Kaitlyn's Interview

Genetically modified food and organic/ local products

Interviewer: Kaitlyn Mitchell-Eby

Interviewee: Kyle, Student, Long-Term Resident of Salem, MA

Do you think this is important? Yes.

Because its important to know what we eat and how its engineered/made. Some genetically modified foods could be harmful and there should be more research regarding it before we so readily consume these products. I think having labels at the very least on foods would help. I also think that it is important to buy more local and organic foods because it more natural, better for your health, and helps support our local industries.

Do you think others believe this is an important problem?

I think it depends on the consumer. I definitely think that organic food stores are increasing and people are becoming more aware of eating healthy but I still think in general we have a long way to go. I think the younger generation of Americans who have helped the health food craze and more open to different food options.

What policies do you know of that the government has in place now?

The FDA regulates food production and nutrition labeling. I know that there are no laws now that force food products to be labeled whether they are GMO’s or not. They have to do this in European countries and at the very least I think our food products should be labeled whether local, organic, or generic.

Do you have any other general comments or comments on general policy as you know it?

Although there are FDA policies regarding the food products we eat now that does not mean that they are right or do not need to be new policies implemented. I would like to see an increase in pressure put on the FDA and government to start labeling food products with more information about where they come from and what they are. New policy regarding genetically modified foods needs to be created. People also need to become more aware of what they are eating and make better choices, which reflect their beliefs. An example of this could be never eating at McDonalds or supporting fast food restaurants that rely on genetically modified foods and low grade meat products. Another important part of changing policy is that we must speak our beliefs through how we spend our money. If we begin to spend our money on more local or even organic food products, and cut off spending to big chains and corporations, perhaps this will send a message that GMO’s are no longer as acceptable (or we at least need to be aware in the first place of genetically modified products). 

(picture retrieved from: http://thatplum.com/tag/gmo/)

Reflection: 

After speaking with Kyle it was interesting to see how someone else felt about this that is similar in age to me. I would be interested in interviewing a few other people, perhaps from different generations. It would be interesting to compare how much people know about these issues, and contrast how each generations cares or sees it differently. The interview with Kyle helped me understand that I think there has not been enough public demand for any changes to be made at this point. There are many people who feel the same way others and myself do however, there has not been enough push or swing in the direction to move towards more organic and local foods, as well as get our food that IS modified even labeled.