Genetically Modified Organisms
explanatory Essay
1334 words
Did you know that Genetically Modified Organisms are found in sixty to eighty percent of processed foods and that the United States Food and Drug Administration does not test any of these foods beforehand to see if they are safe to consume? (Wohlers 73). Genetically Modified Organisms are defined as organisms whose DNA has been changed in a way that would not naturally occur. The purpose of developing these genetically modified organisms was to improve produce by creating an increased tolerance to disease. While it is great to want to keep diseases out of our foods, the science of altering our food has no guarantees that it will actually protect against disease and has the potential to actually damage our bodies, environment, and economy. There are sixty-two major countries that require genetically modified foods to be labeled, unfortunately the United States is not one of them (Wohlers 73). Most of these countries have deemed that genetically modified organisms have a much higher risk than benefit, because something could so easily go wrong, such as an allergic reaction to whatever was pumped into the food. Luckily, Americans have begun to be more conscious of what they are eating and how it negatively affects their bodies and economy. Therefore, a debate has been sparked on whether genetically modified organisms should be required to be labeled as such when you purchase food.
There are many negative consequences of allowing genetically modified organisms in our food, the most obvious ones having to deal with the harm it can cause to your body. Allowing genetically modified organisms into your food can allow for toxins to be added to your food. For example, workers in Washington sprayed to protect against gypsy moths and as a r...
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...ied Food Fight: The FDA Should Step Up To The Regulatory Plate So States Do Not Cross The Constitutional Line." Minnesota Law Review 98.1 (2013): 356-384. Academic Search Premier. Web. 9 May 2014.
Rodale, M. (2012, January 31). 12 Reasons To Avoid GMOs. The Huffington Post. Retrieved May 9, 2014, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/maria-rodale/12-reasons- to-avoid-gmos_b_1243723.html
Smith, J. (n.d.). Institute for Responsible Technology. - Genetically Engineered Foods May Cause Rising Food Allergies—Genetically Engineered Corn. Retrieved May 8, 2014, from http://www.responsibletechnology.org/gmo-dangers/health-risks/articles-about-risks-by-jeffrey-smith/Genetically-Engineered-Foods-May-Cause-Rising-Food-Allergies-Genetically-Engineered-Corn-June-2007
Wohlers, A. E. (2013). Labeling of genetically modified food. Politics and the Life Sciences, 32(1), 73-84.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that genetically modified organisms are found in sixty to eighty percent of processed foods and that the united states food and drug administration does not test any of these foods beforehand.
- Explains the negative effects of genetically modified organisms on the body, such as toxins being added to food.
- Explains that consumer surveys and experiments reveal and conceal consumer preferences for genetically modified foods.
- Cites smith, j., institute for responsible technology, and wohlers, a. e.
Related
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- Genetically Modified Foodsopinion essayRobert M. Hutchins, known for his contributions to philosophy, said that, “A civilization in which there is not a continuous controversy about important issues is on the way to totalitarianism and death.” While I do not necessarily agree with the former, or the latter, for that matter (no rhyme intended), it is imperative for us, as people, regardless of nationality, to ask questions. On the topic of important issues are genetically modified foods. The specific tangent on genetically modified foods is the question of whether or not genetically modified foods should have mandatory labeling. Instead of being a staunch absolutist and deciding so hastily on the matter of GMOs, the merits and drawbacks of this issue need to be discussed.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that it is imperative for people, regardless of nationality, to ask questions about the merits and drawbacks of genetically modified foods.
- Opines that the issue of gmos is not a black and white issue, but one that needs to be properly defined. greenpeace international advocates mandatory labels on genetically modified foods.
- Analyzes how greenpeace's position on genetically modified foods led them to believe mandatory labeling is safe and worry-free.
- Explains that monsanto opposes mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods in the absence of any demonstrated risks, as it could be interpreted as a warning or imply that food products containing these ingredients are somehow inferior.
- Opines that the mandatory labeling laws of genetically modified foods in some countries do very little to better inform the consumer.
- Explains that the general public does not have a legitimate source of information for purchasing foods with gmos.
- Explains that the mandatory labeling laws have done virtually nothing in altering the buying tendencies of the consumer.
- Opines that the united states does not have a legitimate piece of legislative body on the mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods.
- Analyzes how the arguments against mandatory labeling are equally demanding. they argue that labels create an unwarranted bias against gm products.
- Opines that the best arguments are not arguments at all, but questions. depending on the complexity of the question, it can, at times, win the argument.
- Cites dannenberg, astrid, sara scatasta, and bodo sturm. mandatory versus voluntary labeling of genetically modified food: evidence from an economicexperiment.
- Opines that if the movement to label gmos succeeds, what happens?
1336 wordsRead More - Persuasive Essay On Organic Foodopinion essayIn recent discussions of health and wellness, the topic of genetically modified organisms in food has become very prevalent. A genetically modified organism or GMO is any living thing that has had its genes microscopically modified to pick up a trait it would originally lack. Almost every American has heard the term “GMO” however many do not know what they are and what benefits they hold. Thousands of people are beginning to eat “organic” foods free from GMOs because they believe the modifications to the food will cause health complications for those who consume them. On the other hand, the majority of Americans eat some kind of GMO in just about every meal. Research shows they are found in 80% of all processed foods in America today (Scipioni).
In this essay, the author
- Explains that genetically modified organisms (gmos) are a living thing that has had its genes microscopically modified to pick up traits it would originally lack.
- Explains the misconception about gmos and those who oppose them. the seed is spliced with genes from another seed to pick up a beneficial trait.
- Explains that gm foods have been extensively studied since the 1970s and were approved by the f.d.a., the american medical association, and the world health organization.
- Opines that genetically modified foods can help in areas where malnutrition is an enormous problem and countless die every day.
- Opines that genetic modification of foods is a way for tyrant corporations to turn profits off of the average consumer.
- Explains that food crops contribute to the pollution caused by human beings. however, by splicing the gene of a barley plant into rice, scientists have successfully made rice emit less greenhouse gas.
- Opines that it is fair for people to know what they are eating, but gmo labels are not the same as ingredient lists. many companies are using the term "gmo free" to increase the sale of their product.
- Opines that eating completely gmo free would cost $400 more a year per family. there are thousands of better ways for all of this money to be spent in our economy.
- Opines that the best way to avoid this issue is to inform the american public of what gmos are and how much time and research has gone into them.
1318 wordsRead More - Food is an essential part of everyday life without it one could not survive. Every day we make choices on what we put in to our bodies. There are countless varieties of food to choose from to meet the diverse tastes of the increasing population. Almost all food requires a label explaining the ingredients and the nutritional value allowing consumers to make informed decisions on what they are consuming. However, many may not be considering where that food is coming from or how it has been produced. Unfortunately, there is more to food than meets the eye. Since 1992, “ the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ruled, based on woefully limited data, that genetically modified foods were ‘substantially equivalent’ to their non-GM counterparts” (Why to Support Labeling). GM food advocates have promised to create more nutritious food that will be able to grow in harsh climate conditions and eventually put an end to world hunger in anticipation of the growing population. There is very little evidence to support these claims and study after study has proven just the opposite. GM crops are not only unsafe to consume, but their growing practices are harmful to the environment, and multinational corporations are putting farmers out of business.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that food is an essential part of everyday life without it one could not survive. gm food advocates have promised to create more nutritious food that will be able to grow in harsh climate conditions.
- Explains that gmos are genetically engineered with dna from bacteria, viruses, or other plants and animals. the purpose of the process is to create a new beneficial trait such as creating its own pesticide or making it immune to herbicides.
- Explains that monsanto is a multinational chemical and agricultural biotechnology corporation that was founded in 1901.
- Analyzes how monsanto has developed crops that are able to withstand several different herbicides instead of just one. the use of more and more chemicals is exactly what the biotech companies want.
- Explains that gm crops are putting farmers out of business. biotechnology seed companies like dupont/pioneer hi-bred, syngenta, monsanto, dow and bayer, as well as a few more, control 71 percent of the seed market.
- Opines that farmers have no choice but to buy gm seeds and eliminate the ways they have grown crops for centuries.
- Argues that gm food increases crop yields and can end world hunger, but there is no evidence that supports these claims. conventionally grown food produces high yielding, pest resistant, and climate tolerant crops at a much cheaper price.
- Opines that the u.s. is leading the way in the production and distribution of gm foods ignoring the demands of the public.
- Explains that 80 percent of processed food in a typical grocery store has gm ingredients.
- Opines that while gmos are showing potential advances in how we produce our food, the technology is still in its infancy. long term ongoing research needs to be done on all gm food until it is proven safe for people and the environment.
1669 wordsRead More - Did you know, the “‘Monsanto Protection Act’ effectively bars federal courts from being able to halt the sale or planting of controversial genetically modified (aka GMO) or genetically engineered (GE) seeds, no matter what health issues may arise concerning GMOs in the future” (“5 Appalling Facts”)? Genetic engineering allows genetic material to be transferred between any organism, including between plants and animals. Genetically modified foods have been in existence since the early 1990s and they are not going away any time soon. In the European Union, “Member States may provisionally restrict or prohibit the use and/or sale of the GM product on its territory.” However, the Member State must have a justifiable reason to consider that the GMO in question poses a risk to human health or the environment (Health and Consumers). I believe that genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) are not only bad for the global economy, but a threat to the safety and integrity of the global food supply, therefore, I propose that legislation should be passed requiring corporations to label foods that contain GMO’s because people deserve the right to know what they are consuming.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the monsanto protection act effectively bars federal courts from halting the sale or planting of controversial genetically modified (gmo) seeds.
- Opines that people have the right to know what they are eating, especially since gmos have some nasty side effects on humans.
- Explains that by labelling genetically modified foods, consumers can choose whether to support gmo farmers or go with organic or conventional growers.
- Explains that monsanto spent $41 million to defeat prop 30 in california because they thought labeling gm foods would cause unnecessary fear in consumers and lead to a "devastating loss in profits for gmo companies."
- Proposes that legislation should be passed requiring corporations to label foods that contain gmos because it gives people the choice whether to consume toxins, damage the environment, and potentially protect their own life.
930 wordsRead More - Genetically Modified Foods Need to be Labeledanalytical essayThere is a battle raging across the United States between consumers who purchase genetically modified foods and the companies that processes these foods through genetic modification. Consumers are demanding that all genetically modified foods are labeled so that they will have information about what ingredients are in these foods. The companies who sell genetically modified foods do not want to label them and are making claims that labeling these foods would raise food prices, hurt farmers, and cause genetically modified foods to gain the reputation of being harmful to humans. Consumers should ignore the claims by companies responsible for producing genetically modified foods and be unrelenting in their insistence that all genetically modified foods are labeled. They should further demand that genetically modified foods have labels that are not written in biotech language, but in terms simple enough that an elementary school age child could read and understand.
In this essay, the author
- Argues that consumers are demanding that all genetically modified foods be labeled so that they will have information about what ingredients are in them.
- Explains that genetically modified foods are foods produced after the dna or natural growth processes of plants or animals have been altered by adding dna from totally different organisms, bacteria or viruses.
- States that the most common genetically modified crops in the united states are soybean, corn, cotton, and canola. the labeling of these foods will present consumers with the opportunity to make wise and healthy food choices.
- Explains the current labeling regulations in the united states set forth by the food and drug administration (fda).
- Argues that consumers should be able to identify by reading labels what they are purchasing. some people suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, allergies or other diseases requiring them to have a strictly regulated diet.
- Explains that the labeling of food provides information about nutritional values, number of calories, salt and sugar content, the different fats used, and much more information. many consumers are not aware which foods are genetically modified.
- Explains the steps towards genetically modifying foods when knowledge of the function or location in a chromosome is used to identify genes.
- Analyzes brooke borel's article, "can genetically engineered foods harm you?," which discusses the results of a research study by french scientists, which found that genetically modified corn caused cancer in rats.
- Analyzes carole bartolotto's article, "why genetically modified foods should be labeled," which states that the united states has not banned genetically modified foods.
- Advises consumers who are concerned about eating genetically modified organisms to buy organic foods, buy meats from grass-fed animals, and shop at farmers markets.
- States that the only solution to the problem of unlabeled genetically modified foods is for consumers to continue demanding that these foods are labeled until labeling becomes law.
1372 wordsRead More - The Danger of Genetically Modified Organismsargumentative essayHow well do we know the food we are eating? Ever wondered whether these foods are safe? In the recent years, people have become more aware of how genetically modified foods have substituted our diets with altered foods -- to which little we know about the long term effects on humans. These food being fed to us is called Genetic Modified Organism or GMOs. Just in 2012, prop 37 was proposed in California, which would have required labeling of genetically engineered (GE) food, with some exceptions. Although this prop did not pass, it did however raise the awareness. When one thinks about GMOs, it does not seem like a hot issue, but it still deserves some attention because it has to do with people’s health and people deserve to know what they are eating. Consequently, the Government should regulate GMOs by requiring labeling of such foods.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the government should regulate gmos by requiring labeling of such foods.
- Explains that farmers have manipulated plants and animals to obtain more desirable results. the big difference with gmos is the form the cross happens.
- Explains that gmos are when the dna of one organism is extracted and added to another plant or organism’s dna.
- Explains that the biotechnology industry has done well to keep gmos unregulated by the idea that "if a new food is substantially equivalent in composition and nutritional characteristics to an existing food, it can be regarded as safe as the conventional food."
- Describes the discovery of enormous tumors in rats fed with gm corn. ninety-four percent of them take effect on the mammary gland, which would equate to breast cancer.
- Analyzes how the graph (y-axis being the number of tumors and x-axes the days being studied) on the left illustrates that the rats with normal diet suffered far less cancers than rats with gmo diet
- Explains that morgellons disease is a mysterious condition that gives rise to fiber-like growths on the skin. recent research suggests that the fibers are biological with floral roots, and could be from cross contamination of dna
- Explains that most ge crops are altered to produce their own pesticide in the form of bacillus thuringiensis (bt).
- Quotes joe satran's article, "genetically engineered food labeling taken on by congress in right-to-know act," which is a better proposal than prop. 37 because it is more straight forward and does not allow for exceptions.
- Concludes that gmos are not safe for consumption and should be regulated by the government by requiring products to be labeled if they are or not present.
- States that the food and drug administration has issued a statement of policy regarding food derived from new plant varieties.
1114 wordsRead More - GMO Labelingexplanatory essayEver since their entrance onto the consumer market in the last two decades of the twentieth century, genetically modified organisms (often referred to as GMOs) have been getting mixed reviews from the public. Genetically modified consumer products (primarily food) have pushed the barriers of some people's comfort levels. Born out of either a lack of knowledge or a sincere concern for public health or the environment, a consumer rights movement has been planted around the world pushing for labeling of genetically modified food products. This movement has matured in many places to a degree where interest groups have successfully lobbied governments into adopting criteria for labeling transgenic food products. In other parts of the world strong agriculture interests have clashed with the aforementioned movements. A simple label on a can of beans would seem to easily solve this problem; however, governments have found that GMO product labeling is more complex than that. Considerations such as costs, international markets and cultures must also be taken into consideration, not to mention the public's perception and their level of trust in this relatively new product.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that genetically modified organisms (gmos) have been getting mixed reviews from the public since their entry onto the consumer market in the last two decades of the twentieth century.
- Explains that recombinant dna technology, aided by restriction enzymes, allows humans to cut one part of a genome and insert it into another species in the hope of producing the same effect.
- Explains that bt corn is an organism that fits the modern definition of genetic modification. it derives its name from the bacteria bacillus thuringiensis.
- Explains that the number of gm crops produced in the united states grew from 1.45 hectares in 1996 to over 29 million in 2000.
- Explains that the influx of gmos into the market has resulted in a reactionary movement against genetically modified products.
- Explains that european countries traditionally have a food-based culture, whereas the united states does not have such requirements. labeling is seen as consumer rights issue, equivalent to buying cosmetics marked 'cruelty free'
- Explains that in the united states, unlike europe, there is more mental and physical space between areas that produce crops for mass consumption and pastoral countryside.
- Explains that the bush administration's official stance on the issue is that labeling is unnecessary and that any labels on genetically modified products would do little but scare people away from otherwise harmless products.
- Estimates that if european standards of labeling were adopted in the united states, it would add 30% onto the price of all food products.
- Explains that gmo labels are used as ways governments can manipulate trade and protect domestic markets. the european union aggressively pursues labeling in order to protect home grown crops from foreign competition.
- Opines that gmo labeling is now mandatory in many parts of the world and the trend continues unabated as lesser developed countries take up the issue.
- Explains the importance of gmo labeling in the e.u.
1709 wordsRead More - An Industry on the Brink: Consumers Need to Wake Up and Smell the Genetically Modified Coffeeopinion essayA recent upsurge of opposition to the production of genetically modified crops has farmers all over America asking themselves one question: To modify or not to modify? Genetically modified (GM) crops allow farmers to use fewer pesticides while still achieving the same yields. American farmers have planted GM crops since 1995 and, at least for the first few years, had no problems selling these products to the public. Recently, however, there has been a movement by several activist groups, some of which have the support of accredited scientists, to make a distinction on grocery store shelves between GM foods and those that were produced normally. This process, called labeling, strikes fear in the hearts of most farmers who are afraid that an uninformed American public will steer clear of the GM crops “just to be on the safe side.” The fact of the matter is that Americans have been eating these altered crops since 1995 and no one has been harmed. This simple albeit somehow debatable fact did not stop one interest group from taking out several full-page ads in the New York Times warning of the dangers of these newfangled foods (Isserman, 2001). This, like many technological advances has met much resistance, but it will ultimately be accepted and change the face of agriculture.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the recent upsurge of opposition to the production of genetically modified crops has caused farmers to question whether they should modify or not.
- Argues that the decision of whether to produce gm crops is based more on politics than on practice.
- Analyzes the debate over whether genetically modified organisms are safe. the us is growing gm crops on 20.5 million hectares of land, five times more than the next highest country, argentina.
- Explains that the fear of a foreign gene reeking havoc on the person dumb enough to eat is unsubstantiated and silly. however, most americans are not informed about the biology behind gm crops.
- Explains that the majority of american consumers fall into one of two categories with respect to the decision to purchase genetically modified foods: information-seekers or institutionalists.
- Analyzes how skeptics use the trust of the american public to achieve their goal.
- Explains that there are valid arguments against the development of genetically modified organisms, such as gene flow, which is the spread of a gene from one organism to another, sometimes unintended, organism.
- Opines that pesticides have not been picky about which organisms in the ecosystem they kill, which raises the same concerns with biodiversity as with genetically modified organism. in third world countries, the difficulties arise with the allocation of seeds.
- Explains that activist groups do not use the "fear factor" to persuade the american public to refrain from supporting genetically modified organisms. they simply need to illicit some sort of reaction so that when a consumer sees the label "genetically modified" on an ear, the consumer will choose the unlabeled corn.
- Explains that the governments of many struggling third world countries have made this seemingly uninformed decision because they feel that genetically modified food will hurt their people. they don't care that americans have been eating the products for several years.
- Explains that brazil's ban on genetically modified food crops is based on the fear of gms in america.
- Explains that labeling brings with it an entirely different set of conditions. people demand to know whether they’re buying gm crops, but they don’t realize the incredible cost of changing the entire system that sorts crops as they come through retailers and onto grocery store shelves.
- Explains that many foreign countries are already making the change. japan has been requiring labels on all gm foods since april 1, 2001.
- Opines that investors hope that the benefits of genetically modified organisms will eventually overcome the fears that people have towards using the new technology.
- Opines that if convincing people the old-fashioned way does not work, biotech companies will have to resort to something else.
- Opines that the world is hitting what could be thought of as a stumbling block for genetically modified organisms. the major drawbacks are consumer anxiety and short-term economic lag.
- Opines that the benefits of this new technology and the variation that will arise from it will be felt by our generation.
- Opines that no matter where we end up in fifty years, the nation and the world seem increasingly concerned over the possible effects of genetically modified organisms.
- Analyzes how the lula government would favor gm-free brazil.
- Cites ho, mae-wan and kim, d. (2000). herbicide-resistant genetically-modified crop; its risks with an emphasis on gene flow.
- Explains isserman, a.m., and sheehy, h. consumer and biotechnology: a synopsis of survey and focus group research.
2633 wordsRead More - Gmo Pros And Consexplanatory essayThe issue of genetically modified food affects every one regardless of age, race or geographical location. You are what you eat. What a person puts into his or her body essentially impacts their health as a whole. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are found in almost every food except for whole, organic foods labeled as GMO free. Genetically altered foods have benefits and disadvantages. The choice of being an opponent or a proponent to genetically enhanced foods is ultimately up to the consumer. Seed producing companies such as Monsanto have a monopoly over how our food is produced and what is acceptable and safe for human and animal consumption. The lack of labeling of foods that contain GMOs sparks controversy with people who believe they have a right to know exactly what they’re eating and if it is safe for their health. This is an issue that affects any person eating food so it is important for one to know the pros and cons of GMOs. I will highlight the supporting arguments for genetically modified food and in contrast I will describe the risks associated with GMO consumption.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that scientists have made breakthrough discoveries on the genetic level of altering foods for a variety of positive reasons.
- Explains the toxicity and synthesis of toxic agents in gmos and the adverse health risks associated with them.
- Argues that sufficient labeling of all food to cite whether or not the food contains gmos would be fair so the people that care about whats going into their bodies have the ability to know.
- Explains that insufficient testing and experimentation is another negative effect associated with gmos. animals do not react the same way to things as humans do.
- Explains that animal studies indicate serious adverse health risks associated with the consumption of gm food, such as infertility, immune problems, accelerated aging and faulty insulin regulation. labeling needs to be widely accepted and used across north and south america.
- Explains the benefits and disadvantages of genetically modified foods, highlighting the supporting arguments and describing the risks associated with gmo consumption.
- Explains that supporters and critics have varying motivations on using gmo or non-gmo food.
- Explains the adverse health risks associated with gmos such as resistance to antibiotics, oversimplification of complex cells, and insertional mutagenesis.
2101 wordsRead More - Should Genetically Modified Food Be Labeled?explanatory essaySome people fear consuming genetically modified foods because they are not sure about what is inside of the product. According to Harmon and Pollack, people who are pro labeling believe they have the right to know if the produce they are buying was or not modified and if yes, what is inside of it. They also argue that genetically modified food “is fundamentally different from the selective breeding process” (1). – According to The Hutchi...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the food and drug administration doesn't see a necessity for labeling genetically modified foods.
- Explains the benefits of genetically modified foods and the risks of not labelling them.
- Agrees with the idea that genetically modified foods should be labeled for health reasons.
- Explains the hutchinson unabridged encyclopedia with atlas and weather guide. credo reference. web. 15 january 2014.
- Explains that "genetically modified." the penguin english dictionary. london: penguin, 2007. credo reference.
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