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Genetically Modified Foods vs. Organic Foods

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A new kind of foods called the genetically modified foods has been creating a quiet revolution in the American market for the past several years. Scientists are able to produce these new foods by transferring genes from one organism into another across species boundaries. This new technique has been developed to improve the shelf life, nutritional content, flavor, color, and texture of foods. Since 1994, about 45 genetically modified foods such as tomato, corn, soybeans, canola, and potatoes have been marketed in the United States. About two-thirds of foods that are processed in U.S. contain genetically modified ingredients. So, we the people are consuming these foods without realizing the fact that they are not produced naturally. However, there is a great difference between the organic foods which are naturally produced and the genetically modified foods. Although genetically modified food is an efficient method of mass production, organic food is better for animals, humans, and the environment.

There are several benefits of genetically modified foods. The world population has reached to seven billion people and it is predicted to become double in the next 50 years. Ensuring an adequate food supply for this booming population is going to be a major challenge in the years to come. Genetically modified foods can make it possible to meet this need in a number of ways such as strong plants, improved nutrition, high crop yields, reduced allergenicity, medical benefits, healthier farm animals, environmental benefits, food safety improvements, and economic benefits. Genetic engineering has been successful in producing plants with increased pest and disease resistance, while retaining high yields, taste, and processing attributes. Fo...

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