tance. The ôRoundup Readyö variety of crop is artificially engineered to be resistant to glyphosate, an effective herbicide that is produced and released after germination of the seeds. Foods that have been genetically engineered offer alleged benefits of everything from reduced allergens to improved nutrition. Other proponents of genetically engineered crops contend that the higher yields will help feed the worldÆs hungry while the reduction in conventional pesticides will improve the health of farm workers. One report by the United Nations (U.N.) shows ôdemonstrable health benefitsö for farm workers in China due to a reduction in conventional pesticide use (U.N. 2004, 457).
Despite the many benefits touted by proponents of genetically engineered foods and crops, the public remains suspect of such foods. In addition, scientists are in conflict over whether genetically engineered foods offer benefits or potential disaster for human health and/or the ecosystem. A U.N. (2004) report maintains that sci
...