The Health And Environmental Risks Of Genetically Modified Foods

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.

Genetically modified foods are produced from organisms that have gone through a process that introduces specific changes to its DNA using genetic engineering. This process allows companies to choose specify traits a crop will display. On the surface this process seems like a technological breakthrough, and it is, however, the topic of genetically modified foods (GMOs) is very complex. There are many aspects of this process we must consider when deciding if GMOs should continue to be sold. Due to many human health, environmental, and economical concerns the sale of all genetically modified foods should be banned.

the rise in advanced technology, Genetically Modified Foods were engineered and created. Not only were they new in the sense that it provided an easier source of growing, but it also brought ,with it, a new controversy across the world. Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs) are created by moving a gene from one animal to another. An example of this would be moving the gene of an Icefish to a tomato to give the tomato a longer shelf life. GMOs were intended to help increase food production and help foods last longer however, GMOs have become very controversial because of their potential health and environmental effects. GMOs could have detrimental effects on the population and on the Earth.

Cummins article “Genetically Engineered Foods Are Hazardous” views GMO’s/GE’s as dangerous creations that undermine our health, environment, and farming. Firstly, they mention that GMO’s/GE’s are a revolution form of technology that allows individuals to create new organisms by changing its genetic code with genes from other organisms. However, scientist view these methods as crude and dangerous. Secondly, with these new organisms comes new dangers, unpredictable results, and hazards. They believe GMO’s/GE’s should become prohibit, with just a look at the hazards they already caused. If products are created in a lab, their seen as toxic and poison for both humans and animals. Two examples of this, includes a supplement called L-tryptophan that

Introduction/Thesis Genetically modified organisms (GMO) are an organism whose genome has been engineered in the laboratory in order to favor the expression of desired physiological traits or the production of desired biological products according to the Encyclopedia Britannica. In grocery stores in the United States, as much as 70 percent of the processed food may contain genetically modified organisms. The same cannot be said for the European Union, who has much tighter regulations regarding the planting and end use of genetically modified (GM) foods. There is a worldwide debate over the safety and benefit of genetically modified organisms and whether they should be allowed on the dinner table.

On recent years, Genetically Modify Organism (GMOs) are becoming a major topic for argument on American consumers. Recent studies are starting to prove how dangerous they are. More animal right groups are coming on how GMOs contribute to animal cruelty. Also, scientist are starring to warn the public on the effects GMO farming has in the Ecosystem. Finally, medical studies conducted in foreign countries show the negative impact GMO foods have on humans.

What are Genetically-Modified Foods? Genetically-Modified Foods, commonly known as GMOs, are crop plants that have been created for human and animal consumption by genetic engineering techniques of biotechnology. These crop plants have been modified in a lab to create a desired trait that has been undertaken through breeding methods. Lately, there has been major controversy and disputes on if GMOs are a solution or a problem in today’s society. Now, a question for debate is, should GMOs be considered part of a sustainable food system? Sustainability can be defined as the ability of something to be maintained or to endure itself, and takes what we, as people need to live now, without jeopardizing the needs of people in the future. GMOs have been around for years and until just recently, people are becoming concerned with them and saying they pose a serious threat to the environment as well as human health risks. On the other hand, some believe that these products are healthy and beneficial for the environment and have a great nutritional quality. I believe GMOs are both health and environmental hazards and are not benefiting society. They pose a threat for the future of food and farming all over the world.

As stated in the Organic Consumers Association, 80 percent of the food consumed in America is processed, and 75 percent of the processed food contains Genetically Modified Organism (GMOs) (Carolanne). GMOs are living organisms that their genetics had been unnaturally modified through scientists and engineers. This is a serious issue which every consumer in America is facing today. The rate of obesity had doubled since 1982, and this is only the visible effects of Genetically Modified (GM) food in the human body. There are more inner problems that a person can encounter by eating GM food. However, it does not end there. GM food can also cause problems for the environment. GM crops are a threat to birds, herbicides, insects, and even to water. GM food can be harmful to the human body and to the environment. Therefore, the U.S. should limit its use, and find some solutions.

Genetically modified food creates risks for the environment. It can cause cross-contamination between the GMO and organic produce damaging the organic crops. According to a 2009 report by the Organic center, the extensive use of pesticides intensely increased--about 318 million pounds--in the first thirteen years after GMO crops were introduced. (Text 2, lines 31-32) This occurred because people who grow GMOs immeasurably, spray herbicides on them causing pesticide-resistant weeds to prosper. However, according to the Food and Drug Organization, the foods are safe to consume. Agreeing, the World Health Organization states that there are no severe health effects that occurred in the international market. (Text 3, lines

Introduction: Genetically modified foods are made from genetically changed plants or animals. Genetic change is done through transfer of specific genes from one organism to another or between two different species. Genetically modified crops are more productive, resistant to herbicide, tolerant to drought and flood, less expensive than naturally produced food and have more nutrition value. Objectives: 1. to identify cost-effectiveness of genetically modified foods 2. to discuss the possible adverse effects of genetically modified foods to human health and environment and 3. global public health impact of genetically modified foods.

The “OMG” About “GMOs” Molecular biologist Nina Fedoroff once said, “Myths about the dire effects of genetically modified foods on health and the environment abound, but they have not held up to scientific scrutiny.

Genetically Modified foods are one of the important issues in the world. Farmers and scientists have changed the way food is grown and made. Many people have questioned these methods and their risk and effect of the food being processed. What is clear is that there is not enough of information on this genetically modified food on a human health as of yet. “The term GM foods or GMOs (genetically-modified organisms) is most commonly used to refer to crop plants created for human or animal consumption using the latest molecular biology techniques. These plants have been modified in the laboratory to enhance desired traits such as increased resistance to herbicides or improved nutritional content” (Gall). Having food is very important to the

In the last two decades genetically modified organisms (GMO) have radically transformed the food and farming industry. With the use of constant animal testing and lab conducted research, scientists have yet to breach the exact effects of what gene manipulations actually are especially in a long term sense. With GMO manufacturing companies, such as Monsanto, marketing the use of GMO to be a groundbreaking, healthy and practical food developing source, eyes have been turned away from many of the negative components. Further research by third part companies has shown that there is evidence to believe disastrous effects are occurring concerning GMO and their adverse effects on both the environment and human health.

A person’s life growing up can have a major influence on their future, especially in someone’s eating habits and the ingredients in those foods. Genetically modified organisms also known as GMO’s are organism whose genetic matter have been artificially manipulated through genetic engineering. They are used to make the food last longer and adds more flavor. They were introduced into our food supply in the mid 1990s, they were used to delay the ripping of tomatoes. The largest producer of genetic modifying organisms is in Monsanto in the United States which currently dominates the global market of genetic modifying seeds. There have been many controversial sides, whether it they are harmful to people or whether they are doing us a favor, and we still do not know how they will affect us long-term. Many people say that genetic modified organisms are making the food better and lasting longer while many believe that modifying food products are making us become sick and triggering more allergic reactions than before they had started modifying our food system.

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.