised soil quality, and increased disease susceptibility in crops
 •Have mixed economic effects
 •Harm soil quality, disrupt ecosystems, and reduce biodiversity
 •Do not offer effective solutions to climate change
 •Are as energy-hungry as any other chemically-farmed crops
 •Cannot solve the problem of world hunger but distract from its real causes - poverty, lack of access to food and, increasingly, lack of access to land to grow it on.
 
Whether or not you agree with these conclusions, the authors have put a great deal of time and effort into reviewing the evidence for the claims. This is the best-researched and most comprehensive review I've seen of the criticisms of GM foods.
 
Can the pro-GM advocates produce something equally well researched, comprehensive, and compelling? I doubt it but I'd like to see them try.

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/06/debunking-the-health-claims-of-genetically-modified-foods/258665/?google_editors_picks=true

[Frenchfry]

GMO tomatoes: good-looking poison
Ever since industrial agriculture has started producing tomatoes, they have all started looking the same. That's because consumers want the ripest, reddest, roundest tomatoes they can get, and big business makes sure they got it. The question though is what producing genetically identical tomatoes does for the taste and nutritional value. Barry Estabrook, author of "Tomato-land: How Modern Industrial Agriculture Destroyed Our Most Alluring Fruit," joins RT's Liz Wahl to discuss the matter.

GMO tomatoes: good-looking poison



Engineered food: coming soon!
American food has been changing through the years and in coming times we might start seeing new varieties of produce that are bigger and tastier, and meat engineered in labs. Ken Abala, a historian and author of the book "Lost Arts of Heart and Home," joins RT's Liz Wahl to talk about the food of the future

Engineered food: coming soon!


The Power of Money in Food
Summary: A new report out by Food and Water Watch shows that more than 1,000 outside interests and more than $170 million went into the 2008 Farm Bill. With the newest one up for debate, what lengths will Congress and Lobbyists go to to see that their interests are met?

The Power of Money in Food


More fast food for Americans?
According to the National Association of convenience stores food items accounted for 16.9 percent of a record 195 billion dollars of convenience stores sales in 2011 - that means Americans are more and more turning to convenience stores to shop for food and seems like it's becoming another fast-food option. Jeff Lenard , vice-president of Industry advocacy at the National Association of Convenience stores talks about what this means for Americans' diet.

More fast food for Americans?