Genetically modified organism Essay Example for Free

Genetically modified organism EssayThe controversy over genetically modified (GM) nourishment, also known as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), is viewed in diverse manners worldwide. Some individuals recollect that GM food is more beneficial to association than not, while others bear strong beliefs that they may cause negative and harmful effects in the future. thither are several reasons that could lead a somebody to believe that GM foods have a variety of advantages. However, there are various factors that could lead a person to believe otherwise as well. In the article entitled, Counterpoint Genetically Modified Foods Should be Carefully Regulated, Sally Driscoll and David Morley discuss their reliances regarding GM food.Genetically modified foods are produced and sold nationwide. However, the United States governance does not require GM food to be designate as such. Therefore, when Ameri piece of asss purchase food, they are predominantly unaware of what they are buying and consuming. Everyone has their own opinion regarding this matter and whether or not the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) should regulate and identify GM food from the rest. Many argue that consumers should have the right to watch whether or not to purchase GM food as well.In order to do so, GM food would have to be regulated and labeled accordingly before placed on store shelves and sold to consumers (Driscoll Morley, 2011, p. 1). In the article entitled, Genetically Modified Foods An Overview, written by Alex Rich and Tom Warhol, 92 percent of Ameri bottom of the innings feel GM ingredients in food products should be labeled. However, members of the FDA argue that GM food is indeed very similar to non- GM food and bears no potential risk. In other words, they feel labels are an unnecessary part of GM marketing (Rich Warhol, 2011, p. 2). Europe eventually made it illegal to sell GM food without labeling it.When labeling became mandatory, the sales of gene tically modified food dropped drastically. Many Americans believe if this were to become mandated in the United States as well, many consumers (when afforded the opportunity to have a choice between the two) would chose food that does not contain GM ingredients. Since there is no way to differentiate between GM food and unaltered food, consumers that appetite to steer clear of GM food purchase organic food (Driscoll Morley, 2011, p. 3). Research showed that several Americans do not have a side in the issue regarding GM foods.Studies showed the majority was actually unaware of, an unconcerned about GM cropping and marketing (Rich Warhol, 2011, p. 3). Critics of genetically modified food view this view differently. They believe the primary reason Americans are so laid back with this issue is due to the fact that they are uninformed as to which products they purchase have been genetically modified (Rich Warhol, 2011, p. 4). In other words, how can Americans have an opinion on a to pic they know nothing about and have never been meliorate on? Food is an essential and significant part of every(prenominal)day life.For thousands of years, humans have been consuming the same types of food. However, genetics have become more move on throughout the years, allowing scientists to alter plants and animals. Traditionally, animals are the subject of scientific research but it is now humans who are being treated as guinea pigs, every time they are subjected to GM meats and other products. In 2008, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) deemed it safe for humans to consume cloned animals, while the USDA recommended that GM foods stay off the market indefinitely. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove that GM food will bear any negative semipermanent effects (Driscoll Morley, 2011, p. 2).Environmentally, some farmers believe herbicide and insecticide-engineered plants are not as beneficial to the environment as they are made out to be. This method discont inues widows weeds and/or insects temperamentally because it allows them to become immune to crops. However, because they build up a resistance to crops, additional pesticide spraying is needed regardless(prenominal) (Driscoll Morley, 2011, p. 4). Cross pollination is an cranial orbit of major concern as well. For crops being grown outdoors, cross pollination can occur from the wind or insects.Because cross pollination is an event in which farmers have little or no control over, those who attempt to grow organic food should reconsider their techniques and produce their crops strictly indoors (Driscoll Morley, 2011, p. 3). This is the only original way to prevent these unwanted mishaps. In the essay entitled, A Cure for World Hunger or Frankenfood, Justin Petersen discusses the benefits and negative aspects of GM food. His argument solely depends upon the situation given at hand.If GM food can prevent malnourishment in some countries, why not produce mass amounts of GM food? Howe ver, why are Americans not demanding stricter regulations and research studies so they may decide for themselves whether or not they want to put these types of food into their bodies? These are some of the questions he attempts to answer and he also tries to inform his readers of both the negative and positive outlooks on GM food (Veit Gould, 2011, p. 519). For nearly twenty years, scientists have argued that GM crops can assist in the prevention and elimination of citizens starving in countries where the majority of the population is in poverty.Because GM food can withstand pests, diseases, and droughts, costs can be reduced and larger yields of crops can be harvested. This is one way to alleviate the amount of malnourished lot residing in less fortunate countries. check to Petersen, in the year 2000, more than 800 million people throughout the world were starving or malnourished, while five million children died each year as a direct result. Although it is not guaranteed to en d world hunger completely and indefinitely, GM technology is continuing to grow and advance (Veit Gould, 2011, p. 510).If utilized properly in underdeveloped countries for people in great need, GM food would terminate a significant amount of starving and suffering families throughout the world. The FDA does not attempt food for safety before it is placed on store shelves. Instead, they allow the companies themselves to test their own products. Many companies, however, voluntarily test their products before placing them on the market. There are allergens that are introduced into some genetically modified foods in certain companies but since they are not tested by the FDA, they cannot be placed on the labels.Therefore, buyers of the products are uninformed of the ingredients in their food, making those with allergies more susceptible to allergic reactions. As Petersen said, That just underscores why its so important that the government require companies to test genetically engineere d foods for new allergens (Veit Gould, 2011, p. 515). Several people must consume certain specific GM products in order for a company to be absolutely certain of which proteins will and will not result in an allergic reaction.A recommendation made for the FDA is to require companies to test every impudently introduced protein to see if it resembles known food allergens (Veit Gould, 2011, p. 516). Whether or not society is for or against GM food, it will always be an issue of growing concern. As advances in technology progress and people become more open minded about the situation, laws will either be created to provide certain regulations or people will just have to accept the fact that GM food is not labeled.If it is that much of a concern to an individual, organic food is always an option. speckle fortunate countries may be primarily concerned with government regulations, it would overall, as in Petersens essay, be a very beneficial idea for the less fortunate countries sinc e they literally have people starving to death. Petersens essay best depicted the overall views of both sides. Several factors made it possible to decode for oneself what is adequate.References Driscoll, S. , Morley, D. C. (2011). Counterpoint Genetically Modified Foods Should be Carefully Regulated, 1-4. Retrieved from EBSCOhost Database. Rich, A. K. , Warhol, T. (2011). Genetically Modified Foods An Overview, 1-4. Retrieved from EBSCOhost Database. Veit, R. , Gould, C. (2010). Argument Reading, Writing, and Research. Writing, Reading, Research. Boston, MA Wadsworth.