Essay On GMO

What is a GMO? A genetically modified organism that has had its DNA altered or modified in some way through genetic engineering (Lallanilla). Most GMOS are modified from another organism. These organisms could be an animal, virus, bacterium, or a plant. They are called "transgenic" organisms.

GM foods are in the middle of many controversial issues; primarily these are addressed by conflicts over the relative pros and cons of GM foods. Major biotech companies like ‘Monsanto ' and ‘Cargill ' are promoting GM foods by focusing only on their beneficial aspects, giving least importance to their negative effects on safety, environment and biodiversity. On the other hand, governmental regulators and nongovernmental organizations, along with some scientists, are strictly opposing this type of blind promotion of GM food by enlightening the people on their negative effects The controversies associated with GM foods include issues such as safety, environmental benefits and risks, biodiversity, and ethical and social considerations.GM foods are implicated for adverse human health risks like people being allergic to it, environmental hazards such as development of super weeds, and pesticide and antibiotic resistance in disease causing organisms. On the other

In conclusion, GMOs and pesticides are harmful and alarming to producers and consumers. They cause animals pain and harm humans when consumed. Many animals live short and painful lives, while humans now must suffer with long term diseases or damage to their bodies. Although some argue that Genetically modified produce is benefiting producers and consumers, I still argue that genetically modified organisms harm animals and

By genetically modifying traits in plants, biotechnology allows for higher food production in a wider array of places without the use of chemicals or limited resources. The increased crop availability results in economic profit, not only in the United States, but in developed and non-developed nations around the globe. A study to support this claim from Iowa State University shows that without GMO’s, global prices would be nearly 10% higher for soybeans and 6% higher for corn, two largely grown crops throughout the world. The net economic benefit for farmers in 2011 was $19.8 billion (PG Economics, 1996-2011). This results in an average rise in income of $329 per acre. For the entire 16-year period since the introduction of GMO’s, the increase in global

Primarily, genetically engineered crops result in countless long-term, detrimental impacts on the environment. As the United States becomes increasingly dependent on such crops for a majority of its food supply, these harmful environmental impacts are becoming evident. Many GMO crops are modified to be herbicide-resistant, such as the Roundup Ready crop, which allows farmers to spray herbicides without causing damage to the plants. While the ridding of weeds increases the level of production for these farmers, their total elimination greatly interferes with the natural interdependency of the ecosystem. One impacted species includes the Monarch butterfly, as its population decline has been directly linked to the use of genetically engineered crops. The weeds being eliminated include the

For instance, genetically modified crops, have created an epidemic of herbicide-immune plants, and insects that aren’t killed off by herbicide (Koba). This results in an excess use of herbicide, and “the major herbicide, glyphosate, is found inside the GM plants we eat, leading to its detection in people.” (Perlman). And recently, an international agency, declared glyphosate as highly carcinogenic (Perlman). A carcinogen product, means it has a potential to give the consumer cancer. Herbicides are known to damage “crop plants, especially if too large a dose is used… [also it] changes the habitat of animals such as mammals and birds”

Controversy started in 1994, when the commercial sale of GMOs began. Dictionary.com states, “A GMO is an organism whose genome has been altered by the techniques of genetic engineering so that its DNA contains one or more genes not normally found their” (Definition+of+gmo). As it may sound unethical to inject other genes into a perfectly normal plant, “As much as “70 percent” of food prepackaged in a normal grocery store contain genetically modified foods” (Negative Impacts on GM foods) stated Genetically Modified Foods.

Not only are GMOs harmful to humans they affect many other communities. “GMOs are also responsible for killing off bees, bats, butterflies, and other pollinators, whose bodies are unable to handle the onslaught of altered DNA and chemicals that are characteristic of GMO technologies”(Bensen). This shows that GMO is not only an issue for humans but it directly affects the insect and animals communities around the plants. These are living organisms that these plants need for pollination. GMOs and the pesticides used on these crops to fight off the insects and weeds is creating more powerful weeds and insects called “SuperWeeds” and “SuperBugs.” “And this built-in resistance has allowed farmers to indiscriminately spray chemicals like Roundup on their crops without worrying about killing them. But this system is now failing, as the weeds and pests targeted by GMO technologies have mutated and developed resistance to crop chemicals and Bt toxin” (Benson). These chemicals are effective for a short period of time However these chemicals become ineffective, the offspring of the insects can be immune to the chemical. This creates a need for a new and stronger chemical mix. GMO seeds and destroy the soil and kill beneficial

The theme of agriculture and even more specifically genetically modified organisms helped to critically examine the dangers and hazards of such GMOs. Knowing the potential issues with GMOs from class helped understand and effectively critique this article more. The examples and real world statistics in this article magnified the importance of GMO labeling and the dangers imposed upon consumers who eat such foods.

Genetically modified foods can cause harm to our environment by harming species, many of which are important to the stability of humans. An online article from the Institute for Responsible Technology, 10 Reasons to Avoid GMO’s, states, “GM crops and their associated herbicides can harm birds, insects, amphibians, marine ecosystems, and soil organisms.” The methods which GM foods are being produced is taking a drastic toll on our environment. Several species face danger when they are exposed to herbicides which are contained in GMOs. The article further states, “GM crops are eliminating habitat for monarch butterflies, whose populations are down 50% in

In 64 countries in the world, it is a requirement for GMOs to be labeled. A Genetically Modified Organism(GMO) is an organism whose genetics’ have been modified through gene splicing. Majority of the common foods packaged contain GMOs. The United States and Canada do not require GMOs to be labeled. American and Canadian citizens have the right as consumers to know whether the food they are purchasing contain GMO ingredients in the nutrition facts.

Abhorrently, today's consumers are faced with discomfort regarding food safety. For the past 20 years millions of people around the world have been eating plants genetically modified by scientists. Genetically modified crops are tweaked to resist the harsh herbicides. In a recent article titled Labels for GMOs are bad the author argues that GMOs are safe for human consumption. In fact,Suspected culprit in devastating 'fiber disease' statistics show that “Around 70 percent of processed foods in the U.S contain genetically modified ingredients.” ( The Editors 1 ) I strongly oppose The Editors point of view towards GMO labeling because consumers want to know what they are eating. GMOs should indeed be labeled to inform what's in the product

The debate for labeling genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the food supply has been an ongoing battle for years. Both sides have valid points and believe passionately in their stance. One side states they are safe for the consumer to eat and do not need to be labeled. The other side argues not enough long term studies have been done to validate this claim and labeling should be mandatory to protect the consumer. While both supporters and non-supports of labeling GMO foods may not seem to have much in common, they can both agree that there is a need for a plentiful and nutritious food supply.

It can be difficult to discern as to why there is so much controversy over genetically modified ingredients within our food supply. I myself have heard so many accounts of the opposing sides to this debate and some things can get misconstrued along the way. The article “FAQs about GMOs” by Jean Halloran presents specific questions and answers related to the topic of genetically modified foods, or GMOs. Includes the effects that GMOs have on consumers’ health, social aspects of labeling GMOs, and environmental influences of GMOs.

Much of the public concern surrounding the safety of GMOs stems from the process of actually creating them. This is admittedly not a natural process, which is a surefire way to raise critic’s eyebrows in doubting their safety. However, there is no evidence that supports these myths. The Committee on Genetically Engineered Crops, The National Academy of Science, and the Board on Agriculture and Natural Recourses all agree after extensive testing and observation that there is no additional harm in the consumption of GMO food. The research conducted in animal studies, as well as chemical analysis of the crops, show no indication that GMOs are negatively affecting human health. The next allegation hurled at GMOs is that they may have