Genetically Modified Food

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You’re Eating Genetically Modified Food and you don’t Even Know It The discovery of genetic engineering is a huge breakthrough in science. A promise of the ability to genetically increase the rate of which food is being produced has convinced many individuals to endorse this system of modifying food. In 2013, genetically engineered crops made up almost half of the total farmland in the United States used for growing crops (Fernandez-Cornejo). Scientists have boasted of the tremendous benefits since the discovery of genetic engineering, but have never talked about the consequences of utilizing this procedure. Food is essential for proper nourishment and development in all living things and is too important to our survival to be put at risk. While the most indispensable goods can be found around us, there are some cases in which modification is necessary. For instance, water cannot be consumed freely due to pollution and contamination; therefore, we rely on major corporations to filter our most vital need. But what if these companies began to modify our water to benefit their own industry without our knowledge? Corporations are generally profit-seeking which are more focused on money and not the well being of the consumers. These companies are more driven by money than benefitting the public good. Genetically modified foods should be properly labeled so consumers are aware of what they are putting into their bodies. Being knowledgeable of this, consumers can avoid health risk, help prevent monopolization of crops, and prevent the rise of ignorance in consumers. Genetically modified foods have potential health risks if consumed. Without knowing about the potential risks, excess consumption of these foods may in... ... middle of paper ... ...ed Fernandez-Cornejo, Jorge, Seth Wechsler, Mike Livingston, and Lorraine Mitchell. "Genetically Engineered Crops in the United States." U.S. Department of Agricultural, Economic Research Service (2014): n. pag. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. Langer, Gary. “Poll: Skepticism of Genetically Modified Foods”. abcNews. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. Marshall, Michael. "GM Food: The Case For The Defense." New Scientist 216.2886 (2012): 8- 9. Academic Search Premier. 12 Apr. 2014. Philpott, Tom. "Could This Election Kill Monsanto's Mutant Seeds?" Mother Jones 37.6 (2012): 5-7. Academic Search Premier. 12 Apr. 2014. Sifferlin, Alexandra. “California fails to pass genetically modified foods labeling initiative”. cnn. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. “10 Ways We Use Corn”. Mentalfloss. Web. 12 Apr. 2014. “Congress Quietly Extend ‘Monsanto Protection Act”. Politicalblindspot. 12 Sept. 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2014

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