Introduction
Genetically modified organisms come to be through genetic engineering where their genetic material is artificially altered in a laboratory to suit certain specifications. Genetic engineering is a new technology which gives rise to unstable animals, bacteria, and plants which are not naturally occurring and do not come into being through the normal crossbreeding methods as other traditional crops. Virtually every genetically modified crop produced commercially are made in such a way that they can produce their own insecticides and can withstand the application of herbicides directly. Some arguments have been put forth to oppose the biotech industry claims that these genetically modified organisms produce a higher yield than
…show more content…
As a result, there is controversy regarding the right of the consumer to be informed about the product that they are purchasing. Even in countries where it is mandatory to label GMOs, the risk of consumer choice violation is posed by contamination and cross-pollination which can render traditional foods not entirely so.
Genetic engineering has also been associated with health risks (Nelson, 2001). This is because the process can render some foods which were at some point safe to consume hazardous to those consumers with allergies. The process of genetic engineering cannot be entirely predictable, and foreign substances can develop in these genetically modified foods. This is a fact that is known to the FDA as it does some testing of the final product (Ahmed, 2004). However, there can be no guarantees as to the purity of these genetically modified foods. Besides, introducing new genes to animals and plants can result in the already existing genes to react in a certain way that can include changes in the quality of the organism and reduction of the organism’s nutritional value. Other viewpoints have been brought forth to oppose the production of GMOs such as the arguments that these organisms give rise to ecological risks, upsets the natural balance, hence posing a danger to biodiversity, and that suggesting that genetic engineering is a tool for the corporate to control agriculture (Ahmed, 2004).
GM foods are in the middle of many controversial issues; primarily these are addressed by conflicts over the relative pros and cons of GM foods. Major biotech companies like ‘Monsanto ' and ‘Cargill ' are promoting GM foods by focusing only on their beneficial aspects, giving least importance to their negative effects on safety, environment and biodiversity. On the other hand, governmental regulators and nongovernmental organizations, along with some scientists, are strictly opposing this type of blind promotion of GM food by enlightening the people on their negative effects The controversies associated with GM foods include issues such as safety, environmental benefits and risks, biodiversity, and ethical and social considerations.GM foods are implicated for adverse human health risks like people being allergic to it, environmental hazards such as development of super weeds, and pesticide and antibiotic resistance in disease causing organisms. On the other
Discussions concerning safety issues and the potential harmful effects on humans have been largely theoretical. The key concerns have been allergic reactions, gene transfer to non-GMO crops, and outcrossing with domestic species (WHO, 2009). To address the issue of allergic reactions, the World Health Organization and other governing bodies discourage the use of the most common allergenic foods. Gene transfer occurs when the genes from the spliced material enter the body through the gastrointestinal tract and splice themselves into the human body. The possibility of this occurring is believed to be so low that it is not a realistic concern (WHO, 2009).
There is a lot of controversy surrounding the use of genetic modification in foods grown for human consumption. Many opponents suggest that genetically modified (GM) foods can affect human growth and development, increase allergic reactions in persons with allergy sensitivity or cause allergies to develop in healthy people. Proponents of using genetically modified organisms to alter and improve foods claim that there are no health risks to humans and that GM foods are subjected to stricter guidelines and testing than “naturally” grown food. They also claim that genetic modification of food is necessary to produce more drought tolerant, insect and disease resistant crops that can sustain the earth’s growing human population. A recent survey conducted suggests that public opinion is evenly divided on whether or not GMOs should be used in foods for human consumption. This paper looks to discuss the pros and cons of GMOs in food and the reported effects, if any, on human growth and development.
Genetically modified crops are an incredibly important issue that everyone should be aware of since it is something we are exposed to at a daily basis. Genetically modified crops also known as GM crops or Biotech crops has been one of the most heated debates of issues within our society. The debate about the safety, concerns and disadvantages of GM crops have raged since the mid 1990 's but this is due to the lack of knowledge of the general public. Many people are unaware of what the GM crops actually are and what they offer. Genetically modified crops are plants that are used in the agriculture and have been modified to initiate a new trait to plants that does not happen naturally in the species. These plants are modified using genetic engineering techniques to enhance desired traits. GM crops are made when genes of commercial interest are transferred from one organism to another.() There are many methods used for the production of GM crops but the two primary used for plant insertion are gene guns and agrobacterium tumefaciens. There are also three types of modifications which are transgenic, cisgenic, and subgenic plants. However, there are a number of issues that surround this controversial topic such as environmental, health, and economic concerns. Even though there are some worrying facts about GM crops people don 't realize the advantages or the ways it has helped humans as well as animals. There are many reasons why GM crops are proven
“Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) is any organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. This can be referred to as “modern biotechnology” (Genetically Modified Organisms Production, Regulation, and Marketing 66). It allows scientists to take specific genes from one organism, and place them into another organism. For example, scientists could take a gene from a plant that is more drought resistant, and place it into another plant that is more susceptible to droughts. This method is used to make GM foods or genetically modified foods. There are numerous benefits to genetically modified foods.
Imagine going to the grocery store and seeing a seedless watermelon, but it is not the typical oval, it is square. Down the produce aisle, there are sweet, juicy strawberries; however, there is a warning label that says, “Do not consume if you have a nut allergy.” The world today is moving forward in the way that society produces our wholefoods. Genetic engineering, bioengineering, or biotechnology is the process of inserting the genetics of different plants and organisms into other plants or organisms to create new, more efficient DNA. However, is it truly beneficial to modify the world’s natural foods? The use of genetic engineering can disrupt the ecosystems that have taken billions of years to develop. Many years of research and work have gone into the subject of genetically modified foods; however, this new food trend could create or enhance food related illnesses and health problems, interfere with nature’s environs, and could even cause specific ethical problems for individuals that practice different faith. People should be aware of genetic engineering, how it works, and how it affects their lives.
Biotechnology is the use of living systems and organisms to develop useful products and is a technological application that uses living organisms or systems. There is much controversy in the use of these systems because of possible health and environmental effects. One of the most widely used products of biotechnology is genetically modified (GM) crops. These are crops that have a specific combination of genetic material that is acquired through certain biotechnological processes or genetic engineering. Many crops have been subject to these genetic modifications such as: alfalfa, cotton, flax, rice, tobacco, tomatoes, and wheat. Many people are on various sides of the spectrum of being for the alteration of these crops or strongly against it.
There are certain basic necessities the human body needs in order to survive. Water, food, clothing and shelter are just some of those most basic needs. We, as humans, have been striving to conquer nature in order to make our lives easier. As we have occupied this earth for thousands of years and survived plagues and wars, one of our most basic needs has always challenged us; how to make more food to satisfy an ever growing population. Eventually our technology afforded us the ability to modify food to preserve it longer and grow more without fear of pests or blights. However, in doing so, the question arises: Do you know what is in your food? This is a question many consumers ask themselves as it
The debate for labeling genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the food supply has been an ongoing battle for years. Both sides have valid points and believe passionately in their stance. One side states they are safe for the consumer to eat and do not need to be labeled. The other side argues not enough long term studies have been done to validate this claim and labeling should be mandatory to protect the consumer. While both supporters and non-supports of labeling GMO foods may not seem to have much in common, they can both agree that there is a need for a plentiful and nutritious food supply.
Many people across the globe believe that genetically modified organisms are dangerous and should be more heavily regulated, but genetically modified crops are among the most rigorously tested and regulated food products on the market (Bayer CropScience website, 2015) [1]. Why is such testing mandatory? This is because of the way allergic reactions can be triggered by certain proteins. When genetically altering an organism, new proteins are introduced into said organism. These proteins can be responsible for allergic outbreaks if an intolerant person consumes it. (American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, 2015) [2]. To prove that GMOs are in fact safe for human consumption, scientists cross reference the chemical composition of the newly introduced proteins against over 500 known allergens (such as the protein in peanuts), to ensure that the new protein is not similar enough to any known allergen to cause an over reaction from the human immune-system. (Saleh Al-Muhsen, Ann E Clarke, Rhoda S Kagan, 2003) [3]. These strict guidelines are enforced by the Food and Drug
A Genetically Modified Organism or GMO is an organism whose genome has been altered by the process of genetic engineering so that its DNA contains one or more genes not normally found within. These genetically modified organisms are a relatively new phenomenon in the United States, introduced in 1994. However, beginning in 2014 these chemicals could be found in 90% of corn, cotton, and soybeans produced in the United States. The looks and taste of genetically modified organisms may seem inviting but are the health risks really worth it? In my opinion, I believe that while genetically modified organisms do have positive feel and comfort they pose a large health risk to all who choose to consume them.
Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) is one of the most important issues around the world. Genetic engineering is a process where scientists take genes from one species and force it into the DNA of other species. GMO has long been in practice to breed select individuals of a species to produce offspring of the desirable behaviors. It is used in conventional livestock production, crop farming and even pet breeding. It involves combining elements of DNA from different sources to create a new DNA molecule that has a different combination of genes than original, which occurs naturally. There are some scientific methods for producing GMOs, such as recombinant DNA technology and reproductive cloning. Recombinant DNA technology involves the
Due in large part to the evidence that proves genetically modified crops to be much less safe than the crops that are bread without any modification, many U.S. citizens express anger or disgust toward these food products. The acceptance of these modified food products in the U.S. is a controversial subject, and it has attracted an extensive amount of research study due to the alarming difference between the opinions of the general public who say it is unsafe, and the opinions of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, who claim just the opposite, by an almost 90% majority. According to a more recent meta-analysis of these research studies, people feel that there is a greater risk than benefit to eating the food. The
In the past few decades, a rise in the need for a cheaper food source has arisen. The world’s population was at six billion at the beginning of the 1990s, and it has increased rapidly. Not only that, but in just the United States, various studies have shown an increase to the population of the lower income level ranges. Genetic engineering of plants and animals has provided a solution to offering cheaper food sources, reducing such problems. Livestock could be given growth hormones to grow faster or to be heavier and nutrients could be added to produce. Yet, before everyone runs out to the store to buy these foods, an examination of what these foods can potentially do to a person’s health needs to be conducted. Not only must such an examination occur, but a study of the genetic integrity of various modified plants and animals to determine how they have been compromised by gene splicing must be undertaken. Also, people must scrutinize tests conducted by various companies which have presented results that do not follow logically from their experiments to their conclusions, particularly when such tests were conducted by the very companies profiting from GMOs. After considering such factors, people may be able to make educated decisions about GMOs and how these new organisms affect their health and the DNA of the natural world.
Rise of genetically modified foods that are sold to markets were analysed in the areas around USA, Argentina, Brazil and Canada. The aim of this report is to provide a detailed benefits and disadvantages of genetically modified crops where it was observed that it will be good alternative with the advancing biotechnology on overpopulation feeding requirements.