PHIL 1404 Unit 6 Learning Journal
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University of the People *
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Philosophy
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Dec 6, 2023
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PHIL 1404-AY2024-T1
Unit 6: Learning Journal
Department of Health Sciences
University of the People
Instructor: Dr. Pablo Markin
October 15, 2023
The impact of labeling of GM food products on producers and developers of GMO foods,
research of GMOs, and consumers is a complex and controversial topic. In this paper we will
discuss the potential benefits and downsides of labeling a product as a GMO, be it produce,
meat, or medicine.
Impact on producers and developers of GMO foods:
The creation of GMO foods has multiplied agricultural profits across the board. With the creation
of more resilient plants and animals, we see them endure harsher conditions, need less food to
survive, and produce a higher yield of crops and meat (Phillips, (2008). These factors have
allowed companies to explore new avenues of genetic modification, increasing the resistance to
pests and plagues, as well as researching potential medicinal uses of GM crops.
This label would bring about new regulations to make sure that the food is relatively safe for the
consumer. It would also encourage legislators to establish new laws or government offices to
keep track of what companies are producing GMOs and how they’re producing them, to ensure
that they meet industry and government standards. This of course would increase the cost of
GMO crops, as well as the research of new uses for said crops.
Impact on research of GMOs:
Labeling GM food products could have a positive and negative effect, both of which would
happen in tandem. Health-conscious consumers would be opposed to new GMO food products,
but the grocery stores and hospitality industry would embrace it. This is due to the higher yields
of crops- which reduces the cost to the customers. The labeling could also increase people’s
opposition to GMO created medicines, which would be pf use for people all around the world.
There’s also the potential of the public asking companies and federal agencies to study the
efficacy and safety of products that come from GMOs, which would lead to better understanding
overall. Pharmaceutical companies would embrace the new technology, giving them the
opportunity to create newer, and potentially more effective medications- which would improve
their bottom line and improve their position on the market. These factors would allow for better,
and safer GMO products, be it produce or medicine.
Impact on consumers:
Consumers have been wary of GMOs since their inception. The prospect of modifying food to
make it something else sounds unnatural, and it is. We have been creating unnatural produce for
thousands of years, way before the advent of genetic manipulation as we know it (FDA, 2023).
Manipulating nature has allowed humanity to survive famines, changes in climate and when
forced to move to new regions. Without selective breeding of plants and animals, we would have
an extremely limited and region-locked diet. Despite this, many consumers remain concerned
about GMOs. Labeling GM food products could help to address these concerns and give
consumers more information about the food they eat. Companies that produce these products
have a duty to educate their customers, this is the only way to gain mass appeal. They must show
past and current studies, as well as engage and promote future study of the safety of GMOs.
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Eventually the customer would be properly educated, giving them ease when making the choice
on whether they want GMO or organic produce/meat.
In conclusion, GMOs are controversial, even with ancient history backing their efficacy.
The distrust lies in how it’s portrayed, in laboratory settings, versus natural crossbreeding.
Promoting the study of efficacy, and safety of GMOs would be a great start; this along with
establishing educational efforts would help end-consumers trust products more readily.
Word count: 592
Reference:
Jimenez, G. C., & Pulos, E. (2016). 4. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). Geneseo.edu.;
Open SUNY Textbooks.
https://milnepublishing.geneseo.edu/good-corporation-bad-
corporation/chapter/4-genetically-modified-organisms-gmos/
Phillips, T. (2008). Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) | Learn Science at Scitable.
Www.nature.com.
https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/genetically-modified-
organisms-gmos-transgenic-crops-and-732/#:~:text=Some%20benefits%20of%20genetic
%20engineering
Norris, M. (2015, August 10). Will GMOs Hurt My Body? The Public’s Concerns and How
Scientists Have Addressed Them. Science in the News; Harvard University.
https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2015/will-gmos-hurt-my-body/
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Science and History of GMOs and Other Food
Modification Processes.
https://www.fda.gov/food/agricultural-biotechnology/science-
and-history-gmos-and-other-food-modification-processes