The controversy surrounding genetically modified food (GM food) or, as it is
often called, "Frankenfood" is becoming a widely publicized issue. The phrase GM food is used to refer to any product that gets
some of its content from an organism that has been genetically modified. Genetic
modification usually involves inserting sequences of DNA from one organism into
another. Some scientists believe that this technology is the answer to many of
the world’s food issues. Others
are of the belief that Frankenfoods are detrimental to the human body and will
do more harm than good.
The
first and foremost issue is, what are the benefits
of the use of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in food products. Humans are
not the only beneficiaries of GM foods; there are benefits for crops, animals
and society as a whole. Genetic
engineering may enhance the taste and quality of food products. It reduces that
maturation time and increases nutrients found in the food. Genetic engineering improves resistance to disease, pests and
herbicides and increases yields and stress tolerance. Biotechnology
companies have rushed to produce characteristics such as resistance to drought,
disease and insects in food crops that previously did not have them. Many new
crops require less processing in the factories and fewer additives. Because they
have genes that make them last longer, there is less wastage. Another possible
benefit is the reduced use of pesticides, fertilizers and energy compared to
conventional farming methods. Farmers do not need to till the soil, lessening
soil erosion and reducing labor and machinery. Animals
reap the benefits of GM foods – they have an increased resistance,
productivity, and hardiness. They give better yields of meat, eggs and milk.
Their health is also improved through the consumption of this food.
Moreover, genetic
engineering not only produces advanced crop products, it benefits the
environment as a whole. Genetic
engineering produces friendly bioherbicides and bioinsecticides. It provides for
better natural waste management and helps conserve soil, water and energy.
Additionally, one
of the most important benefits of GM foods is the increased food security for
growing populations. Gm foods offer greater yields and more resistance to pests
and viruses which in turn assure the growing population that there will be
enough food to eat.
One cannot have benefits without risks, there are many risks believed to be
attached to genetic engineering and GM foods.
Consumers are often not aware that they are consuming GMOs, as the
Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet made labeling of GMOs in food a
requirement. There is continued research and more products are found to
contain GMOs. GM foods are unlabelled and are everywhere.
The possibilities of human allergies to these organisms or chemicals is a
risk that some members of society do not wish to take yet they have no choice as
they are not aware which foods contain the GMO. GM food could be a serious risk
to human health. Proteins made from the foreign genes might be directly toxic to
humans. The genes could alter the functioning of a plant in ways that make its
food component less nutritious or more prone to carrying elevated levels of the
natural poisons that many plants contain in small amounts that could be toxic to
humans.
Not
only are GMOs a danger to humans, they are a danger to insect life. Research has
shown that Monarch butterfly caterpillars were seven times more likely to die
when they ate milkweed plants carrying pollen from genetically modified (Bt
corn), compared to conventional corn. Bt is short for bacillus thuringiensis,
a naturally occurring soil bacterium that acts as a pesticide. The gene has been
inserted into millions of acres of UL.S. corn and cotton plants to repel the
European corn borer, bollworms and other pests. The researchers placed
potted milkweed plants in and around Bt cornfields to simulate naturally
occurring conditions. Pollen from Bt crops also drifts onto nearby plants,
including those eaten by harmless insects like the Monarch. The orange and black
butterflies are at greatest risk within 10 meters of Bt fields.
One of
the most important considerations is: who controls and directs the new
technology, and what is the driving force for its development? Socialists do not
call for a return to a pre-industrial age but for the democratic, planned and
rational control of science and technology to solve mankind's problems. The
profit interests of a handful of corporations must not be allowed to determine
what is researched and developed. There
are many groups that are concerned about the effects of GM food and GMOS. Groups like Greenpeace, the Earth Liberation Front (ELF), the
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Federal Drug Administration
(FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) all have a vested interest
in GMOs and GM foods. The USDA, FDA
and EPA help control the introduction and use of GMOs. The USDA determines if
foods that contain GMOs are safe to grow. The FDA determines if these foods are
safe to eat. The EPA regulates
pesticides. Groups such as the ELF
and Greenpeace demonstrate and lobby against the use of GMOs and the production
of GM foods.
As you can see, there are many issues and opinions surrounding Frankenfoods.
Scientists have contradictory opinions, there is contradictory data and
there are many who have no idea that GMOs exist. It is your mission to research and educate the general public
about this controversial; and ongoing issue.
Questions to keep in mind:
What
are the risks involved in the consumption and production of GM food? What are
the benefits of GM food? How are genes manipulated in plants? What is a
"vaccinated" plant? What is the nutritional difference between a GM
food and an organic food? What are transgenic plants? How do GM foods offer an
alternative to insecticides? How could biotechnology transform agriculture? What
are the effects of GM foods on the human body? Are scientists tampering with
nature? Will Gm organisms damage the environment? How is the risk of damage from
GM foods different from the risk of damage from use of the birth control pill,
cellular phones, hormone replacement therapy and overhead power lines? Why do Gm
foods no require special labels? What roles do the USDA, FDA and EPA play in the
production of GM foods? What is the possibility of allergic reactions as related
to the consumption of GM foods? What is the difference between
classical/traditional breeding and genetic engineering? What are the risks of
classical breeding? After
researching about Chemical Additives and Chemical Preservatives, how do you feel
about the foods you eat? Do you still feel they are healthy for the human body
even with all the additives? Why or Why Not?
