Currency
This article was written by Froma Harrop, a columnist for the Seattle Times. The article has not been revised ever since; hence, it is not a current source of information on the topic. Genetically modified organisms are a topic that requires access to the most recent information. The article may only be relevant in revealing how shallow the information that people had on GMOs was a decade ago and beyond.
Some old sources like this article can only be relevant when looking at the period when scientists started experimenting with GMOs. The article is a clear indication that the resistance to GMOs is an issue that has rocked the world for a long time.
Relevance
The information in the article highlights the common issues that the society has raised with reference to the introduction of GMOs in their foods. While most people have openly claimed that they have no problem with consuming GMOs, the author of this article has clearly indicated that there are some people who are totally against the GMOs. These opposing populations are not adequately represented by the author because of her clear lack of background information about the potential adverse effects of GMOs.
The intended audiences for this article are the institutions and personalities that are proposing the extensive application of GMOs in the production of food (Harrop par. 4). The author is clearly against the efforts mounted by different institutions to ensure consumers are not provided with information about GMOs in their foods. The information provided by the author is not deep enough to provide any scientific credibility on the author’s claims. Harrop is clearly not knowledgeable in the area of GMOs.
Authority
In 2002, Harrop was a syndicated columnist for the Seattle Times, which means that she had the authority to publish this article. She has clearly given it her best shot, and some of the information she provided is noteworthy.
Her writing skills and presentation of information is quite compelling to the audience, and she provokes readers to join her in the protest against the forceful consumption of GMOs (Harrop par. 5). The author has provided her email address, and it is valid. This contact information can be used to reach her for further questioning or clarifications about the article.
GMOs
GMOs are organisms that have had their genetic material altered to enhance their resistance to certain conditions to enhance their growth and development. For instance, scientists have developed hybrid crops through genetic engineering to help them resist adverse environmental conditions. GMOs have eliminated the need for farmers to use herbicides and pesticides, and they have also facilitated higher farm yields.
Most nations do not believe that GMOs are safe for consumption, but the corporations that provide information on the safety of the GMO products have claimed that they are safe to enhance their sales. Most GMO products are not labeled; hence, people might not know it when they consume GMOs.
In America, GMO products make up around 80% of processed foods. One of the harmful effects of the consumption of GM foods is the possibility of an increase in food allergies. There are also fears that toxicity in some foods might increase with the introduction of GMOs. A decrease in the nutritional value of specific foods is also a likely result of developing GM foods.
Works Cited
Harrop, Froma 2002, Food industry should modify its stance on altered food. Web.