A study from the University of Nebraska showed that soybeans genetically modified to contain a gene from a Brazil nut caused an allergic reaction in people known to be allergic to Brazil nuts. Lack of safety testing Currently, there are no requirements to safety test genetically engineered foods before they are released on the market. The argument is that the risk from genetically engineered food is small and that it is unnecessary to carry out stringent safety testing. This view is based on unscientific assumptions and is irresponsible. The small risk that a product will produce unanticipated effects becomes virtual certainty of harm when many new genetically engineered foods have become part of the diet of large populations over extended periods of time.
Genetic engineering uses material from organisms that have never been part of the human food supply.
Without long-term testing no one knows if these foods are safe. Increased pesticide use Herbicide-tolerant crops are engineered to contain new genes that help plants avoid the harmful effects of particular weed killers. Scientists estimate that plants genetically engineered to be herbicide-resistant will actually triple the amount of herbicide use. Currently, a crop's sensitivity to herbicides limits the amount that growers can apply. Farmers, knowing that their crops can tolerate the herbicides, will be persuaded to use them more liberally.