...GMO MYTHS AND TRUTHS An evidence-based examination of the claims made for the safety and efficacy of genetically modified crops Michael Antoniou Claire Robinson John Fagan June 2012 GMO Myths and Truths An evidence-based examination of the claims made for the safety and efficacy of genetically modified crops Version 1.3 by Michael Antoniou Claire Robinson John Fagan © Earth Open Source www.earthopensource.org 2nd Floor 145–157, St John Street, London EC1V 4PY, United Kingdom Contact email: claire.robinson@earthopensource.org June 2012 Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this paper, or otherwise published by EOS, are those of the authors and do not represent the official policy, position, or views of other organizations, universities, companies, or corporations that the authors may be affiliated with. GMO Myths and Truths 2 About the authors Michael Antoniou, PhD is reader in molecular genetics and head, Gene Expression and Therapy Group, King’s Cols: lege London School of Medicine, London, UK. He has 28 years’ experience in the use of genetic engineering technology investigating gene organisation and control, with over 40 peer reviewed publications of original work, and holds inventor status on a number of gene expression biotechnology patents. Dr Antoniou has a large network of collaborators in industry and academia who are making use of his discoveries in gene control mechanisms for the production of research, diagnostic and therapeutic products...
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...Gabriel Sleiman Professor: Initial Reflection Paper Every human being had been influenced by environmental events that shaped our culture and our vision. Our daily life is constantly dealing with new information that changes our perception of life. We are living in a world of endless challenges that leads us either to success or failure. Furthermore, the most important feeling that we deal is impact and it is a broad term that could have an infinite meaning. According to me, impact is an emotion, an effect, or a force exerted by technology, events, laws, news, family, social life, music and personal life experience. On the first hand, I will elaborate what impact means personally to me then I will explain what does impact mean with respect to community and finally a global version of impact. First of all, I believe that impact has a direct effect on me and my decision making. It also depends on the intensity of the impact. People that I meet or deal with on a daily basis affects my life. High intensity impact characteristics are for instance if the person that I meet is ranked in a high social class or has an interesting life that I learn from his personal experience. Furthermore, world news constantly affects me, understanding internal and external conflicts. Reading economical and financial topics helped me learn to make the right investment. Going to Georgia Tech changed my life significantly. I learned how to be reliable with my group members and be punctual coming...
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...Why GMO’s are Beneficial Are genetically engineered/modified organisms dangerous, neutral, or beneficial to human health? Genetically Modified Organisms have been used for thousands of years, dating back to the times where farmers were using techniques such as grafting. Studies have shown that opposition to GMOs are on the rise. Despite the many negative connotations of altering the genetic material of a plant, it has been statistically proven that GMOs have not posed harm to human health (Digging for seeds of truth in GMO debate). Through the utilization of GMOs, humanity has the opportunity to benefit our health through creation of potential vaccines, ability to create a sustainable food source to end human hunger, and the ability to create more nutritious disease and pesticide-free foods. GMOs have been very helpful in creating vaccines for many diseases. For example, during the 1980s, humanity was blessed with the first genetically engineered vaccine to fight STDs. Benjamin Hall of University of Wisconsin and then-postdoctoral researcher Gustav Ammerer fused a gene-controlling antigen that fought HIV and Hepatitis into yeast cells. With this biotechnology, they were able to create one of the first vaccines to fight Sexually Transmitted Diseases (A Triumph of Biotechnology). This has proven highly important, because without the use of such technology, this life-changing vaccine would not have been created. In another case, INB Biotechnologies of Philadelphia created...
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...Monsanto Case Study Liberty University Business 472-D02 Introduction Monsanto has a long and varied history having been founded in 1901. It started by selling the sweetener saccharine to Coca-Cola, transformed itself into a chemical manufacturer, plastics, rubbers, and packaging (Ferrell, Fraedrich, & Ferrell, 2013, p.382-383). Fast forward to the late 20th and early 21st century and Monsanto is the worldwide leader in genetically modified (GM) food seeds. Through these various incarnations Monsanto has run into its share of ethical problems that has cost it some hard earned trust of governing bodies and consumers worldwide, but continues to prosper none the less. Monsanto has a very fine line to walk in keeping the highest ethical standards, finding ways to continuously innovate products that help to feed the world, and do this causing the absolute minimum damage to the environment at large as well as animals. All this must be done and still produce a profit that shareholders demand. Monsanto and the Culture of its Ethics Monsanto has a long history of ethical business violations that has resulted in fines from a multitude of American and International governmental agencies. The company has had issues with some of its products dating back to the 1940’s. Brian Tokar lists a string of products manufactured by Monsanto such as Dioxin, Agent Orange, Roundup, and others that has caused the company more than a headache or two. In reference to a train derailment and subsequent...
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...skepticism as to whether companies are intentionally or accidently misleading consumers. Chipotle, one of the fastest growing fast-casual restaurant chains in the world, declares it serves “Food with Integrity”. What does that mean? The company’s reputation has taken some hits in recent years due to lack of transparency. Lessons have been learned along the way yet there is still a credibility gap. Many wonder if Chipotle is telling the public a feel-good story or the truth. This paper will take a look at the company’s CSR: intent vs. execution vs. depiction. Genetically Modified Organisms GMO’s are plants or animals who have been inserted with a gene from an unrelated species in order to take on specific characteristics (Lee, 2014, p. 1). The push to label GMOs in ingredients has become an escalating, passionate national movement. In 2013, Chipotle was one of first U.S. companies to announce that it would disclose which menu items contained GMOs with the ultimate goal of becoming free of all GMs by the end of 2014. That goal was achieved in 2015 when the...
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...GMOs and Irradiation Most people know very little about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the process of irradiating foods. We have little or no knowledge about how they can affect our bodies. Having done some research on both subjects, it’s time to share some truths about GMOs and/or irradiation, including the lack of information on either subject, the near media blackouts of what is more truth than fiction, it would be wise to eat the real thing, not just fruits and vegetables that look like the real thing. What is Genetic Engineering? Genetic engineering of our food supply takes place when a gene from another source is inserted into another plant to create a plant that’s supposedly better than it was before the process took place. It doesn’t seem that this can be better than the original, but the corporations that now own the patents on those GMO seeds are cleaning up based on faulty or disgraceful science. There are two routine types of genetic engineering of food crops that involve weed and pest control. Plants, such as soy, are genetically engineered to withstand pesticides and herbicides such as those used by farmers—kill the weeds without killing the soy seedlings (Decuypere, 2014). Sounds like a great idea until you understand how dangerous the process really is and what it’s doing to our bodies and the environment. Creating GMO seeds makes the plants resistant to pesticides and herbicides and increases profit for Monsanto, the...
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...yields in our core crops by 2030 with one-third fewer resources such as land, water and energy per unit produced and helping farmers to raise themselves from poverty to prosperity, along with many more people.” (Compiled from www.monsanto.com) On its website, Monsanto positions itself as a relatively new agricultural company that aims to help farmers produce healthier food by increasing productivity, repressing weeds and combating insects while ensuring that environmental standards are not only met but exceeded, and while protecting the safety of people and communities. Its leading product is ‘Roundup’, world’s best selling agriculture herbicide for the last thirty years. Monsanto is also the world leader in biotechnology. 90 percent of GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) crops grown on the planet belonged to Monsanto (1). But then Monsanto is also arguably the world's most controversial company, praised by those who see a future of environmentally friendly farming and healthier diets in high-tech crops, and damned by others who consider them as promoters of ecological destruction and corporate control of global food supply. Whether commercial application of biotechnology is a boon or a bane for the planet is a debate best left for scientists and ecologists to conclude. But there is a more appalling, prominent matter of business misconduct. Monsanto has...
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...You Are What You Eat Ever wonder why organic food prices are higher than non-organic produce? For example, when shoppers go into the produce section of the store they see two parts, organic produce and non-organic. Non-organic strawberries are cheaper than organic strawberries. Why would the price differ if they are both the same strawberries? They may taste the same, but the non- organic strawberry have pesticide residue on it. Eating organic food is healthier than non-organic food, because organic food does not contain harmful pesticides, have a higher nutrient content, and does not contain genetically modified organism. Organic is referred to the way farmers grow and process their products. Organic food is better for the environment. Organic growers conserve energy by decreasing the use of fossil fuel. By organic farmers doing this, it helps to minimize the environment pollution. Farmers on an organically farm do not use harmful pesticides to grow their food. A pesticide is a substance used for destroying insects or organism harmful to discriminating animals and plants. Organic farmers use safer methods to protect their crops. One of the rigorous methods is trapping insects instead of using pesticides that can stay on non-organic produce. On the other hand, conventional growers use toxic substances to protect their crops. Even with washing off conventional produce there is still residue left on the food. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, pesticides can...
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...Vishal Wilson English 16 Professor Donald McCrary Research Paper 1 The issue of genetically modified organisms, often referred to as GMOs, is one of the most important arguments we can have as a society. A huge part of the argument stems from genetically modified foods. Some people regard genetically modified wheat and corn for their drought resistance and ability to feed millions of people in parts of the world that desperately need food. The other side of the argument stems from unwanted side effects caused by GMOs such as the creation of herbicide-resistant super weeds to the loss of biodiversity and uncontrollable transfer of modified genes into the environment (Whitman 4). The benefits vs. risks that GMO’s pose in regard to the environment and human health are still inconclusive. Only rigorous scientific research and time will yield conclusive results, along with possible advancements in technology that will help address most concerns. What is clear is that we need GMO’s to be able to feed the world’s population and that the potential risk GMO’s pose to human health and the environment can vary tremendously. The labeling of GM food is necessary will address the question of accountability of the impact GMO’s and large corporations have with their “proprietary crops” to the environment and health, along with minimizing potential risk. The argument that corporate driven agriculture...
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...The Non GMO Project documents that over 80% of the U.S food contain GMO’s. (“GMO Facts”) America has become such a large consumer in the genetically modified industry. However most people don’t even recognize their consumption of it. It’s most popular GMO is corn, with soy closely behind it. The film Food Inc. shows genetically modified tomatoes to give viewers a closer look at exactly how and what they are eating. An example that can be categorized in risks due to the gases used or you could look at it as a positive and say that a) it suffices b) you get more for your buck. Two arguments that could clearly showcase the possibility of a risk and benefit of...
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...In the last 5 years each has had lawsuits against them for identical or similar claims. Chin vs General Mills, Inc stated that General Mills was allowed to use both “Natural” and “100% Natural” in their labeling because it is not making an expressed warranty but is instead a product description. Likewise it was found that the implied warranty did not apply to “remote purchasers of products”. Weiner vs Snapple Beverage Corp challenged that the use of sugar violated its all-natural claim. In this case it was identified that because the purchaser had not paid a premium for the label Snapple could not be held liable. Lastly, (Kix) Lewis vs General Mills, claimed that the use of GMO cannot be called natural. The case is still underway. That being said, it is commonly reported that grocery stores such as Whole Foods are labeling GMO food as All...
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...What is Monsanto International? Monsanto International Corporation is a multinational agricultural biotechnology company. Established in 1901 in St. Louis, Missouri by John Francis Queeny, Monsanto was originally founded in order to develop products for the food and pharmaceutical industries. The first product introduced by the company was none other than Saccharin, developed for and distributed to the Coca-Cola Company. Shortly after, Monsanto developed caffeine and vanillin, and introduced them to the then growing beverage company. The Monsanto Company became international in 1919 when it established a presence in Europe by partnering with a company based there to produce salicylic acid, aspirin, and eventually rubber with them. Starting in the 1920’s, Monsanto International began to produce and distribute basic industrial chemicals such as sulfuric acid, and by the time the 1940’s arrived, the company was the leading manufacturer of some chemical plastics and synthetic fibers. Since, Monsanto has maintained a position as one of the top 10 chemical companies in the United States. Other noteworthy products that have yielded from the Monsanto Corporation are the artificial sweetener aspartame (NutraSweet), the insecticide DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) which was later banned, the toxic chemical “Agent Orange” used in the Vietnam War, the controversial Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH), many Nuclear Weapons, and the pesticide “Roundup” also found to have toxic effects...
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...low quality products and strategically place their business near and/ or in low income neighborhoods marketing dollar menu items and combined deal offers to sell genetically modified poisonous by products. These large manufacturers pay close to nothing to make the chemically induced and genetically altered animals to make these products faster to sell more and spend less out of pocket. The harmful chemicals used to create these animals have been a topic of discussion for years. Recently, a laws passed the Food safety Modernization Act, supposedly, put into place to protect the consumers from exposure to harmful poison. The new law prevents states from requiring package labels to indicate the presence of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs,...
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...yields in our core crops by 2030 with one-third fewer resources such as land, water and energy per unit produced and helping farmers to raise themselves from poverty to prosperity, along with many more people.” (Compiled from www.monsanto.com) On its website, Monsanto positions itself as a relatively new agricultural company that aims to help farmers produce healthier food by increasing productivity, repressing weeds and combating insects while ensuring that environmental standards are not only met but exceeded, and while protecting the safety of people and communities. Its leading product is ‘Roundup’, world’s best selling agriculture herbicide for the last thirty years. Monsanto is also the world leader in biotechnology. 90 percent of GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) crops grown on the planet belonged to Monsanto (1). But then Monsanto is also arguably the world's most controversial company, praised by those who see a future of environmentally friendly farming and healthier diets in high-tech crops, and damned by others who consider them as promoters of ecological destruction and corporate control of global food supply. Whether commercial application of biotechnology is a boon or a bane for the planet is a debate best left for scientists and ecologists to conclude. But there is a more appalling, prominent matter of business misconduct. Monsanto has...
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...companies themselves. For companies, outsourcing food production allows them to sell more product at a lower price. For consumers, outsourcing food becomes a problem when it takes weeks to track down the original source of tainted peanut butter, meat or spinach, leading to continued recalls. Genetically Modified Food The debate over genetically modified foods, or GMOs as they're sometimes called, has been raging for years. Genetically modified foods are food products, such as meat, corn, tomatoes or soybeans, that have been genetically modified or engineered to produce a better crop or animal. Many crops and animals are modified to become more disease-resistant or to grow bigger or more productive. This allows big companies who create genetically modified animals or crops, such as Monsanto, to produce more product to sell to consumers. However, questions have been raised all over the world about the short- and long-term safety of using GMO-based products. Some European nations have even gone so far as to ban certain genetically modified foods, according to Treehugger.com. Big Business vs. the Small Farmer When you think of the farms that grow your food, you probably think of the small mom-and-pop type family farm operations you see on television. However, a lot of the food in the United States is produced on large "factory" farms by big companies such as Tyson. Smaller farms just can't compete with the larger conglomerates and, according to the National...
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