Modified: GMOs and the Threat to Our Food, Our Land, Our Future

Investigative journalist Shetterly continues her examination of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which began with an article in Elle magazine detailing her mysterious illness that had puzzled doctors for years. After multiple diagnoses and treatments that didn't help, the author's symptoms improved when she stopped eating certain foods containing corn. Her doctor suggested she was allergic to a protein in genetically modified corn. Surrounded by products (including table salt, the wax on apples) that are heavily reliant on GMO corn, Shetterly toured corn farms to understand the debate over GMOs. Along the way, she interviewed scientists, farmers, activists, and beekeepers, asking questions about labeling, allergens, pesticides, and organic crops. Shetterly also explored how Europe and Mexico are responding to the controversy over GMO crops. In this intensely personal narrative, Shetterly discusses not only the science and politics of GMOs but also ideas she still questions, her opinions of others, and even what she eats. Her passionate advocacy, combined with descriptions of multiple research studies and interviews with scientists, doctors, and farmers, makes a compelling case that consumers worldwide need more education on this important issue.