Genetically Modified Foods

Introduction

Are Genetically Modified Foods (GMF) safe or do we need transgenic foods? This is a controversial issue. Supporters of the GMF argue that genetic engineering will save the world's growing population from starvation, because genetically modified plants can exist on less fertile soils and provide a rich harvest, and then be stored for a long time.

GM foods have been growing in number since their introduction in the 1990s. Genetic engineering changes the DNA of foods in ways that are more advanced than the long tradition of scientific breeding. The first GM foods on the market were commodities such as canola, corn, soybean, and cotton seeds, which are processed for vegetable oil (Thomas, 836). Other commodities that were modified included potatoes, rice, sugarcane, sweet corn, field corns, and other foods . These products are usually transgenic plants that possess at least one gene that has been transferred into it from different species. Transgenic seeds and plants are created in laboratories using recombinant DNA technology, in which plants to gain different characteristics by the artificial insertion of a gene from one species into another.

This paper aims at discussing the idea and concept of genetically modified foods, and the controversy surrounding their need and production. The paper focuses primarily on the work of Marion Nestle, “Safe Food: Bacteria, Biotechnology and Bioterrorism” for studying the subject and drawing its conclusions.

Discussion

GM food refers to crop plants cultivated for consumption through latest molecular biology techniques, where stable change is brought by an organism through exposing it to radiation or chemicals. The latest procedures and developments of modern genetics have made possible the direct manipulation of the genetic makeup of organisms. Stakeholders of GMF come from all sides to the debate. Supporters believe that society must take a calculated risk with this new technology, and opponents believe that the risk is simply not worth it (Dunfield and Germida, 806).

Both parties to this dispute have valid arguments for and against GMF. Supporters, mostly scientists, Biotech corporations, large farms and some politicians are often selfish in nature, i.e. they act out of self interest. These groups argue that the GMP will not only result in better tasting and more nutritious food, but more of it. Plants will be created that can survive in extreme conditions, including salinity and drought. Scientists will be able to improve the quality of food by creating plants with enhanced protein and vitamins, and build plants that are pest and herbicide-tolerant, leading to a better ratio of plant seed yield. GMF, in their opinion, will contribute to the eradication of world hunger and reduce agricultural pollution (Nestle, 146).

Although there are many benefits that can arise with the development of GMF, the opponents, mostly altruists, that is, acting in the interests of others, warn that the risks associated with this new technology is too great as there are simply too many unethical consequences (Nestle, 146). The main issues concerning the subject of genetically modified foods can be divided into four key areas: environment, consumer health, ...