Doctor: Genetically modified foods may not all be bad

The jury is still out on what long-term effects genetically modified foods will have on the human body.

“I don’t think all of it is bad,” said Dr. Jason Knight of Maricopa Medical Center. “I think some modifications are reasonable.”

Genetically engineering foods means altering the DNA make up of one plant by utilizing DNA from another in order to improve its quality, for example, or to make it resistant to certain weather conditions.

“I really haven’t seen a lot of data to suggest what the effects are,” said Knight. “I will say, though, that the vast majority of Americans, if they did eat healthier food, fresher food, more local food, would probably be much healthier.”

Knight said concerned consumers’ first priority should be to eliminate fast food and junk food from their diets.