By Maya Koeppen ’17

Taking lead from a General Mills decision last year, Chipotle Mexican Grill recently decided to ban food containing genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, from their menu. The popular fast food chain made this decision on the argument that it is in the best interest of both its consumers and the environment. Powered by a public hysteria that GMOs cause various health problems, the decision was widely supported. The decision seems like a good idea in theory, but before you go singing Chipotles praises I would do your research.

It has never been proven, despite controversy and years of research, that GMOs are indeed harmful to our health.  A fact of which has been backed by many well respected health and science organizations such as the American Medical Association, World Health organization, and the National Academy of Sciences. Despite this many Americans still believe that GMOs are harmful, when in reality they can’t accurately define what a GMO is. Chipotle’s decision has done nothing but foster and validate the ignorance of the American public, under the idea that whatever a big corporation says must be true. If consumer health was Chipotle’s main concern, maybe they should start with the salt content of their burritos.