Richard Dahl 's Decision On Genetically Modified Organisms

A GMO is a genetically modified organism that goes through the process of genetic engineering. This is when genes of one organism are extracted, altered, and then artificially placed into another organism to then grow. We typically see GMOs in the food we consume every day. These foods include fruits and vegetables, however the most common organisms that are genetically engineered include, corn, soy, and cotton. It is ultimately the unnatural cross breeding of plants, animals, bacteria, and virus genes (Non-GMO Project). But now why is there a debate for placing a label to notify consumers of GMOs in their foods? Do we know the potential harm that GMOs can cause? We have the right to know what we are putting into our bodies and what is found in our everyday foods.

The Federal Government should require labeling of GMO’s on genetically modified foods. The people deserve to know what they put in their bodies. Some of the food is very unhealthy and some people are completely unaware of that fact. Many food companies do not put out all the information about what goes into the food in which we consume, if the Federal government were to require labeling of all GMO foods then the people could be well educated about what they put inside their bodies, and know if it is good for them or not. GMO stands for genetically modified foods, a genetically modified food 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

In November of 2014, a bill called Proposition 105 was on the ballot in Colorado that, if passed, would require any foods with genetically modified ingredients, to be labeled. Although the bill did not pass, the debate on whether GMOs (genetically modified organisms) should be labeled or not rages on. As defined by dictionary.com, a GMO is defined as “An organism or microorganism whose genetic material has been altered by means of genetic engineering.” This genetic alteration that takes place, is not possible in nature, which has some people apprehensive about GMOs overall safety. Bills like Proposition 105 have already passed in the states of Vermont, Connecticut, and Maine, giving these three states the same rights that 64 countries around

The advancement of technology has allowed our generation to genetically modify food for what is believed to be beneficial to consumers. The environmental and health effects of genetically modified foods have generated controversy about whether these foods are safe. With such advances, the use of genetically modified food is expanding, even though they 're unlabeled. Genetically modified foods should be labeled because of the possible health, environmental, and economic risks. Once a consumer knows what they are paying for, it is fair to produce and market such foods.

Ever since their entrance onto the consumer market in the last two decades of the twentieth century, genetically modified organisms (often referred to as GMOs) have been getting mixed reviews from the public. Genetically modified consumer products (primarily food) have pushed the barriers of some people's comfort levels. Born out of either a lack of knowledge or a sincere concern for public health or the environment, a consumer rights movement has been planted around the world pushing for labeling of genetically modified food products. This movement has matured in many places to a degree where interest groups have successfully lobbied governments into adopting criteria for labeling transgenic food

After presenting the arguments of proponents and opponents of the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act. This paper will now analyze each issue to determine the strengths and weakness of each side’s argument. One argument that proponents make about genetically modified food is that they are no different than natural foods. An argument that opponents make is that genetically modified organisms have not been tested enough because they are fairly new and some scientist truly don’t have an understanding of how it will affect humans bodies differently than natural foods. Proponents argue that genetically engineered foods have no needs for labeling; it would lead to consumer confusion. Opponents argue that consumers have the right to know what is in the foods they are eating and supporting.

Just like every other issue, there is more than one side to this one as well. Many people like the idea of labeling food packages. The Washington House of Representatives voted to pass a bill in April 2015 which does not make labeling GMO, or genetically modified organisms, products mandatory, according to CBS News and naturally many people were upset by this decision (House votes to block mandatory GMO labeling). Vermont 's democratic representative Peter Welch asked "What 's the problem with letting consumers know what they are buying?" To answer his question, the problem here is that there is a

There are roughly sixty countries that require GMO labeling and they do not have the problem that the United States have. Some countries even go as far to ban GMOs and only let some in. They have to go through many processes and tests to examine the effects and quality of the plant and/or product. These countries have lower rates of GMO food purchases and their environment is much cleaner than the United States. Monsanto has always tried its hardest to prevent any law from passing to regulate and label their products. They have spent millions of dollars. They have also threatened to sue the states that have brought up the idea or bill the label. The public has protested and demanded labeling, they believe they have a right to know

GMO: “Why is it legal?” “Is it considered safe amongst consumers?”. Those are the two frequently asked questions. If GMOs are used on farms, are consumers rights and health at stake? GMOs are bad because they can cause health problems, environmental damage, and violation of farmers and consumers rights. The lack of GMOs labels plays a major part. How will consumers know what they're putting in their bodies? GMOs are used in 80% of processed foods. Yet, consumers fail to begin living “healthy” lifestyle, the consumption of GMO will drastically affect them.

Almost all of the food we either buy and eat will have little or lot of genetically modified ingredients. People could think that what they are eating is healthy, but in reality they have no clue that it can damage their health. That is why a major threat to people’s everyday lives is GMO’s especially when they are not labeled. Genetically Modified Organism need to be labeled because consumers have the right to know what is in their food, people have the right to avoid GMO foods, make labels should known the hazards and America should follow the example of other countries that require it. Monsanto pays a lot of money to stop labeling from happening when they could just use the money towards labeling where the majority of Americans interest.

Foremost in the arguments concerning GM foods are the practices and standards of labeling. Currently sixty four countries require mandatory labeling of these products. The United States is not one of these countries that require mandatory labeling. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is currently using a very lenient standard for informing consumers according to

Leaving GMO foods unlabeled can have effects the consumer wasn't prepared for. According to an article by Jeffery Smith on responsibletechnology.org, "numerous health problems increased after GMOs were introduced in 1996. The percentage of Americans with three or more chronic illnesses jumped from 7% to 13% in just 9 years; food allergies skyrocketed, and disorders such as autism, reproductive disorders, digestive problems, and others are on the rise." Data has clearly shown an increase in various mental and physical disorders, and we can conclude GMO foods have a correlation to the spike in illness. Some people might say labeling foods as genetically modified could stigmatize them, thus driving away customers. However, is the possibility of losing a little business really more important than the overall health of the population?

The first reason why genetically engineered food needs to be labeled is because people have the right to know what they are purchasing and eating. If people do not know what they are consuming how will they know if it is safe or not for their health? Genetically Engineered foods are nothing like organic foods. For example, organic foods are more unsusceptible to fungus and have higher levels of magnesium, vitamin C, and iron unlike GMOS. In more detail labeling genetically engineered food is important because of religious beliefs. In Hinduism, certain foods are associated with certain characteristics like purity, energy, and passion. They believe when a person eats fruits with these characteristics that the characteristics of the fruit will

. So why aren’t GMOs dominating the food industry? There has been extensive research on modifying all kinds of organisms, but research is still being done. Aside from the research that still must be done, education to the public must be provided about GMOs. According to Vecchione, Feldman, and Wunderlich “The results show a strong, positive correlation between consumer attitudes towards foods not containing GMOs and purchasing behaviour (Pearson’s r¼0.701, p50.001) with lesser correlations between knowledge and behaviour (Pearson’s r¼0.593, p50.001) and knowledge and attitudes (Pearson’s r¼0.413, p50.001)” (Vecchione et al). which goes to show how the media has gone to influence the public in a significant manner. GMO labelling would assist

Could it be that there are dirty little secrets lurking inside the foods you put on your table? “Do you really know what’s inside the tomato you just put on your salad? Do you care to know if that cheeseburger you just ate is not infused with liquid nitrogen?” There are no notices, no warnings and most definitely no labels. Genetically modified food (GMF, GM Crops, or Bio-Food) are the norm in America today. Some even say we are just another Human Experiment for our American Government. While others claim if it weren't for scientists and their experiments we would never have discovered genetics and DNA.