Genetically Modified Foods

Genetically modified foods are foods produced from organisms where there genetic makeup was altered specifically by using the methods of genetic engineering. The term genetically modified foods is mostly used to refer to plants created for human or animal consumption using genetic engineering. The plant’s DNA is changed to enhance specific traits such as increased nutrition Genetic engineering, makes it possible to create plants with the desired traits with very little time need with great accuracy. Plant geneticists can isolate a gene in one plant for the resistance of drought and insert i... ... middle of paper ... ... this • Pharmaceuticals - Medicines and vaccines often are very costly to make and sometimes they need special storage conditions that would not be available in third world countries. Researchers are working to develop edible vaccines in tomatoes and potatoes.

It can also increase nutrients, improve yield, and improve resistance to pests and diseases. Food made from genetically modified plants, like corn, soy, and canola, are commonly sold in the United States. Most processed foods in the U.S. contain genetically modified organisms. Genetic modification is used to enhance the taste, quality, increase nutrients, improve yield and as well as improve resistance to pests and diseases. There is no real evidence that says whether these foods are even safe or may be health hazards.

Some have been made to be resistant to insects, viruses and herbicides (Genetically modified foods, 2010). This is a huge advancement which helps us to grow crops in times of plagues and plant viruses. An example of this is, scientists have developed a corn that has an insect killing gene which produces an insecticide (Future Foods, 2002). With less insects eating the crops, there will be more harvest, which also means cheaper food prices. Foods have also been modified to be healthier.

Other concerns are these commonly asked questions; “What will this do to my body?” and “Will there be any concerns in the long run?”. Many developing countries do not believe in these genetically modified foods because they often think that these crops and meats are very bad for them. Although there have been many polls to see if people want their food to be labeled a BioTech lobby has made it is impossible for it to pass. Every time there has been a poll a significant majority of the ... ... middle of paper ... ...tore was fed with feed made with GMOs. More than 60 other countries in the world have banned or restricted these products.

Although many studies prove positive health benefits from consuming soy, there are several concerns pertaining to health risks. To gain nutritional benefits and reduce health risks soy may cause, eating soy in whole form and in moderation is key for ensuring good health. Agricultural and manufacturing processes of soy products are the main controversial topics of this food. Beginning in the mid 1990s, soy became one of the first foods grown with genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Soy crops grown using GMOs are modified to resist disease, are engineered to grow faster in larger quantities, and tolerate harsh weather conditions (Hennessey).

Another example of how GMOs could be beneficial is in India. Both consumers and farmers are being exposed to dangerous pesticides when they consume and grow eggplant. A GMO product could help reduce harmful effects by decreasing the amount of pesticide required to properly grow the eggplant. In East Africa, maize is commonly destroyed due to droughts which leads to hunger and poverty for the citizens. If farmers were given permission, they could grow a hybrid of maize that has been genetically modified and is drought-resistant (Paarlberg).

Examples of plants which have been modified include: soybean, corn, canola, squash, potato, chicory, pineapple and strawberries. Ninety eight percent of GM crops are grown in Canada, the USA, Argentina and China. There are many advantages that come with the use of Genetically Modified Food. Firstly, is the increased crop resistance to pests while reducing the use of chemicals. Crop loss due to this issue is devastating to farmers and farmers generally have to use tons of chemical pesticides each year.

Most existing genetically modified plants have been developed to improve yield, through the introduction of resistance to plant diseases or of increased tolerance of herbicides. Main GM foods are corn, tomatoes and soy. These are three big items on any list of GM Foods, but several others exist as well, dairy, cotton, oil, papaya, sugar, golden rice, potatoes, blue berry, fish berry, salmon and sugar beets are some of them. 2.1. Causes of Genetically Modified Food Genetically modified foods are unhealthy.

Many of these concerns are well stressed in mass media, but sometimes biased views are the only ones presented. Safety with human health and the effects on the environment appear to be the strongest and most discussed subject matter. While issues of concern accompany the usage of GM crops, argument can be made to justify their production. HISTORY What many people do not know is that genetic modification has been going on since the founder of Genetics, Gregor Mendel, cross- bred his pea plants for different affects. Many of the flowers sold and bought in our society are mutations and mixing of genes.

By insuring in genetically modified foods, it is possible to reduce the chance of widespread famine (“Genetic Engineering”). Genetically modified foods can vaccinate crops against harmful insects (Siedler 49). Applyin... ... middle of paper ... ...included almost worldwide (“Possible Benefits of GM crops in developing countries”). For example, the soybean is experimented and analyzed by thirteen different countries before it is fed to consumers (Siedler 57). As food regulators, they ensure that the food has enough nutrients and is safe to consume for buyers.