Cons of Genetic Modification of Plants

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In our everyday lives we have a substantial need for food. Everyone on planet earth needs food to survive from day to day, so engineers have begun mutating plants and crops to create a better source of nutrition to the population. Scientists are pushing the boundaries in order to create the most bountiful crops and, in turn, healthier people. Imagine what could happen if there were larger harvests, more succulent fruits and nutritious vegetables. Our imagination can run wild with the endless possibilities of genetic alteration of food. However, can we be absolutely certain that what we are doing to our food supply will benefit us in the long run? If one seemingly simple change to a plant’s DNA actually harmed millions of people, it would be extremely detrimental to our society. The genetic alteration of food, such as fruits, vegetables, and crops could do more harm than good to the people who consume them and have a negative effect on the environment, by spreading out and destroying other plants. According to the World Heath Organization, “WHO” , all genetically altered foods currently used have been assessed for safety and are not likely to present risks for human health. WHO also cautions that foods must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The World Health Organization is safe with how they word their statement. They say “not likely”, which means that it is still possible that something detrimental could happen. A biologist by the name Arpad Pusztai has written 12 books and over 300 articles on genetic modification and is a master in the field. In a test to say that genetically enhanced foods were safe to the public, Pusztai gave DNA altered potatoes to a group of laboratory rats. The results were shocking to Pu... ... middle of paper ... ...es, Rick. "EarthSave - Food intervention programs to achieve health independence." EarthSave - Food intervention programs to achieve health independence. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2011. . Shah, Anup. "Genetically Engineered Food — Global Issues." Global Issues : social, political, economic and environmental issues that affect us all — Global Issues. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Sept. 2011. . Smith, Jeffrey. "Suppression of the truth about GMO hazards." Suppression of the truth about GMO hazards. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Sept. 2011. . Whitman, Deborah. "Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful? ." Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful? . N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2011. .

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