Category: Genetically Modified Food

For centuries, mankind has modified crops by selective breeding. Cross-breeding techniques were established by early farmers to grow countless varieties of crops. This allows farmers to produce only the best of the best. Fast forward to today, the improvement of crops takes place all the time, and genetic modification is just one form. Scientists use genetic modification methods that use advanced biotechnology. When a crop isn’t reproducing correctly or too slowly scientists use biotechnology to assist these crops. Commonly, scientists look to nature to find a desirable new characteristic that can help weak crops. This process continues when the effective discovery of new genetic traits of value is found. Even after the farmers find a valuable trait there is often a combination of problem-solving and change when testing for new genetic modification. After this, they compare traits from the GMO and the non-GMO crop. With this scientists aim at finding the exact valuable genes that can help add useful traits. After this scientists take the gene and insert it into the non-GMO crop. There are many ways this is done but, injecting is the most common. After the gene is injected it is then important to check and evaluate the gene of the organisms over a period of time, so that scientists can approve only organisms in which the genetic code has been correctly modified.

The worldwide population is growing rapidly. The world’s population is expected to reach ten billion by 2050. With this happening, there are major problems that can arise, such as severe hunger. “795 million people lack sufficient food to lead a healthy, active life. Most of the hunger is happening in developing countries.” A developing country is a poor agricultural country that is seeking to become more advance economically and socially. Poverty is severe in these developing nations. Even though these countries lack a number of nutritious foods, most of them are in denial about genetically modified foods. They believe that genetic injection introduces the additional possibility that the previous nontoxic element in the crop could become toxic. They are in denial about the effects in the long run. However, what is worse than a starving nation that is in danger of becoming extinct? These countries need to be open-minded and look into considerations that can help them in the long run. Imagine if there were changes. How can this problem be solved? Through introducing genetically modified foods. GMO foods will be an effective tool for feeding this growing population. People need to accept and embrace new technology that can help address world hunger in the long run. Recent developments in genetic engineering technology have permitted scientists to accurately add, erase and reorganize genetic code pieces to infuse crops with useful features. This advanced biotechnology is measuring the amount of food that can be replenished from a specific area. A common strategy used among scientists to expand yield is to incorporate a gene that provides opposition to frequently used insecticides. Taking this into consideration if genetically modified is introduced to third world countries it can be a key factor in decreasing starvation. Though most of these developing countries oppose GMO foods because it goes against their cultural ways, they can be greatly benefited. Farmers in these countries can help create the yield they need for their countries.

Farmers who adopt these pesticide-resistant crops are able to produce the most yield to feed a growing population. For many years now farmers have tried to do the best they can when it comes to crops. They have delivered us with crops and fruits. In order to develop these crops and fruits farmers have had to plant seeds, this being such a gradual process that required a lot of skill because of the many things that affect these crops. Some of the things that play into action when it comes to growing these goods are climate and pesticides. There is still a large amount of the population that is against these genetically modified foods. Some even claim that increasing the use of weed-killer pesticides can harm beneficial insects and potentially create health hazards for people in ingesting residue of herbicides on GMO crops. However, genetically modified foods have been a major contributor to the global warming problem in agriculture. These genetically modified foods are helping crops resist droughts. Because of this, Farmers are able to still produce quantities of food without having to be affected by weather changes. Another pro of genetically modified foods farmers are benefiting from is pesticides. What are pesticides? A substance used to kill insects or other species that are toxic to crops or livestock. In agriculture, farmers use pesticides to manage weeds, an infestation of insects, and diseases. Pesticides allow farmers to grow foods at reasonable prices and with good quality. They also assist farmers in providing an infinite supply of nutritious, all-year-round foods that are required for survival. It was doable for farmers to grow more crops and spend less money on pesticides. Farmers across the world using GMO seeds gained economically while boosting the environmental protection of their crops. In fact, according to “farmers who used enhanced seeds and grow biotech crops saw significant net economic benefit at the farm levels of 18.8 billion in 2012 and 116.6 billion in 2012 for the 17 years (1996-2012) period.”

Multiple people suffer from some kind of major nutritional deficiencies around the world. This can cause health complications that can even lead to death. A strategy that can help eliminate this problem is more nutrient-rich foods through genetically modified foods. People that are against GMO crops claim that these foods are more likely to cause allergies. Allergic reactions are when people have overly sensitive immune responses when coming in contact with particular compounds called allergens. These allergies can cause inflammation, itchy rash, and trouble breathing. Allergies are very common, in fact, food allergies affect millions globally. As earlier stated, the FAO organization is responsible for consumer acceptance. They make sure that every genetically modified food is applied to all recognized allergens with the composition of the added protein. Extensive tests are then used to further analyze possible allergenicity. Genetically modified foods can contribute to health as a whole. Substantial progress has been made in biotechnology development over the past decade. This development has reinforced food production’s nutritional value. Supplementation activities have applied vitamins and minerals to food crops. It has been proven effective to provide micronutrients in the form of supplements to undernourished populations. Genetically modified foods have a few key factors including a changed nutritional content, longer shelf life, nicer texture, and of course flavor. The advancement of science and technology is helping researchers identify new genes that can be transferred from one species to another. With this advancement, scientists are able to create quality nutritious foods.

To conclude, even though genetically modified foods may have a few flaws, the benefits overshadow the withdraws. The world is expanding, society is growing by the day, not only is our population growing but technology is advancing very rapidly. People are able to do things now that in the past might have seemed impossible. Genetically modified foods are one of the technological advances that are expanding. Instead of people being on board with these foods they are on edge about them. However, scientists to this day haven’t found any real danger when it comes to these foods. The most advanced studies on genetically modified foods have been performed by the National Academics of Science and engineered food. These studies’ findings were clear. That being said, the health and safety risk of GMO foods are obviously false. In fact, genetically modified foods are helping us increase yields for the growing population, benefiting farmers globally, and adding more nutrients to foods. Society as a whole need to become more aware of genetically modified foods. Society is overlooking the benefits of genetically modified foods, and instead focusing on the negative.

Have you ever thought about the food you eat? Of course, you have, we all do. We think about the taste, the ingredients and the health benefits, but that’s it. We don’t question where the food comes from and we barely think about all the chemicals and toxins added to it, because most foods that we are surrounded with are all the same. Food companies that we enjoy are not organically produced for the most part, but are just easier to obtain. We see organic food so rarely and are encouraged so rarely by it that we don’t even think of how healthy and how much better it is for you to eat then the trash served in fast food business or genetically modified foods. We just think of it as an expensive rare market. I believe that people all around the world should support organic food production. In 1983 genetically modified food was introduced to the world, and by 1996 it was brought in stores across the world. It was a huge commercial explosion. Genetically modified food is produced from plants and animals that scientists have been able to modify by changing the gene structure. This change alters the foods characteristics for benefits in the industries eyes such as keeping it fresher longer, but forget about the hazards associated with it.

One of the first examples of genetically modified foods are tomatoes. As you know when a tomato ripens, it reddens becomes soft, and naturally rots. Scientists chemically change the gene that causes this, meaning the tomato can ripen and stay fresh for a longer time. The main reasons why people should support the growing and selling of organic food is so that we can stop putting pesticides in our system and start nourishing our body with the right nutrients. One way GMOs are produced is from farmers injecting tons of toxins into planted seeds.

Close to the end of the process when all the toxins have been added to the plant or food, they then do something called irradiation. This is normal for non-organic foods and is meant to kill the harmful bacteria in the plant which it does do but also kills the good benefits that the food. This process is also a cancer causer. All of this creates terrible meal and product that is terribly unhealthy.

Organic food is more expensive, but if people buy the product more, supply and demand would increase, which then decreases the prices. Making the production and buying of organic food normalized would benefit long term for centuries to come.

Ten thousand years back at the starting of farming, humans picked up traits, adapted and evolved due to selective breeding and artificial selection. Selective breeding modified human nature repeatedly throughout numerous generations. Many characteristic traits were determined by genes and today’s day and age scientists can use those exact genes to shift around ‘cut-and-paste’ an organism’s genes into another. By snipping those genes scientists can precisely select the exact trait that will be pasted into another plant, animal or bacteria, creating then a genetically modified organism. From that point on scientist developed, engineered and adapted genetically modified organisms, introducing them into our everyday lives seamlessly. Bacteria that can create medication-grade drugs, insecticide-producing crops, seedless watermelons and grapes and even a purple tomato that fights off cancer. As years passed by and the presence of genetically modified foods became more and more predominant, public awareness of the use and engineering of genetically engineered foods increased and calls for regulation rose to question. The negative perception of genetically modified food can only be changed by governmental and corporal transparency as well as media segments disseminating valid information to the public. After all, the term ‘genetically modified foods’ alone is capable of so much commotion and frenzy. However, the question remains on just how safe are genetically modified foods, what type of health hazards does it impose in a long-term standpoint, and lastly, how is it regulated?

People around the world have a wide range of questions and opinions about genetically modified organisms’ health impacts. How safe is genetically modified food? What is the purpose of genetically engineered crops? Several claims have been made, extensive research was done that extol both the benefits and the risks that genetically engineered crops have created a confusing landscape for the public. Scientists can modify a certain plant, introducing a new trait to it, making this particular plant more resistant to the elements, pests, droughts, reducing the amount of pesticides needed to produce better quality and at a faster rate. When researching about genetically modified foods some negative effects stand out, such as poor yields, strong effects on human and animal health, increased use of pesticides and herbicides, the creation of super-weeds, as well as negative impact on farmers and producers of crops that are not genetically engineered and chooses to remain on the ‘organic’ business. Some positive facts of genetically modified foods are the reductions of pesticide use; reduction of crop loss from pests and weeds, in addition genetically modified organisms prolongs crop longevity, giving producers more time to export their goods and also higher nutrition value. Not only just nutritional value, according to Belfast Telegraph, purple cancer-fighting tomatoes has been genetically engineered by British scientists. The fruit has already been shown to extend the lives of cancer-prone mice. In Italy in 2008, Dr. P. Perata crossed wild species of tomatoes and came out with a black tomato also. Now when comparing the GM black tomato to a non-GM black tomato, the genetically modified tomato was not just produced by curiosity, it was tested on cancer-prone mice and it was determined anticancer properties. The non-genetically modified tomato was not tested and the black rue on the tomato is just for cosmetic appeal. In the genetically modified black tomato, two genes were taken from dragon fruit and introduced into a normal tomato. While in the other tomato, it is unknown how many genes were crossed to come to a black skin tomato. Probably hundreds and none of those genes were tested. The genetically modified black tomato with anticancer properties is not on the market for sale, merely because of the fact that it is a genetically modified food. The cost of the release into the market is estimated at millions of euros. The ordinary untested black tomato can be bought in supermarkets around the world because no testing is required. So, the question remains, why is that so? Because one is bred by traditional method and the other tomato is not. But the media still disseminates that GMO’s are causing cancer.

Amongst many positive and negative aspects of GM food, awareness grew more and more within society. Calls for regulation of GM foods became hard to ignore by the FDA, resulting in labeling requirements for GE food in many countries. Today 64 countries have mandatory labeling laws. (Lefebvre, 2019). Lack of appropriate information dissemination is a disservice to society because that directly impacts societies’ views on the matter. Media coverage on this technology is almost always bad. The media covers all sorts of strikes and angry people in the streets yelling “Say no to GMO”, always loud and very upset, therefore instinctively, the audience deliberates that there must be something appalling about it. Well, the NBFDS requires standardization for the labeling of products containing GM ingredients (Gostin, 2016). The NBFDS published a federal regulation which requires that, subject to certain limitations and exemptions, foods must bear a specified disclosure by January 2022 if it contains ingredients on the USDA’s list of bioengineered foods or are otherwise known to be bioengineered (Lowe, 2019).

It is difficult to avoid products containing GMOs. Everything from soda to cereal, fruits, even cotton. One worthy illustration that is very applicable is fruits. Strawberries, berries, avocados, for instance, genetic breeding allows them to remain ripe and plum throughout numerous weeks of shipping and dark storage. From a consumer standpoint, it can become extremely complicated trying to figure out which food is natural and which food is genetically engineered. Overall, an easy way to think about it, if it is ‘junk food’ chances are it is genetically modified. Only nine crops in the United States are currently being genetically modified. Corn, canola, soybeans, cotton, sugar beets, alfalfa, Hawaiian papaya, zucchini, and yellow squash. However, several of these are used as ingredients in processed foods, junk or fast foods.

One of the population’s common objectives against GMOs is gene flow, meaning genetically modified crops would mix with traditional crops and produce new, unwanted characteristics to them. Correspondingly, genetically mutated plants incautiously mixing with other genetically mutated plants in an endless cycle. Who is to say scientists will not lose track of the original form of that particular plant, causing then the complete extinction of that exact plant.

Among ample researches, articles, case studies, it is still challenging to come to a conclusion from a customer point of view, the question if GMOs are safe for human consumption remains, numerous scientists are against it and countless are in favor of. Some countries prohibit the production of genetically modified food and some other countries exponentially consume those products. There is no consensus on whether bioengineered foods are safe for human consumption according to Hilbeck (2014): “The joint statement developed and signed by over 300 independent researchers, and reproduced, does not assert that GMOs are unsafe or safe. Claims of consensus on the safety of GMOs are not supported by an objective analysis of the refereed literature”. Leaving the ultimate choice up to the consumer.

When making the decision on whether or not to purchase bioengineered food, the consumer might have a series of questions arise, such as how GMOs are digested and broken down by the human bodies. A human intestine’s ability to digest food is impaired by certain toxins in GMOs, causing intestinal permeability. “The results of most studies with GM foods indicate that they may cause some common toxic effects such as hepatic, pancreatic, renal, or reproductive effects and may alter the hematological, biochemical, and immunologic parameters” (Dona, 2009). If bioengineered foods really do cause all these diseases, naturally the FDA would have many policies in place to regulate the GMO market. Nonetheless, when it comes to regulations it is actually incredibly frightening to keep researching about it, the consumer is left uncertain of what is being bought at the grocery store. FDA overlooks GMO crops, there are currently no laws regulating genetically modified organisms at the moment in the US. Hopefully with this new federal law being imposed by the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard, it applies to food manufacturers and importers, and also retailers who package and label food for retail sale or sell bulk food items.

Lastly, if one was to opt-out of a GM food diet, it is very understandable because other countries currently prohibit the production and marketing of genetically modified foods. This alone is a major red flag for the countries that still continue to incorporate these aliments in its store’s shelves, like the United States. If it is unknown or unproved that bioengineered foods do cause health issues, the production of such should be suspended until scientists are certain and come to a universal consensus that it is safe for long term human consumption. Labeling of genetically modified food is the right thing to do merely because the population has the right to know. Furthermore, another point that is worth mentioning is the currency value of non-genetically modified foods. If one chooses to eat a genetically modified food-free diet, it can directly be dictated by that person’s acquisition power. Non-genetically modified foods or sometimes labeled as organic are priced much higher, making that certain lifestyle out of reach for lower-class families. FDA should step in to regulate safe genetically modified food production based on research and hard evidence. With that the consumer will not be left with an enormous question mark when deciding whether to consume or not genetically modified food or its derivatives. This war that is happening is unknown to many, to support or not genetically modified foods is a decision that has to be knowledge based. Conversely it cannot be denied that this technology was created to help human kind, with the exponential population growth, to make agriculture sustainable and at the same time to protect the environment.

References

1. Carvalho, F. (2006). Agriculture, Pesticides, Food Security and Food Safety. Environmental Science & Policy, 9(7-8), 685-692. doi: 10.1016/j.envsci.2006.08.002.
2. Dona, A., & Arvanitoyannis, I. (2009). Health Risks of Genetically Modified Foods. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 49(2), 164-175. doi: 10.1080/10408390701855993.
3. GM Tomatoes Could Fight Cancer Health Food: The New Purple Genetically-ModifiedTomatoes. (2008). Belfast Telegraph (Belfast, Northern Ireland). Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.umuc.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsgit&AN=edsgit.A200455253&site=eds-live&scope=site
4. Gostin, L.O. (2016), “Genetically Modified Food Labeling: A ‘Right to Know’?”, JAMA, Vol. 316 No. 22, pp. 2345-2346.
5. Hilbeck, A., Binimelis, R., Defarge, N., Steinbrecher, R., Székács, A., & Wickson, F. et al. (2015). No Scientific Consensus on GMO Safety. Environmental Sciences Europe, 27(1). doi: 10.1186/s12302-014-0034-1.
6. Kemper, N. P., Popp, J. S., Nayga, R. M., & Kerr, J. B. (2018). Cultural Worldview and Genetically Modified Food Policy Preferences. Food Policy, 80, 68–83. https://doi-org.ezproxy.umuc.edu/10.1016/j.foodpol.2018.09.003
7. Kuiper, H., Kleter, G., Noteborn, H., & Kok, E. (2001). Assessment of the Food Safety Issues Related to Genetically Modified Foods. The Plant Journal, 27(6), 503-528. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-313x.2001.01119.x.
8. Lefebvre, S., Cook, L. and Griffiths, M. (2019), “Consumer Perceptions of Genetically Modified Foods: A Mixed-Method Approach”, Journal of Consumer Marketing, Vol. 36 No. 1, pp. 113-123. https://doi-org.ezproxy.umuc.edu/10.1108/JCM-12-2016-2043
9. Loureiro, M., & Hine, S. (2002). Discovering Niche Markets: A Comparison of Consumer Willingness to Pay for Local (Colorado Grown), Organic, and GMO-Free Products. Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, 34(3), 477-487. Doi: 10.1017/S1074070800009251.
10. Lowe, R. (2019). Food, Beverage & Cosmetics Advisory: Take a Bite of the New Mandatory National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard | News & Insights | Alston & Bird. Retrieved 6 October 2019, from https://www.alston.com/en/insights/publications/2019/01/take-a-bite
11. Nawaz, M. A., Mesnage, R., Tsatsakis, A. M., Golokhvast, K. S., Yang, S. H., Antoniou, M. N., & Chung, G. (2019). Addressing Concerns Over the Fate of DNA Derived from Genetically Modified Food in the Human Body: A Review. Food & Chemical Toxicology, 124, 423–430. https://doi-org.ezproxy.umuc.edu/10.1016/j.fct.2018.12.030
12. What are “Superweeds”? (2019). Retrieved 6 October 2019, from https://gmo.geneticliteracyproject.org/FAQ/what-are-superweeds/
13. Yu, R. (2016), “Campbell to Label GMO Ingredients, Supports GMO Disclosure Legislation”, available at: http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2016/01/08/campbell-label-gmo-ingredients-supports-gmo-disclosure-legislation/78497176/

Genetically modified organism (GMO) is organism whose genome has been engineered in the laboratory in order to favor the expression of desired physiological traits or the production of desired biological products. According to WHO, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be defined as organisms (i.e., plants, animals or microorganisms) in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination. GMOs are used mostly in the field of medicine followed by agriculture. Foods produced from or using GM organisms are often referred to as GM foods. There is a revolutionary change observed after using GMOs in various sectors. Now a question is raised that GMOs have really any negative side effects or not. This battle of GMOs is so complicated and confusing day by day.

After watching the first documentary ‘Seeds of Death: Unveiling the Lies of GMOs’, we found many negative side effects of GMOs. According to Jeffery Smith, GMOs causes reproductive problems, immune system problems, accelerated aging, organ damages, gastrointestinal diseases, dysfunctional regulation etc. He also mentioned ‘glyphosate’ that harms environment as well as biodiversity. The corruption of ‘Monsanto’ company about producing GMO seeds is exposed in the documentary. That’s why, they believe that people should rise their voice against ‘Monsanto’. In a word, after watching this documentary we learn that our biodiversity is being destroyed for using GMOs.

But the second documentary ‘Food Evolution’ is somewhat opposite of the first documentary. This documentary mainly explained the benefits of GMOs. In the documentary we see that GE solve the problem of the people of Uganda and Hawaii. In Uganda and Hawaii where banana and papaya are going to destroyed, GM banana and GM papaya (the Rainbow papaya) save not to extinct this food. GM banana and GM papaya are mainly diseases resistance. Here it is also highlighted the meeting in Hawaii where different type of people from different profession are involved in argument about the safety of GMOs. We also see the actual story of ‘Monsanto’ company.

In the first documentary, the biologist Bruce Lipton said, “GMOs has negative effects not only us (humans), but also environment”. I disagree this statement. Cultivating GM crops has proven better for biodiversity than the conventional alternative, because one way to maintain biodiversity in a local ecosystem is to reduce pesticide use. For instance, ‘Bt’ corn is engineered to be toxic to predators that would otherwise prey on it. So, it is not necessary to spray pesticides over an entire field. Soil microbial communities are not affected by GM crops, which interact with soil microorganisms (worms, insect, fungi, and bacteria), in the same way as non-GM crops. GM organisms are mainly introduced in order to get plants with improved resistance against plant disease or drought, crops with increased nutrient levels, with enhanced growth characteristics. So, we can say that GMOs are more beneficial than we think.

I also disagree with Jeffery Smith’s statement in the second documentary that “eating GMO papaya might causes to get more colds, susceptibility to hepatitis or HIV”. Because, there is no reports found that consuming GMO papaya has any side effects. I agree with the statement that GMO technology reduces the uses of harmful pesticides. Such as ‘Bt’ corn is engineered to be toxic to predators that would otherwise prey on it. They are considered ‘natural insecticides’. They don’t need as much outside assistance in the form of pesticides sprayed over an entire field. GM technology adoption has optimized pesticide use by 37%. The reduction in pesticides for the period 1996 to 2012 was estimated at around 500 million kilograms of active ingredient.

In conclusion, we can say that people are much benefited by using GMOs. It is not harmful for animal, humans or environment. It reduces the labor of farmers. Farmers can produce more crops without using pesticides. It does not damage our biodiversity. It is also important in the field of medicine. In a word, GMO is blessings for us.

References

1. https://www.who.int/foodsafety/areas_work/food-technology/faq-genetically-modified-food/en/
2. https://www.corteva.com/resources/blog/blog-articles/are-gmos-harmful.html
3. https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/genetically-modified-organisms-gmos-transgenic-crops-and-732/
4. https://www.britannica.com/science/genetically-modified-organism
5. https://massivesci.com/articles/gmo-excerpt-environmental-damage/

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are living creatures that have been modified through genetic engineering to suit the needs of the modifier. Farmers can make changes in the genome of their crops and animals to get a certain quality they desire in their GMOs.

Humans have been modifying plants and animals since we started farming them. This was achieved through selective breeding, a process which involves breeding two individual organisms with desirable traits in the hopes of producing offspring with the desired traits accentuated. According to the Harvard University, we have been practicing selective breeding for nearly thirty thousand years. These practices have, over millennia, transformed different wild plants and animals into today’s domesticated versions.

According to the article by Harvard, the fundamental difference between selective breeding and genetic engineering is that selective breeding hopes to get the desired trait by chance, while genetic engineering targets specific genes to always modify the desired gene.

GMOs are a very controversial topic in modern society. As farmers are moving away from conventional farming methods, they are choosing between a variety of farming methods to implement. Some farmers choose to produce GM food, while others decide to grow organic produce.

Some people believe that GMOs are a danger to human’s health. Others believe that they are damaging the environment. The other side of the argument states that GMOs are not a harmful thing, furthermore, they are a valuable tool for humanity. In this essay, I will discuss and examine each argument.

There isn’t a global definition for what makes food ‘organic’. According to the video ‘Is Organic Really Better? Healthy Food or Trendy Scam?’ by the YouTube channel Kurzgesagt, different countries and international organizations have different standards about what qualifies as organic and what doesn’t. In most cases, food is considered organic when it is not grown using synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides, and doesn’t contain engineered genes. Organic meat comes from livestock that aren’t fed GM feed, and that are free to graze.

Is Organic Food Healthier than GM Food?

According to HelpGuide, a non-profit website, organic produce contains less harmful pesticides than non-organic food. This means that harmful synthetic pesticides aren’t present in the food, therefore being healthier in that aspect. It’s worth noting, though, that the levels of pesticide residue found on GM foods are carefully monitored, so as to not be a danger to human health. The website HelpGuide includes, that although organic farming does not allow the use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides, farmers are allowed to use organic pesticides. Most of the time, these are natural toxins.

According to an EU Parliament briefing from 2015, copper sulfate, a natural pesticide that is usually present in organic apples, is more toxic to humans than many synthetic pesticides. This shows that in terms of pesticide residue in food, both methods of farming are equally harmful to human health.

An article from the National Library of Medicine, states that organic food has very little differences in vitamins and minerals, compared to conventionally grown food. The biggest differences in vitamin content in the subjects of the experiment carried out by the National Library happened due to seasonal changes, and were observable in both types of food.

In conclusion, the health benefits of organic food over GM food (as well as conventional food) are virtually non-existent. We can conclude that GMOs and organic produce are equally healthy.

Is Organic Farming Better for the Environment than GM Food?

An article from the Oxford University says that no system of farming is decidedly better than any other. They all impact the environment in a different way, both for better and for worse. Some impacts also depend on crop type and local agricultural context. The clearest differences are found both in land use and energy consumption. The article from the Oxford University states that organic farming methods “consistently perform worse in terms of land use, regardless of food type grown”. The article also says that farming methods involving GMOs have a higher energy consumption than organic farming.

We can conclude that the production of GMOs and of organic food have a more or less equal impact on the environment. Organic farming consumes less energy, but has a lot higher land use. In countries where food is scarce, GM crops and animals would be a better alternative to organic produce, as less land is required to feed the population. Areas that wish to lessen their carbon footprint could turn to organic farming methods to grow their food, as these methods require less energy.

Use of Pesticides and Herbicides in GM Crops

Organic farming does not allow the use of synthetic pesticides, while GM farming methods do. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, the main reason farmers modify their crops is to ‘reduce crop loss’. This is achieved mainly by giving the crops resistance to insect damage, tolerance to herbicides and pesticides, and resistance to plant viruses.

Crops can be modified through genetic engineering to be more resistant to insect damage. This can be achieved by modifying the crop to produce a chemical that kills insects that ingest it. This can prevent pests from destroying harvests, and prevents possible famines in poorer regions.

Another way crops are modified is by giving them higher resistance to pesticides that would otherwise damage or kill the crop. This type of modification can have a negative effect on the environment. As plants are created to be more resistant to harmful pesticides, farmers can use more powerful chemicals. This can pollute water sources, destroy ecosystems and endanger local fauna and flora.

Farmers also modify their crops to be more resistant to certain diseases. Entire harvests can be destroyed by disease, and in third world countries, this often spells the beginning of a famine. The implementation of GM crops to an area that is in danger of a famine can save many from hunger.

Conclusion

Organic farming methods and GM farming methods each have their benefits and drawbacks. Organic farming does not allow the use of harmful pesticides that can damage the environment, while GM farming significantly reduces the crop loss of farmers. I believe that GM farming would be the best option if it banned the use of pesticides. GM crops can be modified to produce their own pesticides, meaning that this type of modification could eventually replace the use of pesticides. For now, no method is decisively the best, as they each have significant benefits and drawbacks.

Sources

1. http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2015/from-corgis-to-corn-a-brief-look-at-the-long-history-of-gmo-technology/
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PmM6SUn7Es
3. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/organic-foods.htm
4. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2015/557009/EPRS_BRI(2015)557009_EN.pdf
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17852499/
6. https://ourworldindata.org/is-organic-agriculture-better-for-the-environment
7. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/aa6cd5
8. https://www.fda.gov/food/agricultural-biotechnology/how-gmo-crops-impact-our-world

Can you imagine that apples are saved for 2 months or the tomato becomes as huge as a pumpkin? Today more and more people are talking about GMOs, however, what’s GMO? The full name of GMO is genetically changed organisms (GMOs). Some animals have had their DNA genetically designed or changed in some forms. In most cases, GMOs are altered by the DNA of another organism, be it microorganism, plants, viruses, or animals; these organisms are typically named as ‘transgenic’ organisms.

Lots of individuals might have concerns about the security of GMOs. They wonder, for instance, is it harmful to human health? In line with several researches, although GMOs have some disadvantages, it still holds tons of benefits. First and foremost, GMOs are very nutritious. The GMOs are identical nutrient as non-GMO food unless the nutrients of GM crops are advisedly changed, like high oily soybeans, or biofortified crops like golden rice. Some genetically modified foods are designed to enhance nutrition, quality, and style. For instance, potatoes are modified to even out distribution of starches, enhance texture and cut back fat absorption. Genetically changed golden rice has a lot of beta-carotene and iron that customers in unfed populations want. Still another kind of genetically changed rice has less simple protein, a macromolecule that compromises sake production (Anna Chen). Within the spring of 2016, the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medication (NAS) issued a report confirming the security of GMOs and also their integrative and nutritional equivalency with non-GMO foods. The NAS confirms, “Statistically significant differences in nutrient and chemical composition have been found between GE (genetically engineered) and non-GE plants by using traditional methods of compositional analysis, but the difference has been considered to fall within the range of naturally occurring variation found in currently available non-GE crops (‘GMOs and Nutrients’).

Most GMO foods are changed for production, for instance, to form them a lot of immune to herbicides and pests. However, tests are below way to see if GM food, which can be on the market shortly, can give shoppers advantages, like improved product quality. Biotechnology firms, as an example, are approved to check genetically changed fruits and vegetables with improved flavor additionally as texture and delayed ripening, which means manufacture can keep for extended. In line with Dr. Peggy Lemaux, a Cooperative Extension Specialist, Department of Plant and Amicrobic Biology, University of California-Berkley, foods that are genetically changed endure testing for safety, health and nutrient price. The organic process price of GMO foods is tested and compared against non-GMO foods. Varied studies have shown no organic process variations between commercially on the market GMO and non-GMO foods. Genetic modification will improve the organic process content of some foods, for instance, low linoleic acid oil that may cut back trans-fat content. In these cases, the foods should be tagged to indicate the organic process variations in line with agency policy.

On top of that, GMOs are able to effectively alleviate and prevent some diseases. Once quite twenty years of observance by countries and researchers around the world, several of the suspicions close the results of GMOs on organ health, our offspring, and our DNA are self-addressed and tested. What’s more, aboard more studies not mentioned here, GMOs are found to exhibit no toxicity, in one generation or across several. Though every new product would require careful analysis and assessment of safety, it seems that GMOs as a category aren’t any a lot of probably to be harmful than historically bred and fully-grown food sources (Megan L. Norris). From Amanda Barrell, a contract health and medical education journalist, editor, and employee, we willowed can grasp that some researchers believe that feeding GMO foods can contribute to the event of cancer. They argue that as a result of the malady is caused by mutations in DNA, it’s dangerous to introduce new genes into the body. The American Cancer Society (ACS) have aforementioned that there’s no proof for this. However, they note that no proof of hurt isn’t constant as proof of safety which concluding would require a lot of analysis. In a shot to counteract negative press, a replacement generation of weight unit crops is attempting to create health advantages, as reported on Phys.org. The United States has already approved the import of genetically designed pink pineapples that contain the tomato-based pigment carotenoid, which could be an inhibitor which may facilitate forestall cancer. Similarly, the purple pigment/antioxidant from blueberries is being designed into tomatoes (Quinn Fucile).

What’s more, some GM crops are changed to become edible vaccines that may reinforce the system of humans. Some weight unit crops are inserted with DNA sequences encryption for antibodies into their order (Dickinson, 2009). This permits the crops to provide antibiotics in their cells. Weight unit crops like banana, tomato, and potato are altered to contain microorganisms or reovirus antigens. Massive scaled immunizations are created by introducing edible vaccines to patients, rendering the vaccinations of those diseases significantly easier, painless, and accessible. Persse, antibodies contained in such gm foods can enhance the system of human bodies to combat against pathogens once consumed orally. Therefore, it’ll not be uncommon within the close to future once humans will just ingest gm tomatoes rather than waiting in line to envision a doctor (‘Benefits of Genetically Changed (GM) Foods to Human Health’).

Finally, GMOs improve people’s life quality. This is often as a result of once a lot of GMO foods are made, the cheaper the costs of GMO food are. Therefore, the poor also will be able to afford the GMO food, then they’ll eat healthier. Most shoppers in wealthy countries have access to a comparatively cheap offer of safe and healthy food. In distinction, matter deficiency disease is widespread in poor countries, moving quite half of the population within the developing world. The potential advantages of the organic process quality of foods area unit higher for low‑income countries, wherever food budgets account for a simple fraction of a lot of total expenditures. The property resolution to deficiency disease in developing countries is the provision of enough amount of high-quality diet. Organic process and quality traits of foods are altered through transgenic methods; such biofortification could be a low-priced strategy for up food quality that enhances different technological and social interventions. However, the organic process effectivity and risks of unplanned harmful effects of those products have to be tested and incontestable (‘Statement on Advantages and Risks of Genetically Changed Foods for Human Health and Nutrition’). Also, analysis at pressing reveals that customers area unit willing to pay more for GMOs with health advantages, with premiums starting from two hundredth to seventieth. This differs from GMOs with farmer advantages, that are solely accepted by shoppers once they are offered at a reduction. Especially in regions such as China and Brazil, which are considered key target markets for these nutrient-enhanced crops, where a large portion of the population suffers from nutrient deficiencies, the potential market share for these GMOs is high. As the world’s population grows dramatically every year, natural resources for planting, water, energy, and different biological reserves are below tremendous pressure to produce enough food whereas maintaining scheme coherence. As confirmed by the Planet Bank and also the international organization, roughly one to a pair of billion individuals are unfed, marking signs of a shortage of food provides, low incomes and distributed food distribution (Pimentel, Huang, Cordova, Pimentel, 1996). The introduction of genetically changed foods has greatly relieved this downside. Genetically changed crops are improved to provide more yield and improve the organic process price of crop foods (UK Essays).

In conclusion, even though many of us are skeptical about the importance of GMOs, they will contribute to the protection of human health in several ways.

Genetically modified food (GM) can be defined as food produced from natural organisms with manipulated genetic material, in other words with modified DNA. GM foods first appeared on sale in the last century, in 1994, in the US with introduction of so-called ‘Flavr Savr’ tomatoes which had decreased ripening rate (Plumer, 2015). With advances in genetic engineering in the last decade, it got possible to yield more nutritious and more sustainable crops. For example, as Plumer (2017) states, the genes of majority of corn and soy crops are modified in order to increase their resistance to herbicides. But still, despite these pros, the concept of GM foods is quite a controversial one; it is widely argued among pundits worldwide whether GM foods are beneficial or harmful for our society. Opponents state that GM crops may lead to increased use of chemicals, which are harmful for our organisms, and require more testing on them.

The arguments of Kosi and Brassard over genetically modified food (GM) are different in mainly two points. The first point regards the environmental issues. Kosi (2016) states that growing GM crops increases resistance to diseases and bacteria, requires less land and less pesticides to use, and probably allows us to rehabilitate corrupted land areas. In other words, we have opportunity to reduce global malnutrition level with the use of less place and less effort. Brassard (2017), on the other hand, mentions the probable increase in use of herbicides and pesticides by farmers, which can lead to poisoning for both soil and human beings and therefore cause notable changes in environment. What is more, chemicals contained in GMO’s can be a potential for other organisms as birds and bees (Brassard, 2017). The second topic of argument is on health issues. Kosi (2016) emphasizes contribution of genetic engineering into production of remedies as medical benefit. It is widely known that ‘golden rice’ which is rich in vitamin A can help a lot of blind people around the world (Kosi, 2016). Opposite to this, Brassard (2017) notes the harmful effects of GM crops in the form of autoimmune and chronic illnesses such as kidney or liver cancers. He also finds GM foods as the main reason of health crisis in US and strongly recommends not to supply them if possible.

I partially agree with the statement that we should support GM food use to have a better future. Comparable benefits and flaws are the reason of my position on GM food. To begin with, one of the main advantages is that GM foods allow us to decrease famine rates worldwide and to conserve economic stability. Another benefit is that GM foods can be applied as remedies; in other words, they may be used in order to get rid of some immune deficiencies. For instance, ‘golden rice’ which is rich in vitamin A may be very helpful for people with poor eyesight (Kosi,2016). However, the side effects are also worth to mention. Chemicals used in GM food production are toxic, and therefore leading to health issues. For example, compared to two decades ago, nowadays much more people are struggling with obesity, diabetes and cancer. Obesity itself causes more serious issues such as heart diseases. Furthermore, genetic engineering is harmful not only for human beings but also for other natural organisms like plants and insects. In conclusion, I want to emphasize that by-effects of GM food are not negligible related to its advantages and suppose that we cannot fully rely on GM food for a brighter future.

For eight millennia, rice has been the most domesticated crop due to large scale industry of rice crop farming. Rice has achieved its prominence due to the simplicity of gathering seeds and growing the plant, making more than 70% of Asia’s diet (Willis, 2019). However, it has little nutritional value, and no micronutrients. Vitamin A deficiency is prevalent in third world countries who have rice as their main source of food, posing a lack of nutritional organic compounds, essential for the growth and development and improving of the immune system and maintaining vision. So why not create rice crops genetically modified to possess high amount of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats?

The Golden Rice Project has made this possible in effort to combat the global epidemic of world hunger. Since the rice crop possesses the structure for the induction of an antioxidant, scientists behind this project hypothesized that the synthesis of beta carotene (the antioxidant) accumulation in the rice crop can enable multiple benefits to consumers. To allow the rice plant to produce beta carotene, the crop was injected with two genes, a bacterial and plant gene. The plant phytoene synthase which employs the endogenously synthesized geranylgeranyl-diphosphate, manifesting phytoene, a dietary compound called a carotenoid. Whilst a bacterial phytoene desaturase works in combination with the already existing structure of the rice crop, forming conjugation by implementing four double bonds, finally allowing the production of this antioxidant (Maya, 2019).

When consumed the beta carotene in a body is converted to vitamin A when exposed to the human metabolism, consequently improving several factors of the human body. This includes, the refining of the body’s immune system, combatting severe diseases, viruses and harmful bacteria, potentially disallowing any easily preventable deaths. Since vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is the most significant cause for blindness in children, golden rice can be the solution. The antioxidant it produces (beta carotene) when consumed, also sustains the level of vision a child is born with, avoiding any future blindness or contraction of fatal illnesses.

In 2012, the World Health Organization submitted a report of about 250 million preschoolers were affected by VAD. Since VAD can be potentially fatal, the affected people consist of approximately 1/28th of the world’s global population (Martinez, 2019). This clearly demonstrates the severity of this problem. The children under the ages of 5 appear to be most affected by this deficiency, where 40% of children’s immune systems are harmed by VAD, significantly accentuating the severity of this problem, often leading to fatal outcomes. Where potentially, vitamin A tablets and zinc can avoid the deaths of 4 million people who would otherwise pass away from malnutrition.

Vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of blindness in children, affecting more than 2.8 million children currently. Where 251 million other children have already inevitably been harmed by VAD to an extent where they are unable to be helped (Gao, 2019). The instigation of golden rice will combat this problem to an unpredictable degree. Undoubtedly, it will lower the numbers of fatalities and even possibly solve this global issue.

Although this seems ideal and perfected, an opposition still stands for this product. Usually in any case of a GMO this was likely to happen. One of the points regarding why golden rice should not be planted and grown is because the technological advancements and accessibility of the project would be too complicated and expensive to deal with. However, the severity of VAD is too significant to be overlooked, even if this project would be costly, there would also be a major improvement to children’s lives and mortality rates. By preventing the already calculated 250 million affected children (and increasing), the importance of this project should be regarded as one of the most significant as this is already a large portion of the world’s population. There would also undoubtedly be people and organizations which would donate to the cause of this project.

Another due point of the opposition is that it only targets VAD, where people who are already affected by the deficiency often have other outstanding problems which won’t be helped by the golden rice. They most likely also possess malnutrition of supplementary micronutrients. However, it would still be more beneficial to treat the problem of VAD, even if the other issues remain untreated.

Since golden rice is already extremely prominent, the project has conferred with other bio-tech industries and profit companies. This indicates that the project can be advanced and utilized without costing anything in the developing countries.

The sustainability of rice has already been proven due to the longevity of its prominence. Therefore, a question should not be raised as to how reliable and sustainable this product would be. The only difference between golden rice and white rice is the algorithm of the genetic makeup, this would indisputably pose a change to the developing countries’ diet.

In 2009 a clinical trial was conducted to test whether golden rice did successfully provide the human body with vitamin A, evidently succeeding (American Journal of Nutrition). The journal also concluded that the results for this crop portrayed to be exceedingly effective, even showing potential for this product to possess a much more significant and positive bioconversion rate in comparison to other bio-fortified crops. This also demonstrated that one cup of the golden rice would supply 50% of the required daily intake.

The majority of the opposition only provide arguments against this GMO in regards to expenses and instigation of golden rice. Whereas the supporters of this project focus on the benefit of human society and sustainability.

IRRI is a research group who has already tested the liability of golden rice, deeming it perfectly safe to consume. They have tested that the beta-carotene in this product is the exact same as the beta-carotene in natural vegetable and fruits. The inserted genes are also proven non-toxic and non-allergenic. Therefore, the product is harmless to the body and also significantly valuable to our necessities.

Bio-fortification is the process by which the nutritional value is improved through agronomic practices, conventional plant breeding, or in this case, modern biotechnology. In this case, the nutritional value in rice is increased substantially to satisfy the requirements of a human body.

In conclusion, the mortality rate of children can be drastically lowered if the introduction of golden rice succeeds and the industrial farming of this genetically modified crop is farmed globally. The pros far outweigh the cons as the intention of this product is meant to treat a very large-scale epidemic that the world combats.

Bibliography

1. Mayer, C. (2019). The Golden Rice Project. [online] Goldenrice.org. Available at: http://www.goldenrice.org/ [Accessed 12 Jul. 2019].
2. Willis, P. (2019). Science Update: Golden Rice – Australia’s Science Channel. [online] Australia’s Science Channel. Available at: https://australiascience.tv/science-update-golden-rice/ [Accessed 18 Jul. 2019].
3. Irri.org. (2019). Golden Rice | International Rice Research Institute. [online] Available at: https://www.irri.org/golden-rice [Accessed 18 Jul. 2019].
4. Antonio Martinez, Med.nyu.edu. (2019). Genetically Modified Organisms: The “Golden Rice” Debate | High School Bioethics. [online] Available at: https://med.nyu.edu/highschoolbioethics/genetically-modified-organisms-%E2%80%9Cgolden-rice%E2%80%9D-debate [Accessed 20 Jul. 2019].
5. Gao, J. and Zhou, Y. (2019). Phytoene Synthase – an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics. [online] Sciencedirect.com. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/phytoene-synthase [Accessed 21 Jul. 2019].
6. Adrian Dubock, Who.int. (2019). WHO | Micronutrient deficiencies. [online] Available at: https://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/vad/en/ [Accessed 20 Jul. 2019].
7. https://agricultureandfoodsecurity.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40066-017-0136-2
8. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889157518300024

The coloration of the foods is what captivates the eye, the taste is what draws the cravings, and the texture encourages sensational options of fresh foods. At a young age we are told to eat our fruits and vegetables, just so that we can grow big and strong. Nevertheless, how much do we really know about what we consume and where they come from? To this day, many people are not aware of the pros and cons of genetically modified organisms. GMOs also known as genetically modified organisms are modified plants created by moving desirable genes from one organism to another. For the past years GMOs have been seen to have a positive outcome on today’s society by providing food supply in poor countries, crops growing in arid conditions for better yield, and the produce of herbicides that kill pests. As shocking as it sounds GMOs have solved many human problems. But some people think otherwise.

Articles such as ‘Why We Need GMO Crops in Agriculture’, discuss the debate on whether GMO are a good thing or a bad thing, using mostly logos and visual text, they remind us about the needs for GMOs and the big impact of GMOs in our society. The article states: “Within 35 years (2049) the global population will reach an estimated nine billion people. This presents a massive challenge to agriculture…The future is very promising for GM technologies to meet the future global needs for food, feed and fiber in a sustainable and responsible way. GM crops are only one part of the solution. To meet the targeted yields, nutritional quality, and sustainable production, we need all of the tools at our disposal including conventional and organic food production systems”. The words “only one part of the solution” are seen as a form of staggering because the estimate for 35 years, our population will be about nine billion people and all those people must consume food to survive. Therefore, needing the GM technologies in the future. This shows that GMO are going to be massively needed due to how fast the human population is expanding, Therefore, leading to the demand of GMO because it provides us with fast growing crops that we need to consume to survive.

The big picture here is that GMOs are filling in the gaps of needs required for humans to survive. According to ‘Why GMOs Matter- Especially for the Developing World’, it states “without GMOs, meaning food prices would be higher, hunger would be higher, or we’d have more pressure to chop down forests to grow food or maybe we’d be just fine”. Naam uses the words “food prices would be higher” to create an anxious tone because food prices won’t affect everyone, it hits everyone differently depending on their economy, without a doubt it will hit differently for poor developing economies because they wouldn’t be able to afford certain types of food if it weren’t for GMOs. This proves that it would be a challenge to remove GMOs completely and how GMO have been developed to produce crops rapidly and so having many crops to provide for the society.

Everyone benefits from GMOs. Farmers and agriculture companies commonly known as the producers are the ones that gain profit out of this as well as for the consumers. Consumers who have accessible and affordable amounts of large juicy fruits for a low price. This is a massive debate on whether GMOs are good or bad. According to ucbiotech, it states “the nutritional composition of GMO foods, including levels of protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins, minerals, fiber, moisture, and phytochemicals, is analyzed for substantial equivalence, and levels of individual nutrients and antinutrients in GMO foods are compared with levels in conventional counterparts”. The words “composition of GMO foods, including levels of protein” are seen as a form of satisfaction because knowing that GMO have certain traits to actual health organic foods gives you a mindset to think that GMO foods aren’t as bad as they say that they are. This proves that GMO foods are produced with high standards that are designed to benefit our craving and fulfill the nutrition needed for humans to survive.

There always seems to be a positive impact on present outcomes but what about the negative circumstances that can and will affect us in the long run. Articles such as ‘Are GMO Food Safe’ discuss the unknown fear people have toward GMO foods, using mostly logos and visual text, they remind us about the clarification of GMO foods and their studies of safety. In the article it states “It is not possible to prove a food is safe, only to say that no hazard has been shown to exist. The fears of GMOs are still theoretical, like the possibility that insertion of one or a few genes could have a negative impact on other desirable genes naturally present in the crop’.

Uncertainty because humans haven’t shown effects toward GMOs leading to a theory of GMOs long-term effects. This proves that GMO foods are safe but we really don’t know the long-term effects it can cause if we continue to consume GMO foods.

GMO foods aren’t explicitly proven to show any complications so there’s no real reason to be afraid of consuming GMOs but people think otherwise. In the article ‘Genetically Modified Foods: Safety, Risks and Public Concerns’ it states: “It is believed that consumption of these genetically engineered foods can cause the development of diseases which are immune to antibiotics. Besides, as these foods are new inventions, not much is known about their long-term effects on human beings. As the health effects are unknown, many people prefer to stay away from these foods”. This is important because although there is no evidence but a theory it is said that GMO can cause effects on the human body therefore some people believe it is best to stay away from GMOs, but we can choose what we want, we either consume or we stay away.

Many people consume GMO foods but we all have our own opinions on whether we support it or oppose it. My stance is that I am not against GMOs because it provides plentiful food for large populations which limits worldwide hunger and GMO foods contain as much minerals and vitamins as organic foods. Therefore, this concludes that the consumption of GMOs should be viewed as something good that is helping out our society.

With Earths large population of over seven billion people, it comes to no surprise that we have had to resort in producing genetically modified foods. Food is the fuel for our bodies; food helps keep us alive, it’s a source of energy that give us the ability to take on internal and external tasks.

Genetically modified foods, also known by the term bioengineered foods are organisms that have changes in their DNA, an example being the transfer of the gene that allows foods to grow in colder harsher weather to an organism like corn that doesn’t last in such a rough environment. Genetically modified organisms allow for foods to be grown year-round without the concern of seasonal and environmental changes. With the abundance of genetically modified food, the price of the food consumers want lessens, making it more accessible to consumers that can’t afford it.

History of Genetically Modified Foods

Humans have been known to alter the genetic makeup of food for thousands of years. Over the years each generation of gene selectively bred, gets more pronounced. A process as simple as seed dispersal (a procedure in which wind carries a seed to another location where it can occasionally grow from there) can cause a seed to land in an area where other types of crops are grown. This modification alone can cause the slightest difference in the new form of crop. A great example of genetically modified organisms over time is corn. Corn once looked like little twigs, these twig-like pieces were then selectively bred to look like the type of corn were familiar with today.

Science Behind GMOs

Genetically modified organisms means that any food altered to vary in size, taste, immunity is considered a GMO. But what many people don’t understand is that, as stated by Pamela Ronald, a food geneticist at the University of California, “The Food and Drug Administration has stated that [the term GMO] is scientifically meaningless, and that’s because everything we eat – breakfast, lunch, and dinner – has been genetically altered in some manner”. What Pamela is staying is that for the past thousands of years humans have been altering the genetics of food, whether it be a process like grafting – a process in which one can transplant living tissue of one type of plant to another species of plant – or using a lab-based approach known as genetic engineering – a process in which a gene from one organism can be placed into another organism. For example, putting a virus gene into a plant – and the last major technique is cross breeding, also known as hybridization- where a plant or animal breeds with that of another species – a great example is the Santa Gertrudis cattle, this cow is a cross breed of the Brahman cattle whose known for its heat resistance and the English shorthorn known for its good beef. Cross breeding both those species of cow bred a cow with heat resistance and good beef.

GMOs and Their Health Concerns

According to countless studies, genetically modified foods can cause an incline in obesity, accelerated aging, as well as a change in the functions of some magic organs, as well as many other internal issues. Others are also concerned about the pesticides introduced to the genetic makeup of plants, but according to recent studies poisons in plants have no harm to humans. Genetically modified organisms and the act or creating them is considered one of the most controversial sciences to this day. Because on the other side of the spectrum many researches state that genetically modified food causes no harm to one’s body.

GMOs and Their Financial Benefits

Although genetically modified foods aren’t the healthiest option, their financial benefits tend to exceed the organism’s health risks. Over 70% of the foods in your local grocery store is transgenic (have been genetically modified) If GMOs were to stop being produced, prices would start to rise and there would be a decrease in what the customer/consumer can actually buy. The first group of people that would be affected negatively by this change would be the lower class. Since The United States doesn’t have such harsh laws on genetically modified organisms, unlike other countries such as France, Germany, and Austria, genetically modified foods are more accessible to those with lower incomes. Genetically modified foods are more cost effective, thus helping out the economy.

The Government and GMOs

President Barack Obama was in accordance with and signed a country wide mandatory GMO labeling law. Requiring all genetically modified foods that are sold are to have a label stating the presence of genetically modified organisms in the product. While is seems to be a step in the right direction, the labeling is very vague and sometimes confusing. Instead of outright labeling products that have GMOs, the labels can sometimes include a number to call in order to find out if GMOs exist in the product, or other abbreviations that people aren’t familiar with.

The Future for GMOS

While genetically modified foods have existed for a pretty long time, the technological advancements we’ve made can cause some concern about the safety on what exactly we are putting in our food, whether it be naturally occurring or through a laboratories approach. In the end, with such a financial benefit in the food production industry that’s too hard to ignore, it might be more difficult to get the proper evaluation and ‘labeling’ of GMO products. Given people’s stances on the bioengineering point of view, all that’s really wanted is clarification and safety of the products people are ingesting, but it doesn’t seem like it’s going to be clarified anytime soon.