Recently, students taking Biology for Non - Science Majors at Southwest Texas Junior College in Eagle Pass researched this topic in depth. The class aims to empower students to realize the global standing of students in the United States pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and inspire, motivate and provide opportunities for engagement in their studies. Hopefully with all of the above attributes these students are likely to pursue post secondary education (BS, MS or even a PhD). According to the report presented by “The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development”, known as PISA, the U.S. ranked 17th in the world, about equal with countries such as France and United Kingdom. American students ranked 21st in science with scores on par with Italy and Portugal. In math, however, the U.S. lags behind at 26th instructor came to a consensus that though GMO derived food is plenty and meet the demand, much work remains to address the concerns like, “Food Allergies”, “Antibiotic Resistance”, “Unreliable Nutritional Hazards” “Increased incidence of Cancer”, “Obesity”, and also the emergence of “Super Weeds” and “Super Bugs with increased resistance in the plants and insects and is a threat to both the general public, plants and animals.

To have a first hand experience in the research involving genetic modification, the class went on a field trip to the Texas A&M University, College Station, AgriLife Research & Extension Center at Uvalde. Dr. Leskovar explained that “Our mission is to create knowledge and technology that result in efficient and profitable intensive water and agricultural management systems while maintaining balance between the environment and social prosperity.” According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC&P) data from the National Health

and Nutrition Examination Survey, for 2011–2012 published in October 2013, show that the prevalence of obesity among adults was more than one- third. Based on the report from “Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, CDC”, 29% of adults in Texas are obese and one third of population in the United

States is affected by obesity. Child obesity is also on the rise in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control estimates 1 in every 3 American kids are either obese or overweight. Jeffrey Smith, the author of Seeds of Deception, points to the mass production and consumption of genetically modified foods in the U.S. as a possible source of the problem.

During Nov 2013, when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that they would effectively ban the use of partially hydrogenated oils, also known as trans fats. These types of oils are used in many processed foods, including desserts, microwavable popcorn, frozen pizza and margarine, and have been linked to health risks including higher cholesterol and heart disease. GM Soy bean is the major source for hydrogenated Oil. The American Soybean Association (ASA)- the trade group affiliated with all six of the biggest biotech companies (Monsanto, DuPont, Dow, BASF, Bayer and Syngenta) immediately questioned FDA’s move to phase out trans fats, worrying that food companies would replace soybean oil with oils contain- ing saturated fats like palm and coconut oil. ASA doesn’t want the FDA to move too quickly and chip away at the soybean industry’s market share before production of new varieties of genetically engineered soybeans with lower saturated fat can ramp up. Its banking on increased production of DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto’s GE “Plenish” and “Vistive” soy- beans, both engineered to be lower in saturated fat.

FDA’s step towards eliminating trans fats is a step in the right direction. FDA should not only call for a reduction of trans fats but also educate Americans about the benefits of eating whole foods instead of processed foods. This was the take home message from Dr.Leskovar which the class felt the objective is achieved.