The Downside of Genetically Modified Organisms
opinion Essay
870 words
Although having seeds that can thrive in extreme environments may sound like a good idea, the side effects may change one’s opinion. GMO’s aren’t as good as they seem because they may contain a high level of allergens, they have killed and deformed some test subjects, and they haven’t had as strict tests as they should. Because these products do not have a designated label explaining what they contain, a high level of allergens can cause serious problems with some people when they ingest them unknowingly. Many problems have been reported when scientists test these genetically modified foods on animals; everything from death to disfiguration was reported. Lastly, these products have few reports of testing and when tested, they’re tested as if they were a regular food and aren’t checked for many different problems. Genetically modified organisms have a greater number of bad issues than the good ones they claim.
From the few tests of genetically modified organisms, some have shown an extreme increase in the amount of allergens contained in these foods. Several sources have reported up to a seven times increase in the amount of allergens in a cooked genetically modified food compared to the original crop of the organism. Cooked GM Soy is an example of a high allergen containing food. This does not only hurt the organisms, but it has the capability to harm the general public when consuming these foods unknowingly. When the genetically modified soy was introduced into the United Kingdom, the number of soy allergies soared (Smith). They had risen over 50% since the introduction of the GMO. In the UK, farmers cannot even get insurance on their crops because the insurance companies have concluded that they can harm the consumer (Farmers)...
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...Arpad. "Genetically Modified Foods: Are They a Risk to Human/Animal Health? (ActionBioscience)." ActionBioscience - Promoting Bioscience Literacy. June 2011. Web. 22 Mar. 2011. .
Smith, Jeffrey. "In Praise of the Non-GMO Project." Institute for Responsible Technology -. 25 Feb. 2011. Web. 22 Mar. 2011. .
The Herald. "Farmers Told GM Crops Are 'too Dangerous to Insure' Insurance Companies brand Genetically Engineered Plants as Risky as War and Nuclear Accidents The Herald (UK) 10mar02." Mindfully.org | Mindfully Green. 10 Mar. 2002. Web. 22 Mar. 2011. .
"Understanding Our Seal | The Non-GMO Project." Non-GMO Project. 2011. Web. 22 Mar. 2011. .
In this essay, the author
- Opines that gmo's aren't as good as they seem because they contain a high level of allergens, they have killed and deformed some test subjects, and they're not checked for many different problems.
- Explains that genetically modified foods have a protein that has been changed to give the desired effects. cooked gm soy is an example of high allergen containing food.
- Explains how animals of all sizes began to change genetically after being exposed to the new organisms. rats and mice were shown to have a decrease in the size of their offspring after feeding off of the gmo.
- Opines that the dangers of genetically modified organisms increase when the products are not labeled or tested properly.
- Explains that gmo's contain an extraordinarily high amount of allergens, which can be a serious risk to many people allergic to them. they can also deform and stunt the growth of offspring.
- Cites crenshaw, w. s. and pushztai, arpad. "genetically modified foods: are they a risk to human/animal health?
- Analyzes smith's "in praise of the non-gmo project." institute for responsible technology. the herald.
Related
- comparative
- explanatory
- opinion
- analytical
- Genetically Modified Organisms and its dangercomparative essayWhile many argue that Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's) are beneficial, it has been proven otherwise. The term GMO is an organism where it's genetic material has been modified through genetic engineering or gene splicing. (NON-GMO PROJECT, 2014) GMO ranges from plants, insects, mammals all the way to micro organisms and bacteria. (EFSA, 2014) GMO's can reduce the need for herbicides and pesticides as well as alter components of food such as nutrients, However, even though GMO's has its benefits such as its resistance to pests and herbicides (Whitman, 2000) the disadvantages outweighs the benefits by far. Genetically Modified Organism are a danger to the human health because GMOs harm the environment and pose a national health risk in addition to economic concerns.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that transgenic crops have destroyed the environment as well as the organic farming industry.
- Explains that genetically modified foods: harmful or helpful? is available at www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php.
- Cites gilbert, n. (n.d.). case studies: a hard look at gm crops.
- Explains that genetically modified organisms (gmos) are beneficial, but their disadvantages outweigh the benefits. gmo's harm the environment and pose a national health risk.
- Concludes that genetically engineered organisms are a danger to the human health and should be widely recognized and tested to reduce health risks.
- Explains that bt-corn is what it is and how it works. philips, t. (2008, january). genetically modified organisms: transgenic crops and recombinant dna technology.
- Cites feature, w., and norwood, m. (n.d.). genetically modified foods: pros and cons.
768 wordsRead More - Pros And Cons: The Benefits Of Genetically Modified Foodsexplanatory essayIntroduction The debate over whether to keep the production genetically modified organisms, or to cease it all together. They help many countries around the world with low food sources, due to climate and other hindrances. With GMO’s aiding countries in need, it will have a helping hand for the availability of more food. These crops and livestock promote ideal solutions to nutrition, world hunger and the environment.
In this essay, the author
- Explains the debate over whether to keep the production of genetically modified organisms, or to cease it all together. gmo's help countries with low food sources, due to climate and other hindrances.
- Explains that biotechnology has been helping farmers increase their productivity, boosting crop yields, and providing protection from pests and viruses.
- Explains that genetically modified organisms are known to carry many risks along with its benefits. many gmo’s pose great environmental damage by cross-breeding with weeds.
- Explains that the benefits of genetically modified foods outweigh the risks when it comes to their mass production.
- Opines that re-searchers, farmers, and companies must become more responsible in the containment of genetically modified organisms from the natural environment.
1055 wordsRead More - The Genetically Modified Foods Controversyexplanatory essayThe past twenty years have seen rise to a new burgeoning scientific field: genetically modified foods. During the plant breeding process, geneticists interfere with the reproduction and modify the genes of the new seedling by introducing a fragment of DNA from another organism that possesses the desired trait. With genetic modification, scientists can increase the pest, herbicide, cold, and drought tolerance so that the crop can survive in harsher climates. In some cases, the nutritional value can even be increased (Ulrich 9). Despite the obvious benefits of more nutritious foods and crops that are hardier and more resistant to harsher climates, there are some concerns surrounding GM foods. Each new alteration can cause an unforeseen allergic reaction, negate the effects of antibiotics, or potentially cause some adverse effects to the environment (Falkner 101). Every newly developed GM food must be tested on a case by case basis as there is no universal method that determines the safety of all modified components. As a result, long term effects of ingesting food with altered material are unknown.
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 - Taking a Look at Genetically Modified Organismsopinion essayNovember 6, 2013: “Voters Reject Labels for Genetically Engineered Food in Washington State Today” - The New York Times. June 4, 2013: “Monsanto Sued Over Genetically Modified Wheat” - USA Today. November 4, 2013: “Washington Voters Weigh The Ethics of Genetically Modified Foods” - The Washington Post.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that voters reject labels for genetically engineered food in washington state today, and monsanto sued over genetically modified wheat in usa today.
- Opines that the debate over genetically modified food has been blurred or exaggerated by both sides. they argue that it is dangerous, harms the environment, increases health risks, and causes infertility and weight gain.
- Explains that gmos are created by inserting dna from bacteria, viruses, or other plants and animals into a "target species" to create desirable traits.
- Explains that monsanto developed "roundup ready" crops that were able to withstand high levels of herbicides, including glyphosate.
- Explains that bees play an important role in the production of wheat, peaches, almonds, and every other plant. beekeepers reported an average loss of 45.1 percent of hive population.
- Explains that in 2004, monsanto was found guilty of lying and false advertising, but the realization that roundup isn't as earth-friendly as advertised has come too late.
- Explains that genetically modified food has been questioned since its arrival, but new studies revealing harmful effects from their consumption have led to increased concern.
- Compares the results of a norwegian study on the effects of genetically modified food on rats, mice, pigs, and salmon.
- Explains that the us has become the largest grower of gmo corn in the world, but most of it is not feeding people. animals are developing digestive disorders, damaged organs, infertility, weak immune systems, and even chronic depression.
- Explains that 26 countries, including germany, japan and australia, have put bans on gmos, while 60 countries have significant restrictions. monsanto argues that requiring labels for ingredients that don't pose a health issue would undermine both our labeling laws and consumer confidence
- Opines that people have the right to reject being gmo guinea pigs.
1564 wordsRead More - Essentially, every aisle of your local grocery store is stocked with genetically modified foods. Many crops have been altered for enhanced nutrition and virus resistance. With a changing climate and mass poverty, finding a way to feed the Earth’s seven billion people is a constant struggle. “In developing countries, GM crops have helped ensure food security and bolster incomes for farmers, allowing parents to focus more resources on other priorities, such as educating their children” (Van Montagu). Despite the obvious advantages, people still rally against food from GMOs. The Monsanto company’s corn has become something of a celebrity for the genetic alteration debate. “The sweet corn from Monsanto contains a gene that produces a protein called BT that is toxic to pests. Though the protein is used in organic farming as an insecticide, Hansen and other critics cite research that raises questions about whether corn containing BT can cause allergic reactions, immune system problems and gastrointestinal issues” (Eng). Hundreds of tests have been done but the results seem to change depending on who’s re...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that humans can manipulate an organism's genome to their own benefit. the first genetically modified organism, or gmo, was created in the seventies and has led to gm crops and medical treatments.
- Explains that despite the obvious advantages, people still rally against food from gmos. monsanto's corn has become something of a celebrity for the genetic alteration debate.
- Explains that genetic engineering has been applied to health, including vaccines, gm animals, and gene therapy.
- Explains that all gene therapy protocols are carefully screened before they are used. the real problem is that it is near impossible to indicate the difference between remedy and enhancement.
- Opines that the morality debate spans from blasphemy to industrialization. the mass production of gmo foods and pets lends to many questions for industry to answer.
- Opines that a modified common ground can be found between the two parties through the regulation of foods, medicine, and patenting.
- Describes eng, monica, "activists: modified corn not so sweet."
- Analyzes naik, gautam, and sirs issues. "aging ills reversed in mice."
- Analyzes van montagu's "the irrational fear of gm food." the wall street journal.
- Describes volti, rudi's facts on file encyclopedia of science, technology, and society.
1212 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 Organismsanalytical essay"What Is GMO?" The NonGMO Project RSS. Non-GMO Project, ©2014. Web. 04 Feb. 2014. .
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the pros outweigh the cons of eating gmos, stating that people must consider environmental issues before eating them.
- Evaluates the pros and cons of gmos, stating that there is no proven way that they are better than natural food.
- Explains the various ways in which gmos are put into food, including genetic engineering, conventional plant breeding, and crossbreeding.
- Cites ackerman, jennifer, phillips, theresa, ph.d., and schubert, david. "why we need gmo labels."
1030 wordsRead More - Whitman, Deborah. "Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful?." Community Supported Agriculture (2000): n.pag. Proquest. Web. 2 Apr 2014. .
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 - Genetically Modified Organismsexplanatory essayThere 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...
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.
1334 wordsRead More - Benefits of Genetically Modified Organismsanalytical essay...nd the global politics of food. New York: St. Martin's Press, 2001. Print. Mather, Robin. "The Threats From Genetically Modified Foods." Mother Earth News 251 (2012): 42. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 8 May 2012.Nestle, Marion. Safe food: bacteria, biotechnology, and bioterrorism. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 2003. Print. Whitman, Deborah B. "Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful?" Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful? Apr. 2000. Web. 08 May 2012. Powell, Douglas, ”Genetically Modified Foods Should not be Labeled.” National Post (22 June 2001). Rpt in Genetic Engineering Ed. James D. Torr Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2006. Current Controversies. Gale Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 09 May 2012.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that gmo's are genetically modified organisms, which have been used for centuries to create useful products, such as wine, bread, and antidotes in the medical field.
- Analyzes how nova's movie, harvest of fear, explains how scientists insert genes or proteins into the dna of another plant to modify one gene out of thousands. mutation in nature is a good process.
- Explains that the use of genetic engineering on organisms first came about in the 1970's when they used bacteria to produce proteins.
- Argues that the benefits of genetically modified foods outweigh the minor repercussions, such as better taste and less damage to the product.
- Explains that these "miracle foods" are resistant to almost all pests, such as bacillus thuringiensis, or bt, which has reduced insecticide sprays by 46 million pounds annually since 1996.
- Explains that genetically modified foods have the potential to solve many world issues and tribulations, such as world hunger.
- Opines that the pessimism towards gmo's could be contributed from a lot of this erroneous information.
- Opines that genetically modified foods should not be discriminated against and banned from our diet.
- Analyzes how genetic engineering is changing what we eat, how we live, and the global politics of food.
- Explains that "gmo | life is fare." one woman's approach to living life to the fullest by eating happy food.
1908 wordsRead More