It is disturbing to read the incorrect points made in Bo Thott’s letter (BDN, Dec. 6) addressing issues of genetically modified foods. The developers of genetically modified seeds claim their use will require less pesticide. But this claim has not held up in actual farming practices. Clearly, any supporters of organic farming would be eager for a reduction in harmful pesticide use, but the genetically modified seeds do not function in this way, despite the misleading propaganda.

Is caution in the development and use of genetically modified foods a dangerous economic position for the United States? European consumers are clearly and wisely rejecting these genetically modified crops and any such development. In actuality, the path leading to the development of genetically modified foods is the one that would leave the United States unable to compete in the world food market.

Already Europe and Asia have, in specific instances, refused to purchase genetically modified grain from the United States. Much of Europe has set up legal protection to prevent the use of genetically modified grain even for feed for livestock grown for food. Europe is showing a greater concern for human health and a crucially important leadership role for the world. The U.S. population must not be blind to the dangers of genetically modified food.

Genetically modified food poses a tremendous and irreversible threat to environmental balance and to human health. The precautionary principle deserves our utmost respect. We must have the humility to address the fact that we simply do not fully know how our bodies will respond to foods that are altered in such a fundamental and drastic way. There are many indications, some gained through testing and some through unwanted exposure, in insects and animals that genetically modified food is not as nourishing and can be harmful. We and other living creatures have evolved in a long association with our food supply. At this point, we still can exercise choice in whether we ingest genetically altered foods, yet we are rapidly losing this choice.

Edith Howland

Little Deer Isle