But the same sort of cross-species genetic experimentation is already being used in our food supply. The long term health effects of genetically modified foods are unknown, but this isn't the only reason to be cautious. The mutant crops are now being released into the environment and cross-fertilizing with natural plants. The genetic modifications are designed to jump across species boundaries easily, so this kind of genetic pollution could pose serious problems in the future. If our food supply becomes too genetically uniform, a single natural disaster like the 1846 potato blight in Ireland could wipe out everything.
Diversity is our natural protection against such catastrophes.
Given these concerns, the backlash against genetically-modified food is not surprising. A report on consumer attitudes toward biotechnology was released last week by the Food and Drug Administration, which regulates the labeling of food products. The typical reaction of participants was outrage that such a change in the food supply could happen without them knowing about it. People want to know when biotechnology is being used in their food. The public should not be the guinea pig in an experiment to maximize corporate profits.