Essays on Genetically Modified Food

Introduction

Until recently, genetic foods have become popular for their ability to address many production and quality issues faced by natural/organic farming methods. Genetically modified crops are those whose genetic makeup has been improved to enhance the level of nutrients, resistance to diseases, increase yields, adaptability to climatic factors, and reduce the time of production (Ronald & Adamchak, 2008). It is different from the conventional breeding because genetic modification allows introduction of genes from any organism (animal and plants) in altering crops whereas breeding allows transfer of genes across related species only. On the other hand, organic farming is a natural ...

Define dilemma. Why is it a dilemma?

Genetically modified foods are the foods, genetic material of which has been artificially manipulated under the laboratory conditions through the process of genetic engineering (Rabesandratana, 2014). There is a growing evidence that connects genetically modified foods with environmental damage, health issues and violation of farmers’ rights and consumers’ rights. Countries like Japan, Australia and European Union have banned the production and selling of GM foods (Ho and Sirinathsinghji, 2013).

Two Extreme Viewpoints

The two extreme points about this dilemma reveal that on one hand genetically modified foods offer greater resistance to pests and viruses, have longer shelf life and possess better nutritional ...

The number of people on the planet continues to increase and with them, the need for more and more nutritious food grows. For that reason, scientists seek research to genetically change plants and animals to provide medicine, good, and organisms not for consumption. As the public is exposed to information on genetically modified organisms (GMOs), strong opinions are forged concerning the safety of eating them. Questions arise over the risks presented to human beings and the environment, if GMOs are really necessary to supply the world with adequate amounts of food, if there are alternatives, and what surrounding ethical ...

Featuring in TEDxManhattan 2013, Hirshberg Gary’s video “Why Genetically Engineered Foods should be labeled” offers a glimpse on an array of issues aligned with labeling of genetically modified foods. The same sentiments are evident in the current article “Genetically Modified Food Controversies.” While it is true that the contents of genetically modified (GM) foods are similar to those of conventional foods, there are various reasons supporting the need to label genetically modified foods. Consumers have the right to know what is in the foods they purchase and consume. Knowledge of the contents of genetically modified foods would give ...

The proverb says, “The first wealth is health”, which means that there is nothing more important than health. Everyone wants to be healthy, because it means feeling well, having energy to do work, to perform our everyday tasks, to participate in our favourite free-time activities, and being in good physical shape to enjoy the world around us. If our body suffers from any disorder our mind suffers with body, too. We can’t be good either at work or at studies. Aches and pains lead to irritation, nervous breakdown and serious depression. But what does our health depend on? ...

Genetic food modification is the laboratory process of artificial alteration of the genes in the DNA of a food crop or organism majorly used for human consumption, using the novel science and biological techniques based on the molecular and structural composition of food crops or organisms (Freedman 4). Genes carry genetic information that is key determinants of the trait that an organism will have; traits like color, disease tolerance, disease susceptibility, among other traits. Through recombinant DNA technology, the gene makeup of an organism and characteristics can be altered or be injected in another organism. With the knowledge that modification ...