The GMO Debate

Monroe cardiologist questions safety of genetically engineered foods

Dr. Gregory Sampognaro, a Monroe cardiologist, said he was shocked to learn just how much of the food most Americans consume has been genetically modified.

Sampognaro first began educating himself on foods termed GMO— derived from genetically modified organisms, which have had specific changes made to their DNA by genetic engineering techniques to enhance certain traits — about three months ago."The more I learned, the more concerned I became about the health of my patients, as well as the health of my children,” he said. “Once you start educating yourself, it really starts bringing up a lot of questions about whether this is something that’s good for us.”The Center for Food Safety, a national non-profit public interest and environmental advocacy organization, estimates that more than 75 percent of processed foods on supermarket shelves contain genetically modified ingredients. The U.S. does not require labels on the view that genetically modified food is not materially different than non-modified food, although the issue is being debated by activists around the country.Europe largely bans genetically engineered foods and has strict requirements on labeling them.The most common genetically modified foods are corn, soybeans, canola, cotton and rapeseed oil. Genetic modification is used to help plants resist disease and drought, ward off insects and boost the food supply.Sampognaro‘s concern is whether these genetically engineered foods pose significant health risks for humans, which is why he promotes eating an organic and heart-healthy diet to his patients.“There have been no studies, short or long-term, in human beings to determine whether there are any health risks at all in genetically modified foods,” he said. “Any drug that I prescribe as a physician has to go through strict Food and Drug Administration protocol where those drugs can be determined safe or not to give to patients.“But in the U.S. we’re feeding genetically modified foods like crazy to our people with the majority of people not even knowing they’re consuming it and having no clue what the health impact will be much controversy has surrounded the topic of genetically modified food safety in the U.S. for years, and research remains inconclusive, according to Dinesh Babu, assistant professor of food safety and toxicology at the University of Louisiana at Monroe’s College of Pharmacy.“There are so many studies out there about genetically modified foods. Some claim it’s dangerous, and some claim it’s not harmful,” he said.Babu said more research is needed to determine the long-term health effects of genetically modified foods in humans. But that doesn’t mean people should assume the worst, he said.“There’s no need to be alarming the public about it. These kinds of foods have been in the market for decades,” he said.The FDA generally recognizes these foods as safe, and the World Health Organization has said no ill health effects have resulted on the international market.Opponents worry that people who eat genetically modified foods may be more prone to allergies or diseases resistant to antibiotics. But they have been hard pressed to show scientific studies to back up those fears.Sampognaro suggested people get informed on the subject and make their own decision.He believes genetically modified foods could play a role in the national increases in obesity, heart disease, cancer and diabetes rates.“All of this has sort of been a new epidemic over the last 15 to 20 years and you assume it has to be something in the environment that’s causing all of this, and one big thing that has occurred over the last 15 years that is new is the genetically modified foods,” he said. “I think everyone should educate themselves and make the decision whether they want to consume this food or not, and once they make that decision, they need to go to the grocery store or local restaurant and start demanding they carry more organic USDA certified foods.” The Associated Press contributed to this report. (The NewsStar)