Genetically Modified Foods

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Recommended: genetically modified foods and human health

What is genetically modified food, and is it dangerous? According to Mather’s article, she explains, “Genetic modification refers to the manipulation of DNA by humans to change the essential makeup of plants and animals. The technology inserts genetic material from one species into another to give it a new-quality, such as the ability to produce a pesticide.” Mather also states, “These toxins can produce a serious impact on the health of animals and humans.” Yes, the United States food industry is corrupt when it comes to modified food however, their corruption has yet to be revealed. This corruption includes mistreatment of farm animals, exploitation of food workers, and the lack of nutrition in public schools. Although, all these areas are devastating the biggest issue by far is genetically modified food. Genetically modified foods do not hurt only the animals that end up on one’s plate, but this food can also hurt the consumer. Genetically modified food should not be produced or sold due to the ill effects it has on livestock, human health, and the overall economy.

Genetic modification in livestock has steadily advanced since the 18th century and will continue to rise if there is no intervention. According to the source, Hormones: Here’s the Beef. Janet Raloff explains, “Many cattle are fed the same muscle-building androgens-usually testosterone surrogates-that some athletes consume. Other animals receive estrogens, the primary sex hormones, or progestin, semi androgenic agents that shut down a female’s estrus cycle.” Not only do these chemicals make the cattle infertile, but these growth hormones also enlarge the cattle up to three times their normal size in half the time. This genetic mutation caused by the cattle fed i...

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Pollan, Michael. In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto. New York: Penguin, 2008. Print.

Pollan, Michael. "The Omnivore's Dilemma." Good Reads. Web. 1 May 2012.

Raloff, Janet. "Hormones: Here's The Beef.” Science News 161.1 (2002): 10. Academic Search Premier. Web. 26 Apr. 2012.

Schlosser, Eric. Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2001. Print.

Szabo, Liz. "Puberty Too Soon." USA Today. 11 Apr 2011: A.1. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 26 Apr 2012.

Tinghino, R. et al. "Evaluation Of Allergenicity Of Genetically Modified Soybean Protein Extract In A Murine Model Of Oral Allergen-Specific Sensitization." Clinical & Experimental Allergy 36.2 (2006): 238-248. Academic Search Premier. Web. 26 Apr. 2012.

Watson, Brenda. "The Detox Strategy: Vibrant Health in 5 Easy Steps." Oasis Advanced Welness. Web. 1 May 2012.

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