The Issue Of Genetically Modified Organisms

Genetically Modified Organisms are organisms that are infused with DNA extracted from another organism, which can come from plants, animals and even human genes. Although many companies have decided that buyers of their products do not need to be informed on the dangers of genetically modified organisms, consumers deserve to be informed by product labeling because the unnatural production of consumable products can, and will create detriments to our bodies, our environment and other living things.

Whether Americans realize it or not, most of them consume genetically modified organisms every time they eat a snack or a meal. According to Robin Mather’s article “The Threats from Genetically Modified Foods”, “you’re eating genetically modified foods almost daily unless you grow all of the food or always buy organic” (Mather). This can be a scary thought for those who know about the numerous effects of GMOs or those who didn’t know what was in the food they’ve been ingesting for years. When Nielsen selected 1,200 Americans for a survey on GMOs for The Wall Street Journal, “61% of consumers had heard of GMOs and nearly half of those people said they avoid eating them” (Gasparro). The only difficulty with avoiding genetically modified organisms is that they make up approximately eighty percent of the ingredients used in processed foods that put together most of the regular American diet (Gasparro). The reason that genetically modified organisms are in most processed foods is because most processed foods contain corn or high fructose corn syrup that comes from genetically modified corn plants. Of all the corn, soybeans, sugar beet, and canola crops grown in the United States, over ninety percent of those crops are grown from genetically altered seeds (Gasparro). Ever since 1996, when genetically modified plants were first commercially grown for the public, the use of genetically modified seeds has been on a sharp increase (Charman). Although the use of genetically modified

A genetically modified organism, GMO, has been altered by genetic engineering techniques. GMOs are widely used by scientists in many different ways to include the production of food and in research.8 Zebrafish genetically modified to be a fluorescent bright red, green and orange have been available for purchase as pets in 49 states in the United States since 2003.8 However, these patented GloFish are banned in California. The California Fish and Game Commission decided the fish were the result of a “trivial use for a powerful technology.”7 The Commission’s belief that the fish should not have been created led to a law making the GloFish illegal. Originally GloFish were developed by scientists in Singapore to be living pollution sensors as they would only glow when in the presence of pollutants.7 The Commission’s ban on GloFish highlights the controversy over genetically modified organisms and how public opinion can be swayed by the beliefs of others whether those beliefs are based on science or not. This paper will focus first on what genetic modification means and then will look at the pros and cons of genetically modified foods. Finally, the author’s opinion of the issue of GMO food will conclude the paper.

What exactly is the controversy surrounding genetically modified foods and plants? An immense amount of advocacy for and against the implementation of genetically modified method in the development of food and the agricultural development of crops and plants. The intention of this report is to definitively explore both aspects of advocacy surrounding genetically modified foods and plants or crops. As their is a significant population of individuals, organizations and groups that strongly support the use of genetically modified methods, there are an equally great population that adamantly defies and warns against the implementation, deployment and overall use and consumption of genetically modified foods and plants or crops.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines GMOs as an organism whose DNA has been altered in a non-natural way. GM plants are usually changed to be insect resistant, virus resistant, or herbicide tolerant. Monsanto is a huge factor in the production of genetically modified organisms, or more commonly known as GMOs. GMOs have been studied and there is proof showing they are harmful to humans, animals, and the environment. Big businesses like Monsanto are taking over and basically producing a monopoly over the agriculture industry; running small, “mom and pop” farms out of business. GMOs should be banned because they have little benefits and the corporation is only looking out for the good of themselves.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are genetic materials; which have been altered through biotechnology. Many crops sold around the world are genetically modified. GMOs undergo changes to fit a specific purpose such as pest-resistant crops. Despite the fact that GMOs are commonly used, there has been many disagreements regarding whether or not they should be labeled. Although GMOs have been deemed safe by the FDA they concluded that labeling GMOs are unnecessary, citizens disagree and suggest GMOs should be labeled because labels provide benefits and also allow people to have positive attitudes regarding GMOs; also not labeling GMOs infringes on an American citizen’s freedom and the labels could start a governmental public campaign

There is currently a lot of controversy over Genetically Engineered Food (GM). The controversy is mainly over the genetic engineering and production of food that is sold in the market place. Many people and organizations are involved in the disputes over these practices. Farmers, biotechnology companies, scientists, government regulators, and activists are some of these people.

“Genetically modified”, “Genetically engineered”, and “Genetically manipulated” are all terms that have been used interchangeably between most of the writers on this issue and mean the same thing. The “labeling” in this debate is the simple labeling seen in grocery stores, they can be indicated with a big sticker or found secluded near the ingredients list. Mandatory labeling and Voluntary labeling are two distinct policies that most countries usually follow. Mandatory labeling is as it sounds, companies will be forced to label all products containing a certain amount of GMOs. Voluntary labeling on the other hand, is when companies offer to label their own products (Gruere 2017). This is usually done by GMO-free companies. In the United States today, voluntary labeling is followed (Gruere 2003). When I refer or talk about voluntary labeling, I will always put “voluntary” beforehand. If I do not use “voluntary” assume mandatory labeling is being discussed. Another issue to address is the end goal of what labeling supporters are trying to strive for. Many advocates say they have the right to know what is in their food. Whether or not GMOs actually have any significant effect, the consumer should always be placed first (It

GMO or Genetically modified organism is the result of a laboratory process where DNA genes from on species are extracted and artificially forced into the genes of an unrated animal or plant. The genes can be from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals of a different species and humans. Some call GMOs transgenic, genetic engineering, or genetic modification. Genetic engineering is done by using viruses or Bactria to infect animals or plant cells with new stranger DNA. Coating DNA on tiny metal pellets, than firing the DNA in cells with a special gun. Injecting new stranger DNA into fertilized eggs with a very small fine needle and even using electric shocks to create holes in membrane covering sperm than; forcing the new stranger DNA into the sperm.

What is a GMO? Genetically Modified Organism is what GMO stands for. Consumers have been eating these plants modified for the sake of being able to have a built-in modification to prevent damage from the elements of nature. Farmers use to be able to just plant their crops and carry on with business. Now our government has some seeds that were modified to prevent pests and plant disease from damaging the food that is produced. Why is it that the United States government is one of few that do not make the FDA put labels on the fruits and vegetables produced by these modified seeds? It would seem to be an easy solution. Let the consumer decide. Unfortunately, this does not happen.

Most people who have eaten GM food have good health as well because the FDA’s priority is to assess the food to see if it may be toxic or allergenic when consumed. They also test the food to make sure it has the right level of nutrients. According to the American Medical Association, “Bioengineered foods have been consumed for close to 20 years, and during that time, no overt consequences on human health have been reported and/or substantiated in the peer-reviewed literature” (factsaboutgmos). This goes to show that many of the most influential health regulatory agencies approve of the health standards on GM food. With all of these well-known agencies agreeing that they are safe to consume without negative health effects, it makes it extremely hard for conspiracy theorists to believe that all of their studies and scientific reports are lies. There are also many anti-GMO groups and persons that regularly post blogs without peer-review and journals that have not been published (geneticliteracyproject). These people write without any basis about animals that eat GMOs exhibit abnormal qualities such as cancerous tumors, early death, sterility, false pregnancies and immune problems. Globally, food producing animals consume between 70 and 90 percent of genetically modified crop biomass, of which is mostly corn and soybean. If the anti-GMO groups were

It is said that we are what we eat. If we eat we eat dangerous things, something will

Genetically engineered and modified foods have recently developed into one of the most widely debated issues in the United States. Arguments aside, the problem is going to be one that the world is going to have to feel the results of, whether prepared or not. Newly expanded research regarding biotechnology presents a willing audience with a whole new outlook on just how far scientific investigation and expansion can go. The accelerating rate, at which these new progressions are being made, is a potential threat to the health of the people who are deemed the so called guinea pigs. Although it is deemed by some that genetically modified foods that are approved are considered by the government to be safe as their traditional counterpart

Do you ever just enter a grocery store to buy some fruits or vegetables? Of course you do! But have you noticed the word “GMO” flying around? Oh you don’t? It’s okay, that’s is why I’m here to help! Gmo stands for Genetically Modified Organisms. They are food but they are foods that have been processed by chemicals and all the technology items. “are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering, or GE. This relatively new science creates unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacteria and viral genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods (1). Having this said, these GMO’s can be harmful thing to the world we are living right now. We see two points of view of the genetic modified organisms. We see the side of how people think it is so much better because it’s more modified than actual organisms that has been hand raised. And the other side is these GMO’s can harm an individual 's lives away. These GMO’s can also harm the outdoor environment and who lives in the forests? Animals! It doesn 't only affect humans but also, the animals.

Are Genetically Modified (GM) crops safe for environment? Might organisms and environment be harmed by GM crops?