Genetically Engineered Foods Essay example

Submitted By CaitlinAnn
Words: 835
Pages: 4
Open Document
Scientists have begun building genetically engineered food to change the DNA structure in plants. For example, tomatoes are sensitive to frost, which shortens their growth season. Fish, on the other hand, live in very cold water. Scientists identified and isolated the specific gene that enables a flounder to resist cold and used the technology of genetic engineering to insert this ‘anti-freeze’ gene into tomatoes. This makes it possible to extend the growing season. At first glance, this might seem exciting, but deeper consideration reveals serious dangers. Genetically engineered foods are not a safe option because they pose severe health hazards, cause environmental strain, and continue to hurt the current economic situation.
To begin with, genetically modifying foods is an imprecise experiment with widespread repercussions that is harmful to everyone involved (Bailey 13). This relatively modern technology gives scientists the ability to change and swap the DNA make-up of any species. While this may seem like a breakthrough, it causes many problems for people who eat the modified food, for the plants that are changed, for the farmers who typically grow the original plants, and for the environment (Bailey). Another reason to should stop altering food is that no long-term tests have been done to see what side affects could occur. Big corporations are too busy making money to care if this will change the world forever. Companies such as StarLink are too busy trying to make are ignoring the fact that changing their DNA could cause cancer, and/or drive wildlife away (Teitel, Wilson 41).
In addition, because genetically modified crops are harmful to humans and the environment, some people have decided to buy organically grown food. Consumers believe that the organic system can be economically practical. This system also provides a wide range of environmental and social benefits, and most importantly, it enables consumers to make a choice about the food they eat. Unfortunately, at a time when sales of organic food are soaring, a development in agriculture is removing an essential choice about the food eaten and raising important questions about the future of food and environment. Genetically modified crops are proven through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to simply be an extension of traditional methods of plant breeding (Charlebois 2).
Similarly, many genetically modified foods are approved by the government to be safe, but have many effects that need consideration. For example, many of these new crops cause people’s current allergies to be worse. “The foods have also proved to have substantial effects including weakened immune systems and changes in the developments of the heart, liver, kidneys, and brains” (Charlebois 10). Pesticide chemicals have been shown to be linked to cancer. Genetic engineers use antibiotic-resistance genes to mark engineered cells. “These genes may be picked up by bacteria which may infect the consumer. [As a result,] thirty-seven people died, one thousand-five hundred were partially paralyzed, and five thousand more were temporarily disabled by a syndrome that was finally linked to tryptophan made by genetically engineered bacteria” (Charlebois).
Furthermore, the outcome of these new manufactured goods harms the environment. Plants that are genetically engineered will greatly increase the amount of herbicide use. More pesticides and herbicides on crops will put more
Show More

Related Documents: Genetically Engineered Foods Essay example

The Pros And Cons Of Genetically Engineered Foods

country, it has become a controversial debate on whether genetically engineered crops should be regulated in Hawaii. For example, in Hawaii's 2014 election, a genetically modified organism ban initiative will be a ballot question for voters in Maui County, Hawaii. This ban prohibits the growth, test, and cultivation of genetically engineered crops until the practices are tested to be safe (Bernardo). Though genetically engineered (GE) or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have a variety of connotations…

Words 1153 - Pages 5

Genetically Engineered Foods - Pros and Cons Essay

as computers and plastics changed most aspects of living since they were invented, biological engineering has the potential to do the same in the future. This new technology has a wide range of possible benefits, from helping farmers, to improving foods, to helping the environment, to helping sick people. Genetic engineering may even one day be used to help solve world hunger. However, it also has its dangers and risks, which need to be considered along with its benefits. The fact that not…

Words 3419 - Pages 14

Essay about Ge Food Labels

Labeling of GE Foods COMM/215 December 3, 2012 This year’s election ballot included many new and controversial propositions. Proposition 37 was no exception. In California, Proposition 37 regarded labeling Genetically Engineered (GE) Foods. GE Foods is the name given to foods that consist of genetically engineered ingredients that are used to develop mew plant and animal varieties that are later used as a source of food by the general public. Known as the “Right to Know” act, Proposition…

Words 1200 - Pages 5

Maize and genetically Modified Foods Essay

30, 2014 Genetically engineered crops are negatively effecting our environment and wildlife in the United States.  These foods are being grown throughout the United States with very few counties having legislation banning these types of crops. Due to the negative effects they are currently having on our environment, and the potential negative impacts they could have on our future, the United States government should put a nationwide ban on the growth and distribution of genetically modified foods…

Words 407 - Pages 2

Essay on Safety of Gmo Debated California

Safety of genetically modified foods is debated in California Recuperado de: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/10/31/3634788/safety-of-genetically-modified.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy Susan Lang doesn't know for certain if her son's itchy skin and upset stomach were caused by eating food made from crops whose genes were altered in a lab. But over the years, she believes she's been able to soothe the 8-year-old's eczema and digestive problems by eliminating genetically modified organisms…

Words 1192 - Pages 5

What Are Genetically Modified Foods? Essay

Running head: Genetically Engineered Foods Genetically Engineered Foods: What are Their Purpose and How Does it Affect the World? Bryan Rodriguez 4/21/2013 Stanly Community College Online Abstract What exactly are genetically engineered foods? They are foods that have had their genes spliced, and added by scientists, for more favorable benefits. It can be an expensive process to grow crops with modified seeds. Most third-world countries rely on modified foods because they are not able to…

Words 1406 - Pages 6

Genetic Technology Today Essays

Genetically Engineered Crops Introduction Genetically engineered food is the term used to describe foods that humans have altered through molecular biology techniques to enhance desired traits. Some of these traits include increased resistance to herbicides and improved nutritional content. The enhancement of desired traits before genetically engineering was through breeding although plant breeding can be more time consuming and are often is not as accurate. Genetic engineering can create plants…

Words 452 - Pages 2

Essay about Should we label gmo's?

in the summer months. But, do we ever wonder what is really in our food? Because genetically modified foods do not have to be labeled, you will likely never know if the food you are consuming is genetically modified. With genetic engineering, transferring genes from one species’ DNA to another is just like taking a page out of one book and putting it between the pages of another book. Biotech food is not the answer to global food security and should be strictly regulated and labeled because of its…

Words 832 - Pages 4

Monsanto Argumentative Essay

over nine billion people (“Genetically Modified 1”). Along with the population increase comes the struggle to find more sustainable methods for mothers to feed their children and fathers to put food on the table. We are not talking about the economical impact it poses, but rather how we will be able to produce the food needed to feed our ever growing population. However, our solution is simple. That solution is Genetically Modified Organisms. The GE (Genetically Engineered) crops of today are produced…

Words 621 - Pages 3

Genetic Engineering Essay example

Sugar Beets, Canola, and Potatoes are the crop’s that are being engineered. Between 1997 and 1999, gene-modified ingredients suddenly appeared in 2/3rds of all US processed foods. This food alteration was fueled by a single Supreme Court ruling. Since then thousands of applications for experimental GM organisms have been filed with the US Patent Office alone, and many more abroad. The first commercially grown genetically modified whole food crop was the tomato (called Flavr Savr.) which was made more…

Words 1877 - Pages 8