Belief systems and narratives matter, as was pointed out in a Nov. 23 opinion piece defending genetically modified organisms (GMOs) against growing public concerns ("Americans need to rethink our views of GMO vs organic crops"). We agree that a dramatic change in belief systems is needed if we're to have enough healthful food for all, including the 9 billion or so people expected globally by 2050. However, American scientists and bureaucrats are the ones who need to examine their belief systems.

Scientists have a responsibility to be objective when assessing the validity of conflicting beliefs. Government bureaucrats are responsible for protecting public interests even under conditions of uncertainty. In reality, there is not yet clear or compelling evidence to either convict or acquit GMOs of the indictments reflecting growing public concerns. Scientists in much of the rest of the world are willing to admit this reality. Their government officials are taking a precautionary approach to protecting the environment and public health from potential risks posed by GMOs. Scientists and bureaucrats in the United States have few global allies in their beliefs, other than those with conflicts of interest through corporate connections.

That said, compelling evidence was ignored in the opinion piece defending GMOs. First, potential human health risks associated with genetically engineered (GE) foods were never assessed. Government bureaucrats, under documented corporate pressures, simply ruled that crops modified by genetic engineering were "substantially equivalent" to crops selected through conventional plant breeding programs. This allowed GE food products to be classified "generally accepted as safe," which exempted GE foods from extensive tests to ensure that new foods are safe for consumption.

Independent testsraise major concerns

The genetic engineering process is not as precise as its defenders suggest. Genetic engineering differs from traditional plant breeding in many important ways. There are many unanswered questions regarding the effects of GE on the modified organism – as well as those who consume GE foods. The few truly independent tests conducted on GE foods have raised significant public health concerns that have never been adequately addressed.