Table of ContentsGenetically Modified Foods Essay OverviewIntroductionRisks Associated with GMOsBenefits of GMOsGMO Labeling DebateConclusionExample Genetically Modified Foods Essay Overview genetically modified foodsIntroductionOverview of genetically modified foods (GMOs)The claim that GMOs have not been adequately tested and pose health risksRisks associated with GMOsHealth risks and potential allergensEnvironmental impacts, including effects on biodiversityGenetic changes affecting humansBenefits of GMOsIncreased crop yieldsPotential to combat food security and malnutrition in third world countriesNutrient-enriched GMOs like golden riceDebate on GMO labelingarguments for and against Mandatory labeling of GMOsComparison with farming practices labeling in other countriesConsumer opinions and the right to be informedConclusionSummary of risks and benefits of GMOsEmphasis is placed on the need for further research and regulation, as well as informed consumer choice through labeling. Genetically Modified Foods Essay Example Genetically modified foods are the most recent innovation that promises to bring many benefits with little or no risks. However, this is far from the truth since GMO foods have been “rushed” due to insufficient testing and research. This error will cost the population dearly in terms of health. Additionally, GMO foods affect the biodiversity of the ecosystem; they are planted in a negative way. There is also no mandatory label for GMO foods, so the consumer has no idea what they are buying at the supermarket. GMO foods are currently in the experimental phase and all living organisms they affect will suffer the side effects of GMOs. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essay Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been a scientific breakthrough that appears to provide solutions to some of the world's problems; However, the risks posed by GMOs far outweigh the benefits they present. GMOs were created to reduce costs for the farmer, making their job easier. This would in turn benefit the customer by allowing the farmer to offer them lower prices. However, the risks associated with these genetically modified foods represent a great danger to the health of society. This danger is not worth the possible benefits that GMOs provide. GMOs need to be regulated more strictly to prevent the consequences caused by genetic modification. The consumer can pay less for GMO foods; however, they will still pay the difference in their medical bills. The advantages offered by genetically modified organisms are a reduced cost of growing GMO foods compared to organic foods. GMO foods have been shown to produce higher yields per acre than non-GMO foods. As Mark Lynas and Claire Robinson said, “yields are essential to food security”. Food safety is not currently a major problem in the United States; however, in third world countries it can be the leading cause of death. GMO foods can be a solution to combat the food crisis in these countries. In an article by Renton Righelato discusses his experiences, “farmers were able to purchase more food – and foods with greater nutritional value – for theirfamilies”. GMO foods may contain additional nutrients to provide more than organic foods can offer. A good example of this is golden rice, which provides vitamin A, a nutrient that regular rice does not offer. Vitamin A deficiency “blinds up to 500,000 children worldwide each year and kills half of them” (Righelato). This problem seems nonexistent to Americans since they have access to foods that provide all the necessary nutrients. However, this problem is widespread in these third world countries. Currently, these countries are in desperate need of foods that can meet all their nutritional needs, can be stored for long periods of time, and are not too expensive to produce. GMO foods provide a solution to all these problems. They can be genetically fused to contain many vitamins, GMO foods can have a longer shelf life, and require less labor to produce. Although GMOs have many benefits for the world, they also carry dangerous risks. The risks associated with GMOs can be deadly and life-changing depending on the extent of modification of the food. In an article by Grethe S. Foss and Sissel Rogne, we read: “In fact, in the 1990s, an allergen from Brazil nuts was inadvertently transferred to GMO soy. » This error can lead to deaths that would never have occurred if GMO soy had not been created. Imagine the surprise of someone having an allergic reaction to soy because the GMO soy had a gene from a nut inserted by mistake. These GMO crops also have an impact on the environment in which they are planted. In an article by Walden Bell, we can read: “Bt corn was found to destroy monarch butterfly larvae.” This raises fears for other plant and animal species that could be in danger due to these genetically modified foods affecting the biological system around them. These GMO foods also have the ability to modify human genes. The old anecdote “you are what you eat” has become a reality with GMO foods. The Bt toxin used in GMO corn, for example, was recently detected in the blood of pregnant women and their babies” (Bell). These genetic modifications pose a danger to the general public since these changes can lead to birth defects and miscarriages. An expectant mother may lose her child due to a complication caused by a chemical found in genetically modified foods. In addition to GMO foods causing genetic defects, these foods may also contain cancer-causing chemicals. An example of this is presented in a Tufts University newsletter which states: "Idaho-based JR Simplot Co. has received USDA regulatory approval for a genetically modified potato that produces less acrylamide when fried. » Acrylamide is a chemical found in GMO potatoes and associated with an increased risk of cancer. Although this company is taking steps to reduce the risks associated with GMO foods, it is clear that GMOs are not ready for commercial production. Genetically modified foods pose far too many risks to be considered safe for human consumption. GMOs have been in development for many years now and have recently come under fire for their potential risks. These genetically modified foods present solutions to the hunger crisis and nutritional deficit facing third world countries. The risks posed by these GMOs would leave these countries worse offthan before. They would solve their food problems; however, they would face allergen problem, birth defects and genetic disorders. GMOs still require a few decades of research and testing to eliminate most of the risks associated with them. These GMOs could then help third world countries that desperately need genetically modified foods to survive and thrive. In addition to the fact that these countries are affected on a health level by GMOs, their biodiversity may be threatened due to the introduction of GMOs into their ecosystems. Genetically modified organisms are a scientific advancement in agriculture that involves changing the genetic makeup of plants and animals to benefit humans. However, these alterations affect the ecosystem around the modified plant or animal. GMOs are primarily used in agriculture to create more efficient crops. Therefore, the crops are stronger and give more harvest, but this stronger plant has a negative effect on the plants around it. In addition, these genetic modifications present a danger to any animal or human who consumes the GMO. Finally, these GMOs pose a danger to the natural genetic makeup, putting humans at risk of genetic abnormalities in themselves and their children. GMOs affect the present biological system in a sort of “butterfly effect”. The effect that GMOs have on the biological agricultural environment is evident since today's agricultural techniques are much more sophisticated than in the past. For example, the well-known chemical Round-Up is used throughout the United States as a primary source of herbicide. The active ingredient in this chemical is glyphosate, which prevents plants from synthesizing the essential acids they need. The plant dies shortly afterwards. In an interview with genetic engineer Thierry Vrain, he says: “A handful of major crops are now resistant to glyphosate” (Kincaid). These crops are able to resist glyphosate treatment and not die back. This, however, creates a separation between plants that are “Roundup ready” and those that are not. For example, a common problem among farmers is that foreign genetically modified seeds enter their crops and plant themselves, ultimately infecting their crops over time. Organic farmers often face this problem since GMO seeds will constantly be blown onto their land and ruin their organic crops. “There are well-documented cases with papaya in Hawaii, corn in Mexico, canola more recently in North Dakota, and creeping bentgrass, which was pollinating grasses 13 miles away in Oregon” (Crossfield) . Seeds can be considered to have a mind of their own given the distance they can travel to pollinate. Organic farmers are struggling to keep GMO seeds off their crops and some have given up the fight and purchased GMO seeds to plant. For an organic farmer, the struggle to stay organic is not worth the cost or effort. The effect of GMOs on agriculture also has an effect on insects and mammals, as the latter constantly eat agricultural products. Plants are not the only organisms to be genetically modified. For example, scientists work to genetically modify animals so that they produce more milk, grow faster on less food, or are born without unnecessary traits. Some farmers are willing to create different versions of cows for their convenience. In an articleon the creation of hornless cows, it is stated: "Cows edited to be hornless would not have DNA from a different species, but simply from a different breed of cattle" (Regalado 13). This new genetically modified cow would be incapable of growing horns. By genetically modifying an animal, these farmers create an unnatural mutation that borders on animal abuse, since this type of genetic mutation can only very rarely occur naturally. Genetically modifying an animal doesn't just affect the animal itself since cows, pigs, etc. are eaten daily by humans around the world. An unknown toxin that is not present in a GMO animal can appear in a human once they consume it. In an article on genetic alteration it is stated: "Genetically modifying an animal can affect the microorganisms that live on or in that animal, making them more dangerous to that or other species, including including humans" ("DOC: Genetically Modified Organisms." (GMO)." This tinkering with an animal's genetic makeup produces a butterfly effect in anything that consumes the animal's products. A good example of this is growth hormone which is injected into cows to make them produce more milk This hormone has a detrimental effect on humans who drink milk from cows. This is why organic milk has gained popularity over time. Even though it costs more than regular milk, it is worth the peace of mind for the consumer to consume it, but it can also change the genetic makeup of the organisms that interact with it. genetic makeup of a GMO has been modified, the same organism can then alter other organisms, if consumed, in an unfavorable manner. in an article by John Grogan and Cheryl Long. It states that "milk produced from cows injected with Monsanto's controversial genetically modified bovine growth hormone contains higher levels of a growth factor that may be linked to an increased risk of breast cancers." and gastrointestinal in humans” (45). The change introduced in these cows is also transferred to their milk and humans are affected, as the article shows. We have enough to worry about when it comes to carcinogenic chemicals, we don't have to worry about the milk we buy at the supermarket. Another example of the effect of GMOs on the genetic makeup of humans is presented in an article from Better Nutrition. It states: "Consumption of genetically modified foods carries serious health risks, including infertility, immune system problems, accelerated aging, disruption of insulin and cholesterol regulation, gastrointestinal problems -intestinal and organic lesions” (Smith 46). Humanity will no longer be able to reproduce because GMOs affect its reproductive system. GMOs are infecting the genetic makeup of the public and causing health problems that may not be as obvious at present, but in the longer term they will pay the price. From not being able to have children, to dying prematurely from cancer, to dying of a heart attack at age 20 due to lack of cholesterol regulation . GMOs affect much more than the modified plant or animal. This is evident in the struggle of organic farmers to maintain an organic farm. Since GMO plants are literally around them all and will infect their organic crops if given the chance. GMOs also affect the animals into which these hormones are injected. This is seen in cattle to which we have...