In this society, individuals are more focused on worldly affairs rather than what they are eating. According to a survey done by Rutgers, the state university of New Jersey in 2013, 53% of individuals did not know about genetically modified foods. These individuals consume genetically modified foods without knowing the risks. This issue is very important to society because individuals need to be aware of what they consume. But, what are the negative impacts of genetically modified foods? Genetically modified foods are foods that contain an altered form of DNA that is not natural. Genetically modified foods affect human health, the environment and has lead to the issue of labelling genetically modified foods to differentiate between them. In …show more content…
Genetically modified foods are detrimental to human health. By eating genetically modified foods, individuals are also consuming all the altered genes along with the food, including the antibiotic resistance genes. This causes genes to be transferred to bacteria that live in the human gastrointestinal tract and the intestines of animals and this will be hard to treat with antibiotics (Bernstein, 2008). Eating foods that have this gene marker is very risky because we are already facing a developing crisis of antibiotic resistance. When an individual has a bad infection they usually turn to antibiotics to cure it and this may not be possible if genetically modified foods are putting antibiotic resistant gene markers in the individual, this may cause the treatment to be a lot more extensive and possibly life threatening. Not only this, but allergies are associated with genetically modified foods, when scientists take a gene from one food and put it into another food it can cause allergic reactions and other side effects (Vaesa, 2013). These days, numerous individuals are facing allergies that cause health problems and if genetically modified foods increase the risk of allergic
If you read the paper or watch the news, you’re undoubtedly aware of the debate raging over genetically modified food. Is it bad or is it good? Between the feuding sides, you might find yourself a little lost and wondering which side is right. Answers to seemingly simple questions have been blurred or exaggerated by both sides. On one side genetically modified food is more sustainable, safe, cheaper, easier to grow and has the potential of creating disease-fighting foods. Although this is positive and good intentioned, there may be unintended consequences that we have been quick to overlook. Those opposing genetically modified food clam that it is dangerous, harms the environment, increases health risks, and causes infertility and weight gain. Even things like the declining bee population may have closer ties to modified food than previously thought. We must look to science for answers. By studying genetically modified organisms (GMOs) we can guide our decision about whether we want to be consuming them.
Present study has both positive and negative impacts of genetically modified food on human
One of the major impacts genetically modified foods have on us is the health risks that come along with them. Eating these foods increases the likely hood of developing a disease, which is on the raise for not only people but animals as well. What's worse is it can even lead to organ failure in some cases.
“Our primary health care should begin on the farm and in our hearts, and not in some laboratory of biotech and pharmaceutical companies" (Gary Hopkins). There are scientific discoveries showing that DNA can be transmitted from one organism to another. Biotechnology has a process of genetic modifications that are advancing throughout the planet. In 2004, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s) started to be grown by 8.25 million farmers in 17 countries (James, 2004). GMO’s is an organism whose material of genetics has been modified using genetic engineering techniques. The genetically modified organisms are being refined into our foods and freshly grown crops. GMO's are consumed into our bodies every day and also cause allergies, while others get sick off of them. GMO's tend to also be bad for our environment as well. The many crops are being grown and being affected, like for example soybeans. Genetically Modified Organisms must be monitored soon as possible because they are bad for our bodies, our environment, and our foods that we eat on an everyday basis.
Jalonick has said, “Genetically modified foods are plants or animals that have had genes copied from other plants or animals inserted into their DNA.” These genetics have been efficient, but have also bothered many individuals. According to an article titled “Ask Natural Life” by Wendy Priesnitz, she has explained that infants and children are very vulnerable to the health risks of consuming genetically modified foods. Infants and children are not very strong, and having them consume genetically modified foods can be quite dangerous.
From the Flavr Savr ™ tomato to the more recent genetically modified corn, genetic engineering has been around for about 20 years. Now, do you really know what GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are? Do you understand both the pros and the cons are? Are you positive that GMOs mat or may not affect your health or the enviroment? If you answered no to any of these questions I strongly suggest you continue reading.
After giving a thorough explanation of the biotechnology of GMOs, the article talks about the social aspects and concerns over the safety of our food. Some of the major concerns include the impact that GMO consumption may have human health. It gives examples that are pro and anti-GMO, but all have scientific data to back up. The article explains that not only is it mandatory for foods containing GMOs to be labeled, but also the specific gene that has been modified for potential health risks. This article is rich in arguments as well as counter-arguments regarding GMOs.
Thesis Statement: Research suggests that GMO's (genetically modified organisms/products) could be harmful for people and the environment because of their potential to produce new allergens, increase toxicity, decrease nutritional value, and increase bacterial antibiotic resistance. Bakshi, A. K. (2003). Potential adverse health effects of genetically modified crops. Journal Of Toxicology And Environmental Health,Part B, 6, 211-225. Retrieved from http://globalseminarhealth.wdfiles.com/local--files/nutrition/Bakshi.pdf This article is one of the pioneering research papers that addresses the potential negative impact of genetically modified crops.
Robert M. Hutchins, known for his contributions to philosophy, said that, “A civilization in which there is not a continuous controversy about important issues is on the way to totalitarianism and death.” While I do not necessarily agree with the former, or the latter, for that matter (no rhyme intended), it is imperative for us, as people, regardless of nationality, to ask questions. On the topic of important issues are genetically modified foods. The specific tangent on genetically modified foods is the question of whether or not genetically modified foods should have mandatory labeling. Instead of being a staunch absolutist and deciding so hastily on the matter of GMOs, the merits and drawbacks of this issue need to be discussed.
Consuming foods that have been genetically altered have serious health risks based on research done on rats by The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM), an international organization of physicians. Risks include infertility, immune system problems, accelerated aging, disruption of insulin and cholesterol regulation, gastrointestinal problems and organ damage. Many AAEM physicians have prescribed non-GMO diets for all patients to improve health conditions. Jeffrey M. Smith, an advocate for non-GMO, says scientific research shows the link of GM food to thousands of sick, sterile, and dead livestock; thousands of toxic and allergic reactions in humans; and damage t...
People are skeptical of allergic effects that can come with genetically modified foods. This can be due to the fact that it is possible to transfer a gene from an allergenic plant to a non-allergenic plant (Zeratsky 1). But, multiple organizations have tested these foods and can confirm there are no risks. Gene transfer is a concern about transferring antibiotic resistance genes to the human body. People are concerned about the effects on their health, but these risks are low. Lastly, outcrossing is a concern about introducing engineered genes into the wild populations and mixing the two types. Multiple countries have created ways to separate genetically modified crops and normal crops. The FDA and many other organizations have created safety guidelines and assessments for genetically modified foods. This way, risks can be
In conclusion, the application of genetically modified food has a lot of pros and cons. There is so much disagreement about the benefits and risks of GM because there are so many different views surrounding it. This issue is very important today because it will change our future. How would the world be when every single living creature will be in some aspect genetically modified? Would we be more resistant to illness? Or would we be weaker and more vulnerable to diseases? Would this be the beginning of the mutant era? Regardless of the answers to these questions, we will need to consider the implications of genetically modified foods.
This report explains genetically modified food (GMOs) and discusses the benefits and risks associated with the consumptions of GMOs. Genetically modified foods (GMOs) are foods that have been genetically altered using engineering techniques. The most common technique used today is called recombinant DNA technology; this technology combines different molecules from different plant species to create a plant with a new set of genes, a hybrid plant. Another recombinant DNA technology being used is recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) an artificial growth hormone; this hormone is being fed or injected into cows to improve milk production. (ThefreeDictionary)
“Genetically modified foods are a "Pandora's box" of known and unknown risks to humans and the environment. They have been forced onto the American public by multinational biotech and agribusiness corporations without adequate oversight and regulation by the United States government (Driscoll, SallyMorley, David C).”Genetically Modified Food is food which has been chemically altered by scientists during the production process to give the food more nutrients, better appearance, and a longer shelf-life (Rich, Alex K.Warhol, Tom). The importance of this issue is that these GMO’s can actually have a negative effect in our society in general. It could mutate in a negative way and cause cancer or other diseases. Genetically modified food should be strictly controlled due to its various detrimental effects on the environment, human health, and potentially insect/animal effects.
Genetically modified foods most commonly refers to the plants, which has been modified in the laboratory to enhance improved nutritional content and aimed traits created for human beings and animals. With progress in various types of technology, especially in genetic engineering, farmers and scientists have changed the way in which food is grown and made, raising questions about the methods, their risks and possible effects. It is not a secret that GMF-ed foods have spread out rapidly to the whole world. GMFs have raised concerns over their own beneficial in that they are resistant to diseases, produces greater yields, and it improves the nutrition of foods making the people unaware about their effects. Every time we go to any grocery stores or supermarkets, we would not know whether the vegetables, fruits or even meats being sold are genetically modified. To make this situation worse, most consumers do not pay much attention to what they are eating, when they are actually consuming modified foods.