As commercial agribusiness tightens its control, maintaining the right to choose what's on our plates has never been more im-portant. Monsanto, Dow, Con Agra, Archer Daniels Midland and a few others have taken an increasinglypower-ful role in the world's food supply and distribution. Through hybridization (intentional crossing of lineages) and biotechnology that alters the genetic material of seeds, foods have become resistant to insects, herbicides and viruses. Vegetables and fruits have also been "designed" to be more durable for international shipping, as well as more cost-effective for large corporations. The long-term cost, however, may outweigh the pennies that are pocketed as these engineered foods go to market. Some of the concerns surrounding genetic modification, according to the World Health Organization, are possible unwanted gene transfer and the potential of causing or aggravating allergic reactions.
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