The Genetically Modified Foods Controversy

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The mandatory labeling of GMOs should be enforced to inform Americans about the foods they are consuming. The effects of GMOs is still unknown and may pose as a possible threat to human kind. Research has not yet proven that GMOs are safe. Therefore we should be aware that we are consuming these foods. The Food and Drug Association (FDA) believes that, “labeling is generally not necessary because the genetic modification does not materially change the food.” However, the addition of chemicals, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, etc., used in the production and/or processing of GMOs, can pose a threat to our bodies.

INTRODUCTION Genetic engineering (GE) or genetic modification (GM) are both terms used to describe methods “ to cut up and join together genetic material and especially DNA from one or more species of organism and to introduce the result into an organism in order to change one or more of its characteristics”. Genetic technologies in crops involve the use of GE to change the make-up of certain plants in order to improve their quality or quantity. This essay will critique the following inference that: For centuries human beings have used conventional techniques of selective breeding and cross-breeding of animals and plants to add desired characteristics and reduce or eliminate unwanted ones. New genetic technologies should be welcomed as providing more efficient, effective and controlled mechanisms for improving the quality and quantity of food which can be produced from limited resources of land. ARGUMENT FOR THE STATEMENT.

This suggests that a large percentage of processed foods sold by supermarkets in the U.S. contain some ingredients derived from GM crops, primarily corn, soy, and canola. Yet, most Americans may not know that the products they consume contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Genetically Modified Food under Reasonable Government Regulation, is necessary for the continued and further success of the food supply chain. The debate While many new products have flooded supermarket shelves in the past few decades, foods with GM ingre... ... middle of paper ... ...ng Risk Working Paper 04-01). Norwich: Centre for Environmental Risk.

Although the production of transgenic crops have numerous benefits, many consumers are concerned about the potential risks. In the United States, regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concludes that GMOs do not pose a threat to human health and thus, do not require labeling. In order to address consumer concern, and in the interest of transparency, the FDA should implement mandatory labeling laws for genetically modified (GM) food products. Labeling would indicate the presence of GM ingredients and whether crops are the result of genetic modification. Furthermore, despite the benefits of GMOs, they have potential risks, such as environmental, ethical, and socioeconomic concerns.

Although recently this use of technology has received a lot of flak and hostility towards these crops that in turn has been holding back on advancement of the foods. Some of these misconceptions about these products are coming from people who don’t yet know how safe the GMO’s really are and don’t understand the possibilities that these foods have. Further innovation could develop into a long and jubilant rapport with genetically modified organisms. Thus, as long as GMO’s are labeled on the products then it is okay to sell them. We walk into grocery stores everywhere and we see these stickers on our products that say GMO and wonder what GMO’s actually are.

In addition, food that contains these organisms often are not labeled for the public. There are many other possible negative impacts. For that reason, people should not only educate themselves on the current issues, but they should fight for their right to have the choice to consume organic food or genetically modified food. Some people call GMO’s “Frankenfoods”. What happens is the DNA makeup of a certain plant or animal is mixed with that of another.

Problems With GMOs. Retrieved February 23, 2012 , from www.ehow.com: http://www.ehow.com/info_8181702_problems-gmo.html Fernandez-Cornejo, J. (2011, July 1). Adoption of Genetically Engineered Crops in the U.S. Retrieved February 23, 2012, from usda.gov: http://www.ers.usda.gov/Data/biotechcrops/ Goldstein, K., & Emami, G. (2011, May 25). Huff Post Green.

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.