Genetic Modification of Food

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

To begin, a brief distinction among the terms “genetically engineered,” “genetically modified organism,” and “genetically modified food” will be made. Quite frequently, these terms are used interchangeably despite having different meanings. Genetic engineering refers to scientific methods (the actual processes) in which deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) genes from an organism are introduced directly into another (regardless of sexual compatibility) for a desired outcome. The plants, as a result, are not naturally occurring; hence, they have been genetically engineered. On the other hand, the term genetically modified organism refers to an organism produced by means of any genetic modification technique. Whether these are modern techniques or traditional plant breeding methods, the resulting organisms are classified as genetically modified. Furthermore, the term genetically modified food refers to food that has been processed with ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms.

FINDINGS

These concepts are very controversial and pose important questions that deserve to be answered. Questions like: When did the process of genetically modifying our foods first begin? How are our foods being genetically engineered? How much of our foods are genetically engineered or contain genetically modified ingredients? Why are our foods genetically engineered or modified? What problems are associated with genetic engineering? And more importantly, what affects are genetically engineered or modified foods having on human, animal, and environmental health? Plenty of research was conducted to thoroughly answer these questions, particularly concerning the latter one.

HISTORY OF GENETIC MODIFICATION

Research shows that ge...

... middle of paper ...

...companies are willing to spend enormous amounts of money to avoid telling consumers what they are eating is outrageous. It appears as if there is something about GM foods these companies do not want consumers to know.

If there are problems, then prohibit sales. If this is not the case, then label them. Labeling is not necessarily about health issues, however, it is about consumer rights. Labeling allows consumers the right to decide if they do or do not want to eat them. It is that simple. Consumers have the right to know what is in their food and they should be able to make informed choices on GM foods. In order to properly label GM foods, “GM” must be visibly labeled along with the modified characteristics and the source of the implemented gene. For example, modified tomatoes should be marketed with a label stating: “GM tomato containing ‘X’ gene from ‘Y’ source.”