Genetically Modified Organisms For Consumer Purposes

Genetic modified organisms, or GMOs, are living organisms that, through the genetic engineering process, have been altered to withstand certain chemicals and increase the nutritional value of the product. In fact, the majority of the foods found at the grocery store are genetically altered. Genetic modification is becoming increasingly popular on farms throughout the United States and moving into other parts of the world due to their increasing yield capabilities and pest and weed control. However, this has been, and continues to be, an extremely controversial topic of discussion in the world of agriculture and biotechnology, as well as health food critics, because of potential environmental and health risks.

With numerous developments plaguing agricultural production, the implementation of Genetically Modified Organisms, commonly referred to as GMOs, is best suited to be used in food manufacturing. It is estimated that by the year 2050, global food production must increase by seventy percent. However with current practices in place and the limited expansion of farmland due to urbanization, such production rates are nearly impossible to achieve. The use of Genetically Modified Organisms seems to be among the only feasible options to rapidly increase food production and thus aid in this crisis which plagues even though most developed countries, such as the United States. Specifically in the United States, the use of Genetically Modified Organism

By the year 2012, over 70 percent of the processed foods in the U.S can be linked to genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. Despite this strong dependency on the manipulation of genetic material, there are many questions concerning long-lasting impacts such food could bring. The government of the United States of America should enforce stricter restrictions on the consumption, production, and availability of food products containing genetically modified organisms. Genetically engineered foods have detrimental impacts on the environment, are linked to large, monopolizing industries, and do not reduce world hunger.

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.

In today’s society citizens are faced with the question and decision whether or not GMO foods are beneficial or harmful to their health and well-being. Genetically modified foods (GMO) can be defined as organisms in which the genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating or natural recombination. (Food and Drug Administration, 2014) The technology behind GMO foods is often called “gene technology”, “modern biotechnology”, “recombinant DNA technology”, or “genetic engineering”. GMO foods were developed for many reasons which include: to grow a crop with pest resistant traits, to improve nutritional content, and extend their shelf life.

It will continue in the coming days. Despite this, general public is more or less unaware of the genetic modification, its advantages and disadvantages. Some people oppose genetic modification without knowing the information about genetic modification. They have emerging concerns for Genetic modifications associated with environmental hazard and human health. The genetically modified food like the insect resistant maize and herbicide tolerant soybean is in the US food market for almost 20 years with noteworthy advantages including reduced use of insecticides and herbicides, lessened labor costs and enhancement in food quality (Brookes & Barfoot, 2012). Day by day the number and amount of genetically modified food is increasing. The seeds and food plans are genetically modified for better production and tolerate adverse climate conditions. Sociocultural idiosyncrasies are different in different communities. Many countries within the European Union are reluctant invest time and effort to uplift genetic modification of food production. In the United States, most of the people accept genetically modified food without major concerns and a few other groups of people opposes genetically modified food (Zilberman, Kaplan, Kim, Hochman, & Graff, 2013). The global population is increasing and the crop fields are shrinking to accommodate the space for housing and industries. It is essential to increase food production by 70% by the year 2050 to feed increased number of population (Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO, 2009)). In many countries of Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, lack of food causes increased malnutrition and mortality of infants. About 54% child mortality is linked with malnutrition in developing countries in 2001(World Health Organization, 2013). Shortage of food causes overall undernutrition and disease burden on the entire population. Feminine, poverty

Genetically Modified foods have been around for many years and have been in the products we consume daily. By being able to alter their genes into making them grow in a certain way like faster, tastier, and reproduce faster, these modifications allow for the plants and crops to have new varieties of plants and crops that will be formed gradually. These modifications allow the plants to be more resistant to viruses, pesticides, and insects that can ruin the lifespan of the plants and crops and harm the consumers who consume them. There is a controversial issue with Genetically Modified Organisms and Foods as well as the pros and cons for it. Ethical, moral, and social issues are also some issues that affect the process of Genetically Modified Organisms and Foods. There has always been a competition in which whether or not GM Foods and Non-GM Foods are beneficial and good for us.

There is a great debate going on right now on the subject of genetically modified foods, or GMOs. For some, the idea of GMO food is a good one because the modifications allow crops to become resistant to drought and infestations, letting more people have more regular meals. Some research even shows that the world produces 17% more food than it needs to produce to provide each current human with three squares per day (Healthcare Articles and Infographics, 2013)! Others look at genetically modified foods as a dangerous proposition. From allergic reactions to potential intestinal damage, many people wish to avoid GMO foods because of animal studies that have shown changes in internal cell structure, abnormal tumor growth, and unexpected deaths that have occurred (Healthcare Articles and Infographics, 2013). By 2050, farmers must produce 40% more food to feed an estimated 9 billion people on the planet. Either current yields will have to increase or farmland will expand farther into forests and jungles. In some cases, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) would offer an alternative way to boost yields without sacrificing more land or using more pesticides (Maxmen, 2013).

There has been a tremendous amount of progress being made in genetic engineering. Genetically Modified Organism’s (GMO) are one of the most important issues around the world today. GMOs are organisms in which the genetic material is changed for advancing productivity and product quality. This leads farmers and scientist into changing the way food is grown and processed. It is clear that there hasn’t been enough evidence that proves genetically modified food is harmful. Although, these articles have added to the investigation being done that will hopefully lead to these products being taken off the market.

Genetically Modified Organisms also known as GMO’s are commonplace items today on the shelves of the local grocery store, or even the racks of the local department store. Technology today has allowed companies to modify the genetics of everything from corn and soybeans, to cotton and salmon. It hasn’t been known until now how many products really contain these genetically modified organisms. This paper will discuss the origins of GMO’s, the companies that produce these GMO’s, how GMO’s are created, the risks and benefits associated with GMO’s, and finally the ethical standpoint of GMO’s.

Humans have always lived a hunter-gatherer lifestyle, but it was not until a couple thousand years ago that they started to transition into an agricultural lifestyle (American Association of Cereal Chemists, 2007). In the 19th century, Gregor Mendel’s genetic theory caused an increase in harvest hybridization which gave rise to new genetic discoveries.This was the start of genetically modified organisms or GMOs. Genetic engineering is the manipulation of genetic materials in organisms leading to a mix of plants, animals and viral genes that do not occur naturally, or through crossbreeding methods creating GMOs (Non Gmo Project). There have been on going debates on the safety of GMOs for human consumption and whether they are hazardous for

In the past few years, people have become more and more health conscious about what they eat. However, a new issue that is causing concern is the addition of genetically modified organisms. Genetically modified organisms are organisms whose genes are modified by using engineering techniques. GMOs are scientifically altered to kill insects and change the way the plants grow or taste. The effects of these mutations are causing serious health concerns throughout the world. Genetically modified organisms are damaging human health and are continuously introduced into the daily diet without permission. Consuming these genetically altered foods can lead to many health issues. The health

“70 percent of our corn farmland and 93 percent of soy farmland are planted with crops genetically engineered to resist pests and herbicides and increase crop yields. 60% of all the processed foods in the United States are genetically modified; a shocking statistic has the concern of many Americans. However, most people are uninformed about the beneficial impact that genetically modified food has on their diet. GM is the use of molecular biology technology to modify the inherited structure of organisms. Genetically engineered crops increase nutrients, drought tolerance, provide more food for growing populations, and resists diseases and pesticides. Genetically engineered foods are crucial to the improvement of economy, agriculture, society, and health choices. The creation of GM foods was one of the most significant breakthroughs in food industry. Genetically modifying foods is a key component that is harmless for the enrichment of our foods.

Despite having been around since 1983, there are no conclusive results to how Genetically Modified foods affect our health and agricultural system. The small handful of studies that have been completed, are very short in length and have actually been done by some of the leading companies involved with creating GMO’s, and profiting from their crop yields. Many countries around the world such as Australia, and Japan have worked towards strong restrictions on how GMO’s are produced and handled. However, the United States has made no move towards banning GM foods. In the current dispute over Genetically Modified Organisms, I am convinced that the most pressing issues at this time include, lobbying for the protection of our natural plant varieties, and imposing a national law that will force GMO companies to label foods that contain modified genes.

According to the World Health Organization (2014. 1), "Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be defined as organisms (i.e. plants, animals or microorganisms) in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination. The technology is often called 'modern biotechnology ' or 'gene technology ', sometimes also 'recombinant DNA technology ' or 'genetic engineering '. Foods produced from or using GM organisms are often referred to as GM foods.” Many organic crops farming farmers are against cultivating of GM crops because of the threat to farm land and environment however, biotechnology companies and GM crops growing famer desire to have profit and consumer look for low price. Thus, the debate over the environmental impact of genetically modified GM crops is growing. Although GM crops negatively affects on some organism in environment, they reduce the use of pesticides and increase crop yield.