Genetically Modified Foods
Genetic modification of organisms in a general is a biotechnological process that forces genes to behave according to certain characteristics. Changing characteristics of organisms is based on changing their DNA. It is being used for modifying genes in plants, animals or micro-organisms. One of the places it is often used is with food, in order to improve the nutritious quality, less use of chemicals such as pesticides and adding flavor. Genetically modified food is considere4d one of the modern production improvements and the largest food experiments in the world’s history.
Virtually every crop we eat has undergone hundreds of years of genetic modification by farmers and scientist in search of desirable traits. The Benefits of gene technology in terms of food production are enormous. The most common genetically engineered foods contain modifications that make the plants resistant to certain diseases and herbicides, or allow them to produce their own pesticides, thereby eliminating or reducing the need to spray. Genetically modified foods are also being adapted to grown in salty, dry or frosty environments, contain edible vaccines, have a longer shelf life and be more nutritious. Even though there are several benefits to genetically modifying foods, concerns are raised regarding the negative effects caused by the modification. These concerns fall into 3 categories: economics, environmental hazards and human health risks.
Environmental damage from genetically modified foods can be caused through various channels, one of the main concerns is the possibility of gene transfer to a non-targeted species. “By genetically altering crops they can be sprayed throughout the growing season, farmers are now spraying their fields three times a season”. Naturally as the weeds grow more tolerant they pass that trait to the next generation, creating what is commonly referred to as a “super weed”.
Another huge concern is human impact from genetically modified foods. Several
Virtually every crop we eat has undergone hundreds of years of genetic modification by farmers and scientist in search of desirable traits. The Benefits of gene technology in terms of food production are enormous. The most common genetically engineered foods contain modifications that make the plants resistant to certain diseases and herbicides, or allow them to produce their own pesticides, thereby eliminating or reducing the need to spray. Genetically modified foods are also being adapted to grown in salty, dry or frosty environments, contain edible vaccines, have a longer shelf life and be more nutritious. Even though there are several benefits to genetically modifying foods, concerns are raised regarding the negative effects caused by the modification. These concerns fall into 3 categories: economics, environmental hazards and human health risks.
Environmental damage from genetically modified foods can be caused through various channels, one of the main concerns is the possibility of gene transfer to a non-targeted species. “By genetically altering crops they can be sprayed throughout the growing season, farmers are now spraying their fields three times a season”. Naturally as the weeds grow more tolerant they pass that trait to the next generation, creating what is commonly referred to as a “super weed”.
Another huge concern is human impact from genetically modified foods. Several
References: Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful? (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php Genetically Modified Foods (Biotech Foods) Pros and Cons. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/are-biotech-foods-safe-to-eat Top 10 Genetically Modified Food Products : Discovery Channel. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/curiosity/topics/10-genetically-modified-food-products.htm Genetically Modified Food: Panacea or Poison - Watch Free Documentary Online. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/genetically-modified-food/