...Genetically Modified Foods According to the World Health Organization, Genetically Modified Organisms(GMOs) are "organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in such a way that does not occur naturally."1 This technology is also referred to as "genetic engineering", "biotechnology" or "recombinant DNA technology" and consists of randomly inserting genetic fragments of DNA from one organism to another, usually from a different species. For example, an artificial combination of genes that includes a gene to produce the pesticide Cry1Ab protein (commonly known as Bt toxin), originally found in Bacillus thuringiensis, is inserted in to the DNA of corn randomly. Both the location of the transferred gene sequence in the corn DNA and the consequences of the insertion differ with each insertion. The plant cells that have taken up the inserted gene are then grown in a lab using tissue culture and/or nutrient medium that allows them to develop into plants that are used to grow GM food crops.2 Natural breeding processes have been safely utilized for the past several thousand years. In contrast, "GE crop technology abrogates natural reproductive processes, selection occurs at the single cell level, the procedure is highly mutagenic and routinely breeches genera barriers, and the technique has only been used commercially for 10 years."3 Despite these differences, safety assessment of GM foods has been based on the idea of "substantial equivalence" such that "if a...
Words: 1409 - Pages: 6
...Are Genetically Modified Foods Safe for Human Consumption? Arianne Liz Quila DeVry University Professor Donham-Miller/English 135 Advanced Composition December 16, 2010 It’s a sad reality that many Americans are unaware that they have been eating foods that were genetically modified. In fact, more than half of the processed and unprocessed foods sold in supermarkets have been genetically engineered and yet, 59% of us are clueless about it (IFIC, 2008). The technology of genetic engineering or genetic modification is widely used in food industry because it produces plants that have better qualities such as bigger size and longer shelf life while reducing the production cost at the same time. However, there are concerns regarding the safety of GM foods for human consumption. This is due to several health incidents in the past that have been linked to ingestion of GM organisms such as the death of 37 people in 1987 caused by a food supplement that contains GM bacteria(Taggart, 2010, par. 7). Research studies also show that GM foods could cause allergic reactions, antibiotic resistance and even organ deterioration. Although genetically modified foods possess favorable attributes, they could also introduce new allergens and toxins that are dangerous to human health making these foods unsafe for consumption. What are GM Foods? Genetically modified (GM) foods refer to food items in which the genetic make-up has been altered. Some processed foods can also be considered GM foods...
Words: 2904 - Pages: 12
...Genetically-modified food are food in which its genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. This allows certain desired genes to pass to its “offspring” and also allows cross between those that are not from the same species. Researchers from the Food Policy Institute at Rutgers’ Cook College found that only 52% of Americans realized that genetically modified foods are sold in grocery stores and only 26% believed that they have ever eaten genetically modified foods. (WebMD) Genetically-modified are being developed because of the perceived advantages they are being portrayed to the producers and consumers of the food. Initially the purpose of genetically-modified was to improve the crops protection versus insects and insecticides as well from plant diseases. According to Scientists and U.S. government regulators genetically engineered crops are safe and can provided much needed food in starving nations. But if you talk to biotechnology critics and other scientists though they would disagree with believing that there are not enough testing and regulation on genetically-modified food that we do not know if it’s safe or not. In the European Union they dislike genetically-modified food and prefer the healthier organic food. They believe that only the biotech companies that are creating the product are benefiting and that there are no health and environment gains from genetically-modified food. There is quite a few foods in the US food market that...
Words: 839 - Pages: 4
...Issues This case is about the usage of genetically modified foods and up till today, this problem is continuing. It was stated that Taco Bell was accused of using StarLink corn (a type of genetically modified corn) in their taco shells. The StarLink had been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that it is safe for animal but not human consumption. From the time when this case happens, the public started to be aware of the possible dangers of genetically modified foods. Other than that, the prices of corn start to decline. This case had generated debates about genetically modified foods. There are two groups that shares different views about genetically modified food. One of the groups is the proponents of genetically modified food. This group believes that genetically modified food is not harmful and thinks that it helps to feed the hungry world. On the opposite are the anti-GM foods. Basically, this group deem GM food as a hazard and harmful to humankind and environment. Ethical Issues Technology has become more as more advanced as the time passes and technology are slowly playing a very important role in people’s life. However, there are advantages as well as disadvantages of using technology. One important issue that arises with the use of technology is ethical issues. The management’s goal of each company should attempt to keep away from immoral as well as amoral practices. They should instead adopt a moral management practice. The aims of the management...
Words: 2272 - Pages: 10
...KHADIJAH SBI4U1.10 | [GENETICALLY MODIFIED ANIMALS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION] | STSE | Although genetically modified animals have many benefits in a commercial, agricultural or aquaculture condition, there are numerous risks that are present similarly. According to the textbook, some of the benefits of genetically modified animals are that they increase food security, and reduce pollution. But as also stated in the article, there are likewise many possible risks that are present due to genetically modified animals. GM (Genetically Modified) foods can contain allergens which cause allergies in humans if a gene from a certain allergen is incorporated into a GM organism. Another risk factor is that antibiotic resistant genes are also used in the process of creating GM organisms, which could be conferred to the bacteria that naturally live in the human digestive system. Some scientists also believe that if GM organisms escape from their containment areas and mix with wild animals, it could negatively affect the wild population since they could reproduce with the wild population. The mix of genes from these two species may no longer be controllable by scientists anymore. Knowing these risks, I believe that the benefits of genetically modifying animals do not outweigh any of the possible risks. Knowing that there are many risks from genetically modifying an organism, I do not feel that it is safe for humans to take a chance and consume these foods. Because of this, it is...
Words: 881 - Pages: 4
...The first genetically modified organism was in 1996, the modified organisms are used in other ways apart from consumption.With a rapidly growing population and an increasing need of goods if there is nothing done soon people could run out of what is crucial to survive. Genetically modified organisms are used to create a rapid growth of resources. Gmo is an outlet that is used for products such as corn and others that are widely used and needed for either food or other resources like oil. Therefore, genetically modified organisms are more efficient crops, because of the lack of harm it causes to Americans, the variety of ways it could be used for, and the efficiency it has due to climate change. There are uncertainties on weather genetically...
Words: 948 - Pages: 4
...Josie Branderhorst Janelle Thornton ENG 106 21 June 2018 GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS Food is the foundation of almost everything. It is a main necessity of life. Which raises a deep question within society, “If food is an essential part of life, how will we produce enough food for this ever growing world?” This complex and global question can be answered in three words, genetically modified organisms. Also known as GMOs, such organisms have the power to positively influence society in many ways. Genetically engineered crops have a positive effect on society because they are safe to consume, they benefit the economy, and they give farmers the ability to produce more with less land. Biology researchers define GMOs as “an organism...
Words: 1307 - Pages: 6
...Genetically Modified foods - Evils or Friends Genetically Modified Foods (or GM foods) are produced from organisms in which specific changes are introduced into their DNA through the methods of genetic engineering. Genetically Modified crops are available commercially since 1994. Majority of the gene modification of foods have primarily focused on cash crops which are in high demand such as soybean, corn, canola, and cotton seed oil. These crops have been engineered for resistance to pathogens and herbicides and better nutrient profiles (Wikipedia). According to an article by author Robert Shields, more than 26 percent of the cotton, 40 percent of the soybean acreage in the US was planted with GM crops containing gene for herbicide resistance by the year 1998. The application of Agri-biotechnology has increased by 60 fold since 1996 and by 2015 it is predicted that in about 40 countries more than 200 million hectares of lands will be planted by biotech crops (Maghari 1). The invention of agricultural biotechnology has caused social and ethical contradictions. There are extensive debates active in scientific circles as to how modern biotechnology can be used for planting high quality of high yield crops to meet the challenge of feeding the ever increasing population while protecting the ecosystem and human health. Genetically Modified Foods (GM Foods) have made a big splatter in the news lately. Environmental organizations and public interest groups have been actively protesting...
Words: 1702 - Pages: 7
... Genetically Modified Food The field of biotechnology and genetic engineering has been gradually improved, and the bioengineer could make a huge difference in our life by modifying the crops that we need. Genetically modified food could solve many problems to humans such as, cultivating new crops with new characteristics that could help humans. Also genetic engineering could help some countries to cultivate new crops they couldn’t cultivate it before for many reasons such as weather, soil type, and cultivating seasons. However, recently genetically modified food could make a big influence to human’s life, and it helped them to cultivate new crops, they wouldn’t be able to cultivate it without it. About 200 years ago Thomas Malthus predicted that according to that big increase in the humans’ population which is currently up to six billions, “the number of mouths that need to feed is increased. The numbers of cultivated crops is stable since Thomas Malthus has made his prediction; this has been the result of amazing technological advances in agricultural sciences with advent of biotechnology and genetic engineering, which have served to increase the average yield of various farm products’’ (Nayak et.al 112). Most of the countries started to cultivate genetically modified crops to feed their needs, and they could increase their crops number quickly. Global cultivation of genetically modified food in 1996 was three million hectares...
Words: 1078 - Pages: 5
...Genetically Modified Food: The Need to Feed Currently, the use of genetically modified food is a subject of enormous global controversy. The main disagreement being, whether or not genetically modified food should be allowed to be a main staple of our diets. Genetic engineering, or as it is also called genetic modification, is the manipulation of an organism's genetic material in a way that does not occur under natural conditions. The most common form of genetic engineering involves the insertion of new genetic material, containing desirable traits, into the genome of a host to induce expression of these traits. The resulting organisms produced by this genetic modification technique are called genetically modified organism (GMOs). Despite common belief genetically modified organisms have been around for decades. The first genetically modified organism was the simple bacterium E. coli in 1973 by Herb Boyer and Stanley Cohen. Their work set in motion a new era of genetic engineering. A year later the first animal was genetically modified. The technology continued to advance exponentially up till 1984 where genetically modified bacteria were commercialized for the production of Insulin. The first commercially grown genetically modified crop was the tomato called Flavr Savr, named for its more resistant nature to rotting. Unknown to most is that genetically modified food has been sold since 1994 and that most supermarket processed food items now test positive for...
Words: 1495 - Pages: 6
...or genetically modified organisms, have been around for about 40 years now. A genetically modified organism is a plant or animal whose genes or “DNA” have been modified in such a way that the product is not naturally found in nature or through natural cross-breeding. Traditionally, the genes with the desired characteristic are introduced to the genes of the plant/animal that is being genetically modified. This results in a plant that is very similar to the original, but contains varying amounts of genetic change. Many GMOs have been modified in such a way that they can withstand a certain kind of herbicide, or survive certain kinds of harsh climate conditions; while others have been modified so that they can produce a certain kind of pesticide to ward off would-be crop killing insects. Through these modifications genetically modified organisms are touted as lasting longer, and producing more abundant crop yields. Also, organisms that have undergone modification require fewer pesticides, water, and reduce production costs for crops used for food, such as soybeans, corn, and sugar beets (www.factsaboutgmos.org). According to the USDA, the most common kinds of GMOs are corn, cotton, and soybeans, but a variety of foods can be found in your local supermarket that have been genetically modified, and according to the Non-GMO Project, up to 80% of processed foods in the United States contain food items that are genetically modified. The issue as to whether or not genetically modified...
Words: 905 - Pages: 4
...What are genetically modified foods and organisms? “Genetically modified food or genetically modified organisms is commonly used to refer to crops and plants created for human or animal consumption using the latest molecular biology techniques” (Whitman (2000). The modified plants and organisms have been modified in laboratories to enhance the desired traits. Some enhanced traits might be to improve nutritional content or make plants resistant to herbicides. In order for these traits to be enhanced scientists breed the desired traits. Genetically modified foods have had foreign genes from other plants or animals inserted into their genetic codes (Heit (2012) 2nd slide- What are genetically modified foods and organisms? For scientists to achieve the desired traits for genetically modify organisms they us selective breeding. Selective breeding is where over time selected plants, animals, and microorganisms are bred to produce the desired traits, but the genetic modification allows scientists to speed this process up by moving desired genes from one organism to another (Heit (2012). The organisms that are selected for the genetic modification are organisms that exhibit a variety of different traits and then these organisms are bred The most common genetically modified organisms are plants. 3rd slide- Genetically Modified Food and Organism Benefits Genetically modified foods and organisms were created to provide the same nutrition and the genetically modified...
Words: 685 - Pages: 3
...Genetically Modified Organisms Technology, Society, and Culture Table of Contents Technical Aspect of GMO by Chad Dookie Page 3 Moral and Ethical Aspect of GMO by Ronald Claude Page 7 Cultural and Legal Aspect of GMO by Evangelina Ramirez Page 14 Environmental Issues of GMO by Donovan Collins Page 23 References Page 32 Technical Aspect of GMO by Chad Dookie Description of GMOs and the associated science Most of the populations that do shopping in the groceries to buy food for their family are not aware of the “naturalness” of the food. Groceries sell items such as; cotton seeds, rice, soy, sugar beets, yeast, cassava, papaya, bananas, food flavoring, potatoes, corn, tomatoes, squash, oils, beef, pork, chicken, salmon, peas, alfalfa, and honey. Notice that most of the items listed either came from a plant or an animal. Those are the top 20 grocery items that have been genetically modified. What are genetically modified organisms? A genetically modified organism is any living thing that has had their DNA tampered with. This can be mutating, removing, or adding genetic material into the organism. All of the items listed in paragraph one has had their DNA tampered with. Most times when people talk about genetically modified organisms, they mostly refer to plants that are genetically modified. You may be wondering how the animals listed are considered genetically modified. This is because scientists modify the plants that are being...
Words: 9591 - Pages: 39
...Genetically Modified Foods Genetically modified organisms (GMO) and genetically modified foods (GMF) are foods that have been altered by changing their genetic make-up. Mutating, inserting, and deleting genes do this. An example of this is done when scientist attach genes to a virus and inject this genetic material into a host’s cell nucleus. The host could be bacteria, insects, food, or mammals. Since animals were first domesticated in 12,000 BC, they were being genetically modified (Goldbas, 2014). Biotechnology and genetic engineering is typically used to alter foods and medicines. Foods are chemically altered to give it more nutrients, a better appearance, and a longer shelf life. Further uses are drug production, medical treatments, and biological research (Goldbas, 2014). There are terms used that are needed to understand the discussion of genetically modified foods. First, Certified Organic Foods are foods that are free of growth hormones, most pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and GMO’S. To have this label, a product must be inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA insures specific practices are followed during production, cultivation, storage, and transport. A second term is food additives. They are substances added to food during production, processing, and transportation. These additives affect the characteristics of the food. They are used to retain foods nutritional value, improve appearance, and prevent spoilage...
Words: 1002 - Pages: 5
...A genetically modified organism, or GMO, is an organism that has had its DNA altered or modified in some way through genetic engineering (Livescience). Genetically modified foods are becoming more and more popular around the world. There has been a big argument for years on whether genetically modified foods are safe to eat. Recently, the FDA approved farm Genetically modified salmon as a certified meal. This makes it the first genetically modified animal to be approved for consumption. It has been a long time coming, but after being accused of delaying the decision for years they finally said that you can safely eat the salmon. The inserted genes remained stable in the salmon over several generations. The decision might quiet down a debate...
Words: 707 - Pages: 3
