The Genetically Modified Foods Controversy
explanatory Essay
1350 words
The 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. You may not know it, but in the United States GM foods are quite prevalent. Approximately 65% of foods in the U.S. contain some variation of genetically altered ingredients (Ulrich 9). And of that portion, 89% of soybeans and 61% of corn is transgenic (Powell 529). This technology came to prominence in the 1990’s and since then has been a subject of much controversy. Proponents preach the undeniable health and growing benefits of this new development. Critics rail against biotech companies for the ambiguous safety status and ethical grounds of altering natural plant growth. The center stage for this conflict is Europe. While generally similar to the U.S., this region of the world is much more outwardly suspicious and hostile towards crop alterations. In the U.S., GM foods have received little public opposition; this is largely due to the fact that food manufacturers are not required to label their products as containing genetically modified ingredients for fear of confusing consumers. Due to the lack of evidence that genetically altered foods are harmful, the Food and Drug Administration considers GM foods to be “generally regarded as safe” (known as GRAS) and no special labeling is required (Falkner 103). In the U.S., genetically modified crops are monitored by t... ... middle of paper ... ...3): 2051. Academic Search Premier. Web. 2 Nov. 2011. Chetty, L., and C. D. Viljoen. “GM Biotechnology: Friend And Foe?.” South African Journal Of Science 103.7/8 (2007): 269-270.Academic Search Premier. Web. 2 Nov. 2011. Deal, Walter F., and Stephen L. Baird. “Genetically Modified Foods: A Growing Need.” Technology Teacher 62.7 (2003): 18. Academic Search Premier. Web. 2 Nov. 2011. Falkner, Robert. “The Global Biotech Food Fight: Why The United States Got It So Wrong.” Brown Journal Of World Affairs 14.1 (2007): 99-110. Academic Search Premier. Web. 2 Nov. 2011. Herrick, Clare B. “‘Cultures Of GM’: Discourses Of Risk And Labelling Of Gmos In The UK And EU.” Area 37.3 (2005): 286-294. Academic Search Premier. Web. 2 Nov. 2011. Sheldon, Ian. “Food Principles: Regulating Genetically Modified Crops After The 2006 WTO Ruling.” Brown Journal Of World Affairs 14.1 (2007): 121-134.Academic Search Premier. Web. 2 Nov. 2011. Taylor, Michael R. “Rethinking US Leadership In Food Biotechnology.” Nature Biotechnology 21.8 (2003): 852-854. Academic Search Premier. Web. 2 Nov. 2011. Ulrich, Clare. “Safe Or Sorry?.” Human Ecology 32.3 (2005): 8-9. Academic Search Premier. Web. 2 Nov. 2011.
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.
Related
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- 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 - 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 Controversy of Genetically Modified Cropsanalytical essayThe Controversy of Genetically Modified Crops You may know about the emerging field of biotechnology - the medicine, the ethics, the DNA, the Human Genome, etc. But few realize the emergence of its agricultural branch, and the international conflict that has arisen from it. It may apply to you more than you thought, for half of the soybean products and a quarter of the corn you ate in 1999 may have been genetically modified (Kaufman A6).
In this essay, the author
- Explains that genetically modified crops are crops whose characteristics have been altered to produce favorable traits, such as prolonged freshness, an attractive appearance, or pesticide resistance.
- Argues that the argument between the united states and the european union (eu) has dominated the controversy.
- Argues that bio-engineering is a new and efficient way of increasing crop production without increasing costs, time, or labor.
- Opines that the eu food safety rule may cost africa $700 million in trade.
- Explains charles marwick's "thesis article." e-mail to kate pielemeier. "genetically modified crops feed ongoing controversy."
- Explains that foods safe?" fda consumer. v34 i1 p.18. u.s. government printing office.
- Argues that the united states is the leading producer, manufacturer, buyer, and seller of genetically modified (gm) foods.
1402 wordsRead More - Genetically Modified Organismsexplanatory essayMany people today are often amazed by the amount of nutrition and health information required for humans. The constant stream of genetic modification of food can be confusing. Genetically modified (GM) foods are plants and animals that have had their genetic makeup artificially altered by scientists to make them grow faster, taste better, last longer and to provide more nutrients. Scientists make these alternations by transferring genes from one organism into another in order to change the condition or character of the receiving organism. This process is known as biotechnology or genetic engineering (GE), and it has revolutionized the way that agriculture is practiced in many parts of the world. Researchers are now able to use GE technology to create “better” versions of milk, tomatoes, corn, soybeans and other food products that have been consumed by Humans for centuries.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that genetically modified foods are plants and animals that have had their genetic makeup artificially altered by scientists to make them grow faster, taste better, last longer, and provide more nutrients.
- Explains that supporters of genetically modified (gm) foods argue that they have many far-reaching benefits. gm seeds provide economic help to farmers through increased crop yields and lower expenditure on pests.
- Explains that gm technology could improve the health of hundreds of millions of people around the world. researchers have developed a genetically modified soybean that elevates omega-3 acids in the blood.
- Explains that genetically modified foods have become a big presence in u.s. restaurants, super-markets, kitchens and school lunchrooms since the late 1990s but are still viewed with suspicion by many american consumers.
- Explains that people who support gm foods dismiss complaints that they might not be safe to eat.
- Explains that gm critics worry that transgenic crops could harm wildlife and cause lasting damage to fragile food chains.
- Explains that transgenic foods provide economic benefits to farmers and consumers, since gm seeds generate higher crop yields and farmers bring in more money at harvest time. the technology will produce more crops with less pesticide, less fuel, and less fertilizer.
- Explains that health concerns about genetically modified food have been with us since the mid-1990s, when gm foods first appeared in america's kitchens and grocery stores.
- Explains that supporters of gm foods say that the environment also benefits from transgenic crops. reduced use of farming chemicals also means reduced levels of pesticide residue on nearby plants and trees.
- Opines that gm foods can be manipulated by social, economic, and political forces to generate positive or negative results. the question is not whether we should use it, but to what responsible purpose.
936 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 - 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 - Genetically Modified Organisms and Why They Should Be Bannedexplanatory essayGenetically Modified Organisms and Why They Should Be Banned Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs for short, are defined as plants, animals, or microorganisms that have had their genes altered through genetic engineering using the application of recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) technology. This kind of genetic engineering began in the early 1970s when DNA was isolated from a bacterium, duplicated, and inserted into another bacterium. The resulting DNA, known as rDNA, allows researchers to transfer genetic material from one organism to another. Researchers can now identify the genes that are responsible for a desired trait and reorganize or insert them from the cells of one bacterium, a plant, or animal into the cells of other bacteria, plants, or animals. What this process is trying to achieve is to produce a new species or an improved version of ones that already exist (Brown, 2011).
In this essay, the author
- States dahl, r., "to label or not to label: california prepares to vote on genetically engineered products."
- Explains that mazza, soave, morlacchini, and piva (2009) assessed the transfer of genetically modified dna from feed to animal tissues.
- States smith, m. (2012). gmo reality check: recent news and telling signs that more people are moving.
- Describes genetically modified organisms as plants, animals, or microorganisms that have had their genes altered through recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid technology.
1690 wordsRead More - Controversy over Genetically Modified Foodopinionated essayOver the past decade, there has been much debate on the topic of genetically modified foods. It has been questioned whether or not these products benefit society more than they hurt it. There has not been enough time to study the long term affects of this type of food, but recent findings have shown that the field offers great potential. There are many people who wish to see genetically modified foods banned because they are uncomfortable with the idea, but this type of thinking is completely illogical. Our society should be more accepting towards genetically modified foods because they are a great way to feed our growing population, extra nutrients can be added to the foods, and they offer us a wider, cheaper variety of food.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that society should be more accepting towards genetically modified foods because they are a great way to feed our growing population.
- Defines genetic modification as a special set of technologies that alter the genetic makeup of organisms such as animals, plants, or bacteria.
- Explains that there are more than one billion people who do not have enough food to eat each day, and the situation is only predicted to get worse.
- Explains that thomas malthus predicted that the earth could not provide enough food to sustain its exponentially growing population, but the problem arose again in the mid 1900’s.
- Opines that genetically modified foods are not the best solution to the world's food crises.
- Explains that genetic modifications have already increased crop yields in the united states. twenty years ago, the hawaiian food industry was in great danger of collapsing due to the ring spot virus.
- Explains that genetically modified foods can have nutrients added to them that are not normally found in the organism. this can make having a healthy diet convenient in developed countries, and it can even save lives in third-world countries.
- Explains that genetically altered foods are cheaper than organic counterparts, and that the government spends billions on agricultural subsidies and genetic engineering.
- Argues that activists against genetic engineering are hindering the progress of today's society. there is no reason why scientists should not at least explore all of the possibilities.
- Opines that genetically modified foods have a tremendous potential to solve the problems we might have with our food supply, but they are meeting an opposition.
- Opines that genetically modified foods have an enormous amount of untapped potential and hope to see more acceptance in the near future. the idea is relatively new and there is much to know about the method.
1748 wordsRead More - The Pros and Cons of Genetically Modifying Foodopinionated essayThe genetic modification of food is a very controversial subject around the world founded by Monsanto, a company involved in agricultural technology, in the 1980’s (Wikipedia). Since then, many other companies have also started to modify their food to avoid using pesticides. I define genetically modified foods (or GM foods) as foods produced from organisms that have had specific changes introduced into their DNA using the methods of genetic engineering (Wikipedia). There are many different views concerning GMOs and I will explore the ideological and ethical arguments associated with this subject. I will also analyse the global and national perspectives as well as my own, investigating what factors affect the decision of nations or individuals on whether GMOs are enriching or detrimental to health.
In this essay, the author
- Defines genetically modified foods as foods produced from organisms that have had specific changes introduced into their dna using the methods of genetic engineering.
- Describes veganism as a vegetarian diet that excludes meat, eggs, dairy products, and all other animal-derived ingredients.
- Opines that gmos aren't bad for humans' health if they are used properly. nestle uses them purely to benefit the consumer and save money, but the end product remains the same regardless of gene technology.
- Explains that the controversies about gmos and whether they are really bad are mostly based on personal opinions.
- Explains litcharts | romeo and juliet: themes.
- Argues that genetic engineering is the only way food industries can sustain their food demands with the little soil they have for cultivation.
- Opines that the washington gmo bill is overblown, and that new fda food label rules ignore the gm elephant in the room.
- Explains that "gmos are nothing to fear." us news. u.s.news & world report, 4 nov. 2013. hackett, jolinda. "vegan - what is a vegan?
- Opines that the majority of eu governments are set to oppose approval of gm maize.
- States singapore's biosafety guidelines for research, release and importation of genetically modified organisms.
1458 wordsRead More - The Negative Effects Of Biotechnology In Food And Foodexplanatory essayMany countries do not have or do not apply any legislation or regulation about food or GM crops, others have a law, but do not apply it, and others continue to study and promote measures to protect consumers. The European Union and OMS have studied and analyze the benefits and harms of genetic alteration in food in the market to support the use of one or the other altered product.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that biotechnology is the science of manipulating dna sequences directly, resulting in the modification or elimination of these genes.
- Explains that scientists experimented with different types of foods, such as transgenic soy, and maize, based on genetically modified organisms. herbicide-resistant crops are developed to be immune to herbicides sprayed on crops.
- Explains that monsanto is an american multinational created in 1901 by john francis queen.
- Explains that the fda (food and drug administration) is in charge of the safety of food for humans and animals, including foods produced from genetically engineered.
- Explains that although gmos are widely grown in many parts of the world, the topic is fraught with contention in europe.
1633 wordsRead More