
The GM food controversy is a dispute over the advantages and disadvantages of genetically modified food crops. No major health hazards have come to light since GM food was introduced 13 years ago, however since the GM foods are not labelled, they may be creating higher incidences of autism and other diseases of the nervous system, however unlabelled GM foods cannot be proven to be the cause precisely because they are not labelled. Industry attempts to explain that close to 150 governmental and/or industry-financed studies, and at least 47 peer reviewed articles in scientific journals have been published to attest to theoretical claims of safety. Consumer rights groups, such as the Organic Consumers Association, and Greenpeace emphasize the long term health risks which GM could pose, or that the risks of GM have not yet been adequately investigated.Some industry scientists and economists express concern about the alleged harm delaying welfare and environmental improvements, for instance by pro-vitamin A enriched Golden rice which is said to have the potential to prevent children from Vitamin A deficiency, and insect protected Bt rice which can potentially reduce exposure of farmers to synthetic insecticides.Other scientists and studies, however, dispute such findings and point out that Genetically Modified foods aren't tested to scientific standards before being released to the public.