Most of the produce that are being sold in grocery stores are genetically modified; they make up about seventy to eighty percent of the produce individuals consume. These genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are “safe and nutritious as conventional crops”; however, there are many misconceptions about them (Manila Bulletin). Many people believe that the creation of the GMOs poses a threat to the wellbeing of individuals; though, GMOs are clinically proven to be highly nutritious and are approved by the FDA. In addition, these crops have been modified to be resistant to pests, and are able to sustain its health in various climates. With this in mind, crops can be harvested all across the world and will eventually solve Earth’s major …show more content…
This notion of poisonous GMOs, “food totalitarianism,” and burdening the Earth’s resources are driven by ignorance and gullibility. Such bias will delude others with false information about these beneficial crops.
The misconception presented by Shiva and her many supporters present reasonable arguments; however, these arguments are not factually based and are spurred by strong bias against GMOs and misleading evidences. The anti-GMO “envi-ronmentalist” and her naïve followers are looking passed the benefits and are only paying attention to false allegations. Her argument about GMOs being poisonous and harmful to consumers can be clinically proven as false. There have been multiple studies regarding the safety of GM crops and there is no reliable evidence that they cause harm to humans, animals, or to the environment (Monsanto Corporation). The Food and Drug Administration, FDA, posted on its website, “All genetically modified (GM) crops and food derived from such crops now in the market are as safe and nutritious as conventional crops and food,” (Manila Bulletin). Not only does the FDA approve, but also the American Association for the Advancement of Science, AAAS, and the World
GMOs, (genetically modified organisms) have been a topic of interest in the social eyes for years. Since they’ve been created, many people have voiced and written about their opinions on GMOs, and whether they are dangerous or not. Created to expand the genetic diversity of crops and animals, many don’t know whether GMOs are good or bad, and neither do researchers. Though there hasn’t been any evidence claiming whether GMOs are good or bad, it has certainly not stopped the public from creating their own opinions. Since no one knows the truth behind GMO, it has opened a window of opportunities for companies including Monsanto to voice their support of GMO, while other companies like the Non-GMO Project voice their
The human body is not designed to handle all the toxins that are put into GMO products, and as consumers, we should be informed of the potential harm we are putting into our bodies. Helke Ferrie, in his article “Evidence Grows of Harmful Effects of GMOs on Human Health” states, “…all modern human diseases are being caused by environmental toxins of our own making” (12), on the contrary, in the journal “GMOs – A solution or a Problem”, Mark Lynas claims that “… there has never been a single sustained health concern [caused by GMOs]” (132). Ferrie mentions multiple studies where GMOs have proven to “…increase the incidence of cancer, diabetes, hormone disruption, neurological, immunological and other metabolic disorders” (12). After mass amounts of research have been conducted to prove the dangers of GMOs, proof that has been gathered of the detriments genetically modified organisms bring to the human liver; researchers conclude, “… anything that upsets the liver must be… exceedingly
“When you light a candle, you also cast a shadow.” – Ursula K. Le Guin. No matter what good some people believe they are doing, everything seems to come with a consequence, and the question is whether or not the good overpowers the bad. Many experts argue that Genetically Modified foods are actually beneficial to, not only people, but animals, plants, and the world overall. Some experts even state that, not only are they beneficial, but that they also protect the environment and aid food productivity. Most farmers actually recommend GMO’s because they are easier to grow, maintain, and tend to be more profitable; however, countless other experts have come to realize that GMO foods are untested, unsafe, and unhealthy. Studies indicate that
Meanwhile, a growing body of evidence connects GMOs with health problems, environmental damage and violation of farmers’ and consumers’ rights.
Making way down the fruit section in the grocery store, the mom picks out a box of strawberries. She thought it was just ordinary strawberries because there was nothing different about the fruit. However, what she did not know was that the strawberries contained genetically modified organisms. Also known as GMO, it is the removal of DNA from another species then artificially injected into an unrelated species: plant or animal (“GMO Education”). GMOs are also worldwide out in the market for anyone to buy. Although it may be in the open market throughout the world, not all consumers know what is inside their food. There are disputes about labeling GMOs: that it matters or that it does not matter. Scientists claim that GMOs are nontoxic, however others propose that the knowledge of risks are not explored enough to complete understand or agree that it is safe (“GMO Foods Should Be Labeled”). Either way,
“All the food we eat - every grain of rice and kernel of corn - has been genetically modified. None of it was here before mankind learned to cultivate crops. The question isn 't whether our food has been modified, but how” (Specter, Michael). Because there are various GMOs on the world, it is crucial that mankind doesn’t rule out all GMOs but carefully evaluates each GMO. More specifically the health risks, ecological risks, and societal benefits should be tested on each individual GMO. Not only, should the composition of these seeds be tested, but also the process of how these seeds grow. For example, the insecticides and pesticides used on GMOs should be tested prior to the release of these crops to the
People in different countries around the world have been debating about whether to use GMOs since the 90’s. Organic companies do not want GMOs to exist because the companies that make them are their competition. Most of Europe does not approve the use of them due to the fear of health risks, damaging ecosystems, and their mentality that they do not favor big multinational companies. Although they make a valid point, if proper precautions and tests are taken for the GMOs then they should not worry. Many of the most influential health regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, the American Medical Association, the World Health Organization, Health Canada, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Academy
It has been well over 30 years since our ability to produce genetically engineered plants and debate rages on over the “safety” of consuming these organisms. Often times the media bends data collected by the scientific community to power political and anti GE crop campaigns entirely disregarding the consensus of the scientific community. In the heat of this discussion the data collected speaks for itself however a multitude of sociopolitical factors causes the debate to worsen further into stalemate. I believe that GMO crops are safe, but also have an incredible amount of benefits that are impossible to deny without straight out disregarding the data collected over several decades. According to the United Nations about 21,000 people a day (roughly
As modern society shifts towards healthier alternatives to french fries and hot dogs, practices in the food industry that were once acceptable have begun to come under public scrutiny. Out of these issues, none are more controversial than the use of GMOs, or Genetically Modified Organisms. Since its first use in 1973, genetic modification has been applied to almost every crop imaginable. Countless fields of beans, rice, and corn have become subject to genetic modification as more and more farmers begin to realize the benefits of growing “super” plants. With so little drawbacks and so many advantages, it is easy to see why GMOs are as widespread as they are in today’s society.
Ever since the incorporation of GMO crops into the modern diet, they have been hotly debated as evidence continues to surface indicating they may not be the miracle crops many scientists hoped for. There is sufficient evidence to indicate that GMOs pose an unnecessary risk to human health and the environment. Detrimental impacts of GMOs are seen from increased pesticide use, cultivation of harmful traits, and a general exacerbation of the very problems they attempt to solve.
GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, are not new to the agriculture world. They have been in foods at the grocery store since the 1990’s. And the center for food safety calls GMOs, “One of the greatest and most intractable environmental challenges of the 21st century.” (Lallanilla) Over the past few years scientists have been finding new ways to use GMOs to prevent diseases, improve the quality of the products, and have even started to test GMOs on living organisms. These have been controversial to organic agriculture, which is 100 percent natural unlike GM agriculture. In order to understand GM agriculture it is necessary to examine what a GMO is, how GMOs are made, used, and how they affect
Living the United States it is nearly impossible that consumers will not come in contact with genetically engineered organisms (GMOs). A GMO is created by injecting genetic material from plants, animals, or bacteria into a crop in hopes of creating a new and beneficial trait (Blackwood). The controversy of GMOs is a growing debate with those on both sides weighing in. Geneticist David Suzuki professor of genetics at the University of British Columbia from 1963 until his retirement in 2001 states “By slipping it into our food without our knowledge, without any indication that there are genetically modified organisms in our food, we are now unwittingly part of a massive experiment” (qtd. in Walia). Consumers should not be the unwittingly participants of experiments to determine the effects that GMOs have on the human body. The effects of GMO crops have not had enough independent research to determine the long term effects on humans, and the environment.
Much of the public concern surrounding the safety of GMOs stems from the process of actually creating them. This is admittedly not a natural process, which is a surefire way to raise critic’s eyebrows in doubting their safety. However, there is no evidence that supports these myths. The Committee on Genetically Engineered Crops, The National Academy of Science, and the Board on Agriculture and Natural Recourses all agree after extensive testing and observation that there is no additional harm in the consumption of GMO food. The research conducted in animal studies, as well as chemical analysis of the crops, show no indication that GMOs are negatively affecting human health. The next allegation hurled at GMOs is that they may have
First, what is a GMO? A GMO is the physical adding or altering of the genetic material of an organism, plant, or animal (Bushak, 2015). The modification of the DNA’s structure has an intended result of adding beneficial traits or control over the structure. Using scientific methods which include reproductive cloning and recombinant DNA technology, starts the controversy centered around consuming products that have been modified, which could potentially impact health (GMO,2017). However, a broad census among scientists reports that GMO’s do not produce any more of a risk than conventional foods. Therefore, the focus needs to be on how GMO’s impact long-term sustainable advantages for a growing world population, while establishing safety measures to check and balance for potential risks.
Most of the produce that are being sold in grocery stores are genetically modified; they make up about seventy to eighty percent of the produce individuals consume. These genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are “safe and nutritious as conventional crops”; however, there are many misconceptions about them (Manila Bulletin). Many people believe that the creation of the GMOs pose a threat to the wellbeing of individuals; though, GMOs are clinically proven to be highly nutritious, and are approved by the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA. In addition, these crops have been modified to be resistant to pests, and are able to sustain its health in various climates, making harvesting crops convenient. With this in mind, crops can be harvested all across the world and will eventually solve Earth’s major issue, world hunger. These harmless, pest resistant, modified crops not only benefit society, but also the modernized farmers. The genetically modified crops increase the yield in crops, saving money on resources and increasing profit. There are many controversy about genetically modified crops; however, these crops are proven to be beneficial and are necessary to our society.