Genetically Modified Foods
argumentative Essay
1442 words
Hunger is currently one of the world’s most widespread crises, affecting millions of people. In every single country of the world, there are people that go to bed without food on a regular basis, and many that end up dying of starvation. One way that the eradication of hunger has been attempted is by increasing the amount of food in the world, so that there is enough to go around. Scientists have tried to do this by creating new species of crops, using genetic engineering. Though genetically modified foods were originally created to improve agriculture, their negative effects greatly outweigh their positive ones.
Though they have a relatively short history, genetically modified foods have grown into a massive industry. In 1995, the United States first allowed GM foods to be sold for human consumption (Diaz and Fridovich-Keil). The first genetically modified food sold in the United States was a tomato that was invented to stay fresh longer (Fernandez). After only four years, nearly half of the United States' cotton, soybeans, and corn were genetically modified (Diaz and Fridovich-Keil). Currently, GM crops are planted on over one billion acres all over the world, according to the United Nations (Lerner and Lerner). The majority of processed foods in the United States are made with genetically modified ingredients, at over 70 percent (Mercola and Pearsall 216). GM foods now have a strong foothold in the United States’ food industry.
To begin with, scientists originally began creating genetically modified foods for many positive reasons, including making crops and livestock stronger and/or more nutritious (217). One type of rice was genetically engineered to contain enzymes that produce an extra protein to help iron-deficient people ...
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Fernandez, Michael. "Genetically Modified Food." World Book Student. 2014 ed. World Book, 2014. Web. 25 Apr. 2014. .
Lerner, K. Lee, and Brenda Wilmoth Lerner. "Genetically Modified Foods and Organisms." Gale Encyclopedia of Science. 4th ed. 2008. N. pag. Science in Context. Web. 3 May 2014. .
Mercola, Joseph, and Kendra Degen Pearsall. Take Control of Your Health. Schaumburg: Mercola, 2007. Print.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that hunger is one of the world's most widespread crises, affecting millions of people. scientists have tried to eradicate hunger by creating new species of crops, using genetic engineering.
- Explains how genetically modified foods have grown into a massive industry in the united states.
- Explains that scientists created genetically modified foods for many positive reasons, including making crops and livestock stronger and/or more nutritious.
- Explains that gm foods have negative effects on consumers, and many of them can be directly attributed to the actual modification of the crop’s genes.
- Explains that 75 percent of the top 9 gm crops can withstand a certain herbicide, about 20 percent make their own pesticides, and over 10 percent fall into both categories.
- Explains that the negative effects of gm foods aren't limited to health-related concerns; corruption and monopolization have recently been brought to light as problems in the gmo industry.
- Analyzes how gm companies have bribed officials to approve the growth hormone rbgh against their better judgment, and the corruption behind the scenes.
- Concludes that genetically modified foods were originally created to improve agriculture, but their negative effects overshadowed their positive ones.
- States that diaz, julia m., and fridovich-keil, "genetically modified organism (gmo)". encyclopedia brittanica.
- Explains fernandez, michael, "genetically modified food." world book student, 2014.
- Explains that genetically modified foods and organisms. gale encyclopedia of science. 4th ed.
- States that mercola, joseph, and kendra degen pearsall, take control of your health, schaumburg, 2007.
Related
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- The Benefits of Genetically Modified Organismsanalytical essayGenetically modified foods are found in almost every store and are very common in America. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is a very controversial and heated topic in the agricultural industry. Humans first began to genetically alter organisms and crops in the 1990’s and began to be widely used in the early 2000’s. This new technology has scared many uninformed people who fear change and new agricultural techniques. GMO fearing individuals need to realize the benefits of GMO’s; genetically altered crops are the future of agriculture. Genetically altered crops are essential because of today's growing population, safe, cheap technology, and the many examples of successful crops.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that genetically modified organisms (gmos) are a controversial and heated topic in the agricultural industry.
- Explains that the world population has exceeded seven billion people and the earth's population is projected to reach 9.6 billion by 2050. gmo crops will help increase yield and decrease waste.
- Argues that genetically enhanced crops and organisms are safer than heavily-pesticide-treated counterparts. the minimal use of pesticides could make them safer.
- Explains that many farmers and growers have adopted the new ge crops rather than stick with traditional, non-enhanced crops.
- Explains that genetically modified organisms are a necessary change in agriculture because of the large, growing population, safe healthy technology used, and the variety of successful crops.
863 wordsRead More - Genetically Modified foodsanalytical essayThroughout the twentieth century, farmers use techniques to strengthen plants to ensure greater food productivity. One of the early forms of genetically modified foods are hybrid plants. By breeding two of the strongest plants together, scientists are able to obtain a stronger offspring. As science progressed with Watson’s discovery of DNA, biologists were able to identify certain genes that would be desired. Today, foods are genetically modified through experiments with the insertion of genes administered through a needle or breeding. Genetically modified foods should be produced as they allow the fruit or vegetable to withstand certain diseases leading to more production, benefits the consumer due to increased nutritional value, and provide scientists with new mixtures of nutrients to contribute to medicine.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that genetically modified foods are produced through experiments with the insertion of genes administered through a needle or breeding.
- Explains that genetically modified foods can lead to greater production for consumers and improve the quality of seeds.
- Explains that consumers of genetically modified foods may benefit from the increased nutritional value.
- Explains that scientists have experimented with plants to administer the medicine needed. instead of grinding and making pills, they have found a way to increase the amount of medicine in plants.
- Explains that the fda has proven that genetically modified foods undergo several safety assessments before they are released into the market.
- Argues that genetically modified foods should be produced in the united states as they allow for a greater production of crops due to their resistance to disease and decrease in vulnerability to insects.
1151 wordsRead More - The Genetically Modified Foods Controversyexplanatory essayIn the U.S., GM foods have received little public opposition; this is largely due to the fact that food manufacturers are not required to label their products as containing genetically modified ingredients for fear of confusing consumers. Due to the lack of evidence that genetically altered foods are harmful, the Food and Drug Administration considers GM foods to be “generally regarded as safe” (known as GRAS) and no special labeling is required (Falkner 103). In the U.S., genetically modified crops are monitored by t...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that genetically modified foods can increase pest, herbicide, cold, and drought tolerance. however, there are some concerns regarding gm foods.
- Explains that in the united states, gm foods are prevalent, with 89% of soybeans and 61% of corn being transgenic. europe is suspicious and hostile towards crop alterations.
- Explains that in the u.s., gm foods have received little public opposition due to the fact that food manufacturers are not required to label their products as containing genetically modified ingredients.
- Explains that the european populace has a different response to gm foods. the precautionary principle is based on the idea that even though there is no evidence of negative effects, that does not mean that no risk exists.
- Explains that the u.s. has a more "hands off" policy and places more trust and faith in corporations and biotech companies involved in the production of genetically modified foods.
- Explains that the conflict between the u.s. and the e.u. has permeated into other regions of the world, specifically developing nations.
- Analyzes how the gm food controversy is an example of how two very kindred cultures can be so split over one issue, enough to cause hostility.
- Cites haroon ashraf and c. d. viljoen. gm biotechnology: friend and foe?
- States falkner, robert, herrick, clare b., and sheldon, ian. the global biotech food fight: why the united states got it so wrong.
1350 wordsRead More - Controversy over Genetically Modified Foodopinion essayGenetically modified foods have an enormous amount of untapped potential. Today, many people are still not at ease with the concept, but hopefully we will see more acceptance in the near future. The idea is relatively new, and there is much to be known about the method. It already has shown great promise and further research could lead to greater achievements. Genetically engineered foods have both economic and humanitarian benefits and they may even become a necessity to satisfy our growing population.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that society should be more accepting towards genetically modified foods because they are a great way to feed our growing population.
- Defines genetic modification as a special set of technologies that alter the genetic makeup of organisms such as animals, plants, or bacteria.
- Explains that there are more than one billion people who do not have enough food to eat each day, and the situation is only predicted to get worse.
- Explains that thomas malthus predicted that the earth could not provide enough food to sustain its exponentially growing population, but the problem arose again in the mid 1900’s.
- Opines that genetically modified foods are not the best solution to the world's food crises.
- Explains that genetic modifications have already increased crop yields in the united states. twenty years ago, the hawaiian food industry was in great danger of collapsing due to the ring spot virus.
- Explains that genetically modified foods can have nutrients added to them that are not normally found in the organism. this can make having a healthy diet convenient in developed countries, and it can even save lives in third-world countries.
- Explains that genetically altered foods are cheaper than organic counterparts, and that the government spends billions on agricultural subsidies and genetic engineering.
- Argues that activists against genetic engineering are hindering the progress of today's society. there is no reason why scientists should not at least explore all of the possibilities.
- Opines that genetically modified foods have a tremendous potential to solve the problems we might have with our food supply, but they are meeting an opposition.
- Opines that genetically modified foods have an enormous amount of untapped potential and hope to see more acceptance in the near future. the idea is relatively new and there is much to know about the method.
1748 wordsRead More - Genetically Modified Organismsexplanatory essayMany people today are often amazed by the amount of nutrition and health information required for humans. The constant stream of genetic modification of food can be confusing. Genetically modified (GM) foods are plants and animals that have had their genetic makeup artificially altered by scientists to make them grow faster, taste better, last longer and to provide more nutrients. Scientists make these alternations by transferring genes from one organism into another in order to change the condition or character of the receiving organism. This process is known as biotechnology or genetic engineering (GE), and it has revolutionized the way that agriculture is practiced in many parts of the world. Researchers are now able to use GE technology to create “better” versions of milk, tomatoes, corn, soybeans and other food products that have been consumed by Humans for centuries.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that genetically modified foods are plants and animals that have had their genetic makeup artificially altered by scientists to make them grow faster, taste better, last longer, and provide more nutrients.
- Explains that supporters of genetically modified (gm) foods argue that they have many far-reaching benefits. gm seeds provide economic help to farmers through increased crop yields and lower expenditure on pests.
- Explains that gm technology could improve the health of hundreds of millions of people around the world. researchers have developed a genetically modified soybean that elevates omega-3 acids in the blood.
- Explains that genetically modified foods have become a big presence in u.s. restaurants, super-markets, kitchens and school lunchrooms since the late 1990s but are still viewed with suspicion by many american consumers.
- Explains that people who support gm foods dismiss complaints that they might not be safe to eat.
- Explains that gm critics worry that transgenic crops could harm wildlife and cause lasting damage to fragile food chains.
- Explains that transgenic foods provide economic benefits to farmers and consumers, since gm seeds generate higher crop yields and farmers bring in more money at harvest time. the technology will produce more crops with less pesticide, less fuel, and less fertilizer.
- Explains that health concerns about genetically modified food have been with us since the mid-1990s, when gm foods first appeared in america's kitchens and grocery stores.
- Explains that supporters of gm foods say that the environment also benefits from transgenic crops. reduced use of farming chemicals also means reduced levels of pesticide residue on nearby plants and trees.
- Opines that gm foods can be manipulated by social, economic, and political forces to generate positive or negative results. the question is not whether we should use it, but to what responsible purpose.
936 wordsRead More - Genetically modified foodanalytical essayIn the recent years , genetically modified food and organisms have been the center of talk
In this essay, the author
- Describes the long-term effects of eating genetically modified products.
- Quotes david pierson in his article no more gmo's in cheerios. there are no national labeling laws.
- Describes 64 countries, including all of the countries in the european union.
- Explains that the rest of the world has taken their stand on genetically modified foods.
- Argues that they should take the hint from their fellow members of the united nations and make big companies.
- Explains that genetically modified food and organisms have been the center of talk in the food department in recent years.
- Describes the health impacts of genetically modified foods on our bodies.
- Opines that food derived from genetically modified crops are not available for human consumption in large parts of the world, including europe, because of health fears.
- Argues that if genetically modified crops continue to take over agriculture, monarch butterflies, as well as bees and bats, may eventually become extinct.
- Explains that companies don't want to label if their products are genetically modified because they say that it would cost more money.
- Opines that if we don't know enough about a product or the long-term effects it may have on the body, why would we want to consume it?
- Explains that the requirement of labeling may be mandatory due to the states that are voting on whether to make companies label their products.
- Analyzes how the food companies are wasting their money on lobbyists to get the legislatures not to vote on making them label their products. whole foods will require all genetically modified foods to be labeled if being sold inside the store.
- Opines that genetically modified foods will continue to be a topic of debate until we can pass legislation to label them.
- States kallas, julia, and reville, william, "q&a: health impacts of genetically modified foods."
1060 wordsRead More - Over the course of this speech, sixty people will die. Imagine all of your friends and family gone within the next five minutes. Imagine the classroom next door, gone, and imagine our class, gone. Every four seconds another person dies from hunger. 21,000 people die every day. That’s 7.5 million people each and every year (“World Hunger Statistics” 1). Why is it now that enhancing foods is a problem? Why is it, that people oppose the production of these foods as the amount of hungry people in the world number nearly a billion (Diamandis and Kotler 100)? More people die daily from hunger than the total number of Americans killed over the past eleven years in Iraq (Jean-Louis, Linch, Fetterhoff , and Hadar 1). This war against hunger is not something that we may continue to kick down the road. The time to deal with it is now. Genetically enhanced organisms are necessary to end the war on hunger and save millions of lives.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that technological advancements have pros and cons, such as an increased rate of allergic reactions, and unintended consequences. however, correlation does not indicate causation.
- Analyzes whitman, deborah, "genetically modified foods: harmful or helpful?." community supported agriculture.
- Opines that genetically enhanced organisms are necessary to end the war on hunger and save millions of lives.
- Argues that gmos are the solution to the world's hunger issues.
- Opines that gmos: the future of sustainable agriculture? is better than you think. diamandis, peter, and steven kotler.
- Summarizes branum, amy, and susan lukacs' nchs data brief on food allergy among u.s. children: trends in prevalence and hospitalizations.
1079 wordsRead More - The Problem of Genetically Modified Foodsanalytical essayContrary to popular belief, the field of biotechnology is not new by any means. Archeological evidence shows that ancient Egyptians produced beer by steeping a starch source in water and then fermenting it with yeast, thus, the first form of biotechnology. Flash-forward to the mid-1800’s, scientists, with the help of Gregor Mendel’s laws of genetics, were able to successfully practice “selective breeding” amongst their crops. With this, the field of biotechnology took a huge turn. Scientists now had the understanding necessary to manipulate plants and mate them based on their desired traits. However, until recently, this was all done naturally, through plant-to-plant cross-fertilization. Nowadays, this process can occur instantly, with no need to wait for the natural life cycle of a plant. After a few groundbreaking discoveries, it became apparent that society could greatly benefit from the genetic altercation of these biological resources and consequently, biotechnology boomed.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that biotechnology is not new by any means. ancient egyptians produced beer by steeping a starch source in water and then fermenting it with yeast.
- Explains that biotechnologists can manipulate the actual dna of an organism using enzymes to copy, cut and paste genes in any location or order we please.
- Opines that genetically modified food isn't the answer to world hunger. it's a temporary fix that will cause more problems in the future.
- Explains that people disagree on the use of genetically modified foods for environmental, political, sociological, economical, and ethical reasons.
- Argues that biotechnology could be used to alter the genes of certain crops that would allow them to be grown in spite of extreme weather conditions.
- Explains that agricultural biotechnology (a lot more than just gm crops) is a lot more than just genetically modified crops.
1780 wordsRead More - Genetically Modified Organisms and Why They Should Be Bannedexplanatory essayCommercial planting of genetically modified seeds in the United States began in 1996, and quite soon after this, food products containing GMOs began appearing on grocery store shelves, and mostly without peoples’ knowledge. By the year 2011, 94 percent of all soybeans and 88 percent of all corn grown within the U.S. was genetically modified. Soy and corn, along with other common GM foods such as canola oil, cottonseed oil, and sugar from sugar beets, are used as ingredients in numerous other products, so most people have been eating GM foods without even realizing it (Smith, 2012).
In this essay, the author
- States dahl, r., "to label or not to label: california prepares to vote on genetically engineered products."
- Explains that mazza, soave, morlacchini, and piva (2009) assessed the transfer of genetically modified dna from feed to animal tissues.
- States smith, m. (2012). gmo reality check: recent news and telling signs that more people are moving.
- Describes genetically modified organisms as plants, animals, or microorganisms that have had their genes altered through recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid technology.
1690 wordsRead More - Genetically Modified Foodsexplanatory essayMost foods in the United States have become genetically modified over the years, in fact, experts say that 60- 70% of processed foods on U.S. grocery store shelves have genetically modified(GM) ingredients. (Web MD, 2013) Due to the fact that the US is the leading producer in these genetically modified crops, there is a large amount of controversy surrounding whether or not these things are safe. Some of these concerns are that not many people really know what they are, why they have been modified, if it is safe to consume these products, and how they actually modify the ingredients to these foods. However, many people often assume things and make false arguments without doing research on the topic of genetically modified foods in the first place.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that most foods in the united states have become genetically modified over the years. there is a large amount of controversy surrounding whether or not these things are safe.
- Explains that genetically modified foods are foods with genetic material that has been altered in such a way that does not occur naturally.
- Explains that gm food skeptics should be aware of toxicity, allergenicity, gene stability, nutritional effects, and outcrossing.
- Explains that genetically modified foods have been approved through health assessments, but are still being tested to ensure that no new health risks develop over time.
- Explains the steps involved in the genetic modification of crops, which include isolation, insertion, plant transformation, selection, and regeneration.
- Explains the process of regeneration by placing the plant parts onto media that contains nutrients that promotes cells to develop into plantlets.
1338 wordsRead More