Genetically Foods Should Be Approved For Human Consumption

Engineered foods may be risky, but they may also be necessary with a growing planet. Before reading, “Are Engineered Foods Evil?,” by David Freedman, one may be convinced that genetically modified foods are considerably dangerous due to what some may perceive as lack of research and a misunderstanding of why they could be helpful. But, after reading Freedman’s very persuasive article one’s point of view could changed based on Freedman’s strong use of ethos and logos. He displayed facts and evidence to support claims he and other scientist made throughout his article which was also very persuasive. Freedman not only develops a strong argument, but provides a strong counter argument as well.

Genetic engineering is the deliberate modification of the characteristics of an organism by manipulating its genetic material, otherwise known as DNA. Since biochemists Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer pioneered genetic engineering in 1973, the process has grown to have numerous applications such as medicine production, for example insulin (Mckinley). However, a main topic of concern is the application of genetic engineering on foods that we eat everyday. By modifying the genetic "blueprint" of crops, it is possible to improve many aspects of agriculture. But with any sort of scientific discovery that allows humans to act as Mother Nature, genetically modifying organisms has been a very controversial topic. Yet our society continues to grow, and the need for the benefits of genetically modified foods continues to grow. Genetically modifying foods should be permitted in our society because it allows larger yields of crops to be produced, produces foods with higher nutritional values, and reduces our global ecological footprint.

A new kind of foods called the genetically modified foods has been creating a quiet revolution in the American market for the past several years. Scientists are able to produce these new foods by transferring genes from one organism into another across species boundaries. This new technique has been developed to improve the shelf life, nutritional content, flavor, color, and texture of foods. Since 1994, about 45 genetically modified foods such as tomato, corn, soybeans, canola, and potatoes have been marketed in the United States. About two-thirds of foods that are processed in U.S. contain genetically modified ingredients. So, we the people are consuming these foods without realizing the fact that they are not produced naturally.

In North America and Europe the value and impact of genetically engineered food crops have become subjects of intense debate, provoking reactions from unbridled optimism to fervent political opposition.

There is a lot of controversy surrounding the use of genetic modification in foods grown for human consumption. Many opponents suggest that genetically modified (GM) foods can affect human growth and development, increase allergic reactions in persons with allergy sensitivity or cause allergies to develop in healthy people. Proponents of using genetically modified organisms to alter and improve foods claim that there are no health risks to humans and that GM foods are subjected to stricter guidelines and testing than “naturally” grown food. They also claim that genetic modification of food is necessary to produce more drought tolerant, insect and disease resistant crops that can sustain the earth’s growing human population. A recent survey conducted suggests that public opinion is evenly divided on whether or not GMOs should be used in foods for human consumption. This paper looks to discuss the pros and cons of GMOs in food and the reported effects, if any, on human growth and development.

GMOs are the source of genetically modified foods and are also widely used in scientific research and to produce goods other than food.The debate as to whether genetically modified foods should be grown and consumed along side organic foods is one of the most controversial topics in the past decade. In my opinion, I believe that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) foods should not be permitted to be grown in Canada. As a member of the Union of Concerned Scientists, I know the similarities and differences between the two types of foods. GMO foods have become very popular throughout the last two decades and there are a number of reasons for its growth, however, many consumers do not know the benefits and drawbacks of them. GMO foods are generally much cheaper than organic foods and therefore more attractive from a consumer’s prospective and not to mention the fact that they look identical to their organic counterparts makes it that much more convincing. Around 70% to 80% of foods at a local grocery store have traces of GMO products in them thus demonstrating that organic foods are fairly hard to find in today’s society. There are many reasons as to why Canada should not allow the production of GMO foods for example the controversy surrounding whether GMOs are safe to eat, government labelling on GMO products, why people like and dislike GMO products and if the benefits of GMOs outweigh the risks.

The genetic engineering of foods has, in one sense, been in existence for hundreds of years. The first time Gregor Mendel bred different varieties of pea plants to observe the various traits present in their offspring, the concept was born. Today, genetic engineering has developed into one of the most complex and advanced fields of scientific thinking, all the while provoking many questions and acquiring many opponents along the way. While there are compelling arguments presented for each side of the issue, the simple fact is that genetically modified (GM) foods are a reality, especially in the United States, as they are already present in many products that are consumed on a daily

The world we live in today is in no doubt constantly changing all thanks to the technological and scientific advancements. These advancements are what have led to the birth of molecular genetics which is the genesis of improvements in the field of agriculture. Food is a very crucial part of human survival, and while it may be abundant in many developed countries, the same cannot be said about the developing countries. A 2015 report by FAO on the state of food insecurity sates that there are about 795 million people sleeping hungry because of shortage of food with the vast majority coming from developing countries (2015, FAO). The rise of genetically modified food in the recent years however has helped to provide a solution to some of these food shortage problems. Generally genetically modified foods otherwise known as GMO foods are foods that result from crops whose genetic makeup have been modified or altered. This happens through a process that’s referred to as recombinant DNA that serves to give plants traits that are desirable with the use of molecular techniques. Some of the most bioengineered foods include tomatoes, corn, cotton, rice, papaya, wheat among others. While it has had many benefits and successes, GM foods still have risks and the question of safety always arises when it comes to discussions.

On January 15, 2015 Juan Ramos suffered a violent allergic reaction after eating a bacon lettuce and tomato sandwich for lunch. He died an hour after being taken to the hospital. The cause of his death was determined to be sea food allergy. Any chance of cross contamination of his sandwich with sea food was ruled out after forensic investigation. How did Mr Ramos who was a known allergy sufferer reach this fate? The answer lay in the tomatoes that he had eaten for lunch; they not only contained fish related allergens but also contained antibiotic resistant genes which prevented Mr Ramos’ immune system from protecting his body (Billups). The question that comes to mind now is how could something related to seafood be found in a vegetable? This is where genetically modified foods enter the picture. Genetically modified foods are unnaturally produced. Their consumption has been linked with several serious health disorders including cancer. Presence of genetically modified food in the market must be banned. This is a weakly regulated practice and is not only damaging human health but is also slowly but steadily affecting the environment.

Our world is full of complications, situations that need people’s attention. Scientists are attempting to find answers for most of the world’s difficulties. Nevertheless, a solution for one problem creates some other obstacle. It becomes impossible to create a solution that does not have side effects. One of the difficult situations in this world is hunger and poverty. Many people lack enough food to live a healthy life, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries. In order to provide sufficient food and maintain food security, scientists discovered genetically altered foods. Genetically engineered foods are grown from plants or animals whose genes are modified by inserting new genes that can increase the plant’s and animal’s resistance to diseases and worms. By doing so, researchers improve crop yield and animal products. In addition to increasing the amount of food produced, scientists enhance the nutritive content of crops by using biotechnology, which results in reducing malnutrition. Furthermore, some investigators claim the environmental importance of

The world is fast changing and with every new day, many things are being introduced to us with the aim of making our lives easier, so I hear. Technology tops that list, closely followed by the availability of fast foods across the world. These fast foods are mainly made from inorganic foods, commonly known as GM foods (genetically modified foods). This does not mean that fast foods are the only type of foods made from GMO (genetically modified organisms). Other foods also like tomatoes, potatoes, corn and various fruits are also as a result of genetic engineering. I shall argue that it is important to label genetically modified foods as not all people support their existence.

Genetically Modified foods were first developed in order to produce a more plentiful and successful harvest for farmers. Through gene manipulation, super seeds are produced in hope to withstand harsh weather and reduce insect infestation. The three articles stand against the production of these forced mutation organisms however the authors know this technique for farming will continue to thrive making it unstoppable. They all acknowledge the fact that most United States consumers are not fully aware of what exactly GM foods are made of. This ignorance allows growers to expand into the field of genetic engineering. Meanwhile, the unknown health risks still linger as the foods one consumes every day is infused with modified matter. The articles agree that scientists are unsure about what might be

With progress in genetic engineering, farmers and scientists have changed the way in which food is grown and made, raising questions about these methods and their possible risks and effects. What is clear is that there is not enough information on the consequences of genetically modified foods on human health as of yet. Furthermore no agreement among the scientific community has been reached on the risks or safety of this technology, although it seems to possess wide, uncertain and, potentially dangerous implications for human health, which are inextricably linked to moral/ethical concerns.

GMFs, short for genetically modified foods, are a product of genetic engineering that makes a DNA sequence in an organism favorable and improved. GMFs impact the world in a plethora of ways including socioeconomic and cultural ways in our local community and the individual opinions of many people. These mutated foods have not only caused numerous advantages, but additionally have caused many disadvantages that can hurt not only the local community but the global community as a whole. While dealing with genetically engineering, scientists must be tentative by its utilization since many individuals have different opinions on it. Genetically modified foods have an important significance to this world altogether.

With an ever-growing population and the problems of world hunger, there has been a high demand for an increased food supply and a better food supply. Technology has been called upon to meet this challenge. The advent of genetically engineered foods, sometimes called transgenic crops or genetically modified foods, is not a new concept, but the controversy over it is. Can these "frankenfoods" be harmful to humans? What are their effects on the environment? The following paper will focus on such questions as well as providing a better understanding of what genetically modified foods are and how they should be regulated.