Genetically Modified Foods: A Controversial Subject In Today's Society

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Manav Patel Page 1
Charlotte Caskey
GT ILA 8
1/31/15

Genetically Modified Food Research Paper

Genetically modified foods are a controversial subject in today’s society. A genetically modified food is the result of biotechnological procedures that allow the genetic makeup of a food or organism to be altered in some way. They benefit the human race in many ways but they also pose many risks to the health of humans and the good of the environment. There is currently not enough proof to ensure the safety of these genetically modified products. Consuming these genetically altered and more processed foods can lead to increased …show more content…

Weeds are developing resistance to herbicides, because the modified seeds can withstand certain herbicides and pesticides. The increased resistance of weeds to pesticides shows why GMOs are at fault. [In] the [1990s], with the introduction of GMOs engineered to resist glyphosate, the genetic resistance of many weeds to it rose [fiercely].”(Vatnick). Also foods that were genetically modified were shown to have odd effects on animals around the world. “Rats that were fed GM potatoes developed potentially pre-cancerous cell growth, damaged immune systems, smaller brains, livers and partial atrophy of the liver. Rats fed GM soy showed odd-shaped nuclei in their livers. Pigs [that were] fed GM corn [developed] false pregnancies. Similarly, twelve cows fed GM corn died mysteriously.”(Barbour 110) Eyewitness reports from all over North America describe how several kinds of animals when given a choice, avoid eating GM foods. Another criticism of GM foods is that it places the control of agriculture into large conglomerate companies and detriments small farmers. Expensive patented seeds make it impossible for farmers to compete with these large companies, while furthering the gap in between the wealthy and the poor . “[In] 1996, a patent for quinoa, a high protein grain traditionally grown in the Andes, was issued to the Colorado State University for biotechnology experimentation. If the U.S. began to grow quinoa, Bolivia's one million export industry

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