Negative Effects of Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs)

39-41. Print. Whitman, Deborah B. “Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful?” Apr. 2000.

2004. Web. 23 Mar. 2014. Byrne, P. "Labeling of Genetically Engineered Foods."

Scientists have been changing genomes of plants and animals by integrating new genes from a different species through genetic engineering, creating a genetically modified organism (GMO). Consumers in America have been eating GMOs since 1996, when they went on the market. There are benefits to genetically modifying crop plants, as it improves the crop quality and increases yield, affecting the economy and developing countries. But there are also negative effects from GMOs. Consumption of GMOs has various health effects on both body systems of animals and humans.

30) Many Americans do not know that genetically modified foods are a staple of United States agriculture. Genetically modified foods are harmful to the human body because: they harm internal organs, cause birth defects in babies, and can potentially lead to cancer. Genetically modified foods, also known as “GMO’s” “is the manipulation of DNA by humans to change essential genetic makeup of plants and animals.” (Mather, Pg. 42) New technology allows scientists to remove the genetic material from one plant species and insert them into another plant species, thus creating a new gene quality. This allows plants to produce pesticides and herbicides.

Franchino, Jen, Winnie Verruto, and Allison Zuckerbrow. “The Cons of Genetic Engineering of Plants, Crops, and Genetically Engineered Food.” University of Delaware, 8 May 2000. Web. 23 February 2011. Heit, Jeffrey.

Also, the report will identify the parties involved and the differing arguments relating to the issue. 2. What is Genetically Modified Food (GMF) Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods derived from organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been modified in a way that does not occur naturally. Currently available GM foods stem mostly from plants, but in the future foods derived from GM microorganisms or GM animals are likely to be introduced on the market. 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.

"Organic Foods." : Understanding Organic Food Labels, Benefits, and Claims. HelpGuide.org, Dec. 2013. Web. 30 Apr.

2005. Web. 6 April, 2014. Whitman, Deborah. Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful?

Genetically Modified Foods have quietly become second nature to the U.S, it may surprise you just how many foods you are eating that have genetically modified ingredient. Experts say 60% to 70% of processed foods on U.S grocery shelves have modified ingredient. The mass demand for food around the world is pushing scientist to alter genetic material of the plants to make them stronger and able to withstand the harsh chemicals they are exposed to during the season. Growers use harsh pesticides of many sorts, to kill any wild weeds or to protect the plant from insects’; and the plant do not always react well to these chemicals. Other plants can’t handle the harsh weather changes or the climate they are being grown in, so that’s were genetic mutation came into play.

Technology in Society, 21(3), 265-283. Retrieved from Science Direct. Whitman, D. B. (2000, April). Genetically modified foods: Harmful or helpful?