Letter: Questions raised about genetically modified organisms

Despite the failure of Proposition 37 on genetically modified organisms, they can still be a serious health risk.

Questions continue to be raised about the safety of genetically modified organisms designed to "enhance" traits and increase production.

An example to remember was in 1989, a deadly substance, tryptophan, was manufactured at Showa Denko, a company in Japan.

The development of this amino acid, by genetically modifying bacterium found in drink mix, resulted in 37 deaths and thousands of illnesses. Although it has been banned, that doesn't guarantee that another unnatural and harmful bacterium will not be created in the future.

I think genetically modified organisms can cause harm, and minimally, we have the right to decide what is safe for our own health. The labels on food are still not required and we are unaware of the genetically modified organisms and possible effects in the very food we eat.

Megan Morton

Marysville