Chipotle’s change to GMO foods makes controversy

Syuzi Sargsyan, Staff Writer/ Photographer|May 27, 2015

photo via flickr.com under Creative Commons license

A chicken bowl served at the Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle Mexican Grill recently announced that they will be serving foods that are non-GMO (genetically modified organism). According to Seeds Of Deception, GMO is the result of a laboratory process where genes from the DNA of one species are extracted and artificially forced into the genes of an unrelated plant or animal. GMO is usually done for pest and drought control.

Controversy has surrounded Chipotle’s decision to do this. The controversy began when Chipotle announced their non-GMO advertisements. The movement of changing the menu to all non-GMO food products is very controversial because it can be believed that non GMO foods are good because our bodies do accept and digest GMO type of foods. However, one really isn’t eating an original piece of corn; they are eating a laboratory-made piece of corn.

According to GMO-Awareness.com, once one changes the DNA of a certain food then it isn’t considered original. One can’t change the DNA molecules of a piece of corn and expect it to be considered healthy. The change may have healthy benefits such as pest control and drought control, but it isn’t the healthy original food that people eat.

The national Chipotle sign
photo via wikipedia.org under Creative Commons license
The national Chipotle sign

In the 21st century, many people focus on fitness. By Chipotle going for the non-GMO movement, they may attract more customers, making customers think that they are eating healthy. However, no matter how natural and non-GMO Chipotle makes their food, it is still going to be very heavy in calories.

There needs to be more research done on specific topics such as going all GMO and how it affects one’s digestive system. Sure, people do digest GMO foods, but how much longer can one do that without getting sick?

By Chipotle going for a non-GMO menu at their restaurants, they will bring the company more customers because Chipotle tricks customers into thinking that all of their foods are natural. Living in a century where health is very important to young people, teens will believe that they are eating organic and natural foods if they go to Chipotle versus some other fast food restaurant.