Analysis: The Food Of Tomorrow

Ryan Sanchez

SFSU ID: 913254373

The Food of Tomorrow

Ever since genetically modified foods, or GM foods, have been introduced to the world, there has been a controversy of whether they are ethical to society. There are many different point of views on the issue of genetically modifying food throughout the world; some supporting, some against, and some unsure. Although people have all these different viewpoints about genetically modified foods, many do not truly understand what these genetically modified foods are and mean for their health, environment, and society.

The original idea of genetically modified foods was to alter food through genetic engineering to create specific changes in its DNA. The reason why GM foods were created was to increase farmer’s production of crops so that they would have a larger harvest and a bigger profit. Another reason GM foods were created was so that food would last longer on the shelves of supermarkets, and therefore save money. There are many concerns that come with GM foods, including health, environmental, and social concerns. The main health issues that people are concerned about are the chances that there could be unintended changes in the food that is being modified. Another health issue is that the GM foods could contain allergens. “After a protein is produced, the cell modifies it in various ways. The protein may be modified in the genetically modified plant differently from the way it would in an unmodified cell, and the modification could produce an allergen.” (Goodenough & McGuire, 2012) In order to prevent these allergens, scientists perform many rigorous tests.

Environmental concerns that have arisen include the problem of insecticides harming insects in order to keep them off of ...

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...odified foods throughout the world. There has been much debate over whether or not genetically modified foods are good or bad for our health, the environment, and society. Ever since genetic engineering has allowed humans to modify our food, there has been a wide variety of opinions about GM foods. Genetically modified foods will always be a concern no matter what we know they do positively and negatively because you cannot please everyone.

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4. Mariette, D. (2013, September). Fight the gm food scare. DOI: ScientificAmerican.com