Genetically Modified Organisms ( Gmos )

Whether Americans realize it or not, most of them consume genetically modified organisms every time they eat a snack or a meal. According to Robin Mather’s article “The Threats from Genetically Modified Foods”, “you’re eating genetically modified foods almost daily unless you grow all of the food or always buy organic” (Mather). This can be a scary thought for those who know about the numerous effects of GMOs or those who didn’t know what was in the food they’ve been ingesting for years. When Nielsen selected 1,200 Americans for a survey on GMOs for The Wall Street Journal, “61% of consumers had heard of GMOs and nearly half of those people said they avoid eating them” (Gasparro). The only difficulty with avoiding genetically modified organisms is that they make up approximately eighty percent of the ingredients used in processed foods that put together most of the regular American diet (Gasparro). The reason that genetically modified organisms are in most processed foods is because most processed foods contain corn or high fructose corn syrup that comes from genetically modified corn plants. Of all the corn, soybeans, sugar beet, and canola crops grown in the United States, over ninety percent of those crops are grown from genetically altered seeds (Gasparro). Ever since 1996, when genetically modified plants were first commercially grown for the public, the use of genetically modified seeds has been on a sharp increase (Charman). Although the use of genetically modified

By the year 2012, over 70 percent of the processed foods in the U.S can be linked to genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. Despite this strong dependency on the manipulation of genetic material, there are many questions concerning long-lasting impacts such food could bring. The government of the United States of America should enforce stricter restrictions on the consumption, production, and availability of food products containing genetically modified organisms. Genetically engineered foods have detrimental impacts on the environment, are linked to large, monopolizing industries, and do not reduce world hunger.

Around seventy percent of the United State’s processed foods contain genetically modified ingredients. A GMO is an organism, whose DNA has been altered by adding another organism’s DNA to create a certain trait, such as corn that kills bugs. With genetically modified foods, feeding the hungry will be easier, along with farmers being able to produce more crops. The US should allow the production and selling of more genetically modified organisms.

There are several controversial issues confronting us today; from Universal Healthcare (Obama Care) to Stem Cell research, to vaccinations, to genetically engineered (GE)/genetically modified (GM) foods. However, I shall look at genetically modified foods as the controversial issue for this article. I shall look at an article from the mass media about this controversial public health issue and place emphasis on the message the document wants to convey and address any biases that may be within. In addition, I shall provide additional data or facts from another article to see if it supports or refutes the controversial message. It is my intention that this article will provide some clarity on genetically modified foods confronting us in the United States and the world over.

Controversies and public concern surrounding GM foods and crops commonly focus on human and environmental safety, labeling and consumer choice, intellectual property rights, ethics, food security, poverty reduction and environmental conservation. (Bawa, 2012). Safety concerns for genetic engineering can cause various regulations intended to prevent environmental and health problems (Bawa, 2012). Concern from consumers has been expressed for GMOS because several agricultural practices, such as the widespread use of DDT in past decades, have caused serious problems that were unintended and unexpected (Old Citation: Brill, 1985).

This lab was performed to explore and discover GMOs in food that were given to test. Our group used oats, a GMO positive food, and a test food. Our goal was to find out whether the test food was GMO positive or negative and to record data accordingly. I hypothesized that the test food will be GMO positive. To see if my hypothesis had been correct we performed the process of PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), to find the presence of GMO positive or negative DNA in the foods. We first extracted the DNA from the foods, and then added primers to the DNA as well. I then inserted the DNA onto a gel using a micropipette. Using gel electrophoresis and a UV transilluminator we were able to view the staggering results.

Think back to the last meal you had; now think about how much of that food you consumed was genetically modified . Around 80% of today’s processed food contains genetically modified organisms, otherwise known as GMO’s. If you have never questioned where the food you consume on a daily basis comes from, it is time to start questioning. A genetically modified organism is a new version of a plant or animal that is created by altering genes using biotechnology . Today, more than 40 types of plants have been genetically modified and on the market to buy . An astonishing 90% of Canola, 88% of Corn and 94% of soy are GM . The FDA claims that GMO’s are nothing to worry about, and that it is perfectly healthy to consume food that is

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) is an ongoing controversial issue. GMOs are plant or animal DNA that has been altered to something one would not generally find in nature. The big controversy with genetically modified foods is the unknown. GMOs made their way on the market in 1994, since then there have been speculations with its long-term health effects on humans, and the environment. There has been a split between the consumers, corporations, scientist, and the government because consumers believe they are being lied to. According to the article, “Scientific Controversies as Proxy Politics” by Daniel J. Hicks he states, “88% of scientists said that genetically modified foods are safe to eat, but only 37% of the public agreed” (67).

Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, were introduced to the food industry in 1994. These advanced inventions are created “by injecting genetic material from plants, animals, or bacteria into a crop in hope of creating a new and beneficial trait” (Text 1, Lines 2-3). One of the most well-known GMO is a breed of corn plant that can produce its own pesticide, that helps be resistant to insects and the damage they bring. GMOs have been a heavy topic for discussion in the food industry lately, some say that GMOs are healthy and safe, while others disagree. The opposers of GMOs utilize evidence to state their case. They assert that there is enough food in the world, that they did not perform enough testing, and that there is evident health risks

Thesis: In the discussion of genetically modified foods, most people do not recognize the consequences associated with the lack of testing and labeling of genetically modified ingredients, however it is imperative that we introduce new standards for GMOs to protect people’s health.

In 1901, a small company named Monsanto made its mark in the chemical industry with the development of saccharine, the popular artificial sweetener. One hundred and thirteen years later, Monsanto is now the world leader in genetically modified organisms (GMOs). With over 1,767 seed and plant patents, they are one of the largest food and agriculture companies in the world (“U.S.”). Monsanto exemplifies the worst type of corporate conglomeration by producing toxic substances, creating questionably safe food products, and monopolizing the farming industry.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are often misconstrued. Most people believe that GMOs are a new way of how foods are being produced, and even though GMOs have been increasing there should still be certain precautions must be taken when consuming GMOs. Being because GMOs can be very serious issues, and since there are a lot of misconceptions about it, it is imperative that people understand what GMOs are and the problems that they are causing.

Over the last two decades, there has been a significant increase in food products containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs). GMOs are substances which have had their genetic material altered through unnatural processes. Since the advent of the first GMO in 1973, the modification of plants and animals through the introduction of a new trait or the alteration of a gene has significantly increased (Aleksejeva 5). With increasing genetic modifications of plants and animals for food products and the widespread presence of GM foods in the market, consumers are beginning to ask more questions about the health effects of these foods.

Genetically modified organisms (“GMOs”) are an important topic today as consumers worldwide demand labeling so they can choose what they purchase and eat. GMOs are plants and animals that have been genetically engineered by scientists using bacteria, other plants and animals, or viruses. DNA with a desired trait is inserted into an organism to create a new organism which may be resistant to disease and pests, more nutritious, drought tolerant, or higher in yields. GMO proponents believe GMOs are the key to vaccinating and feeding the world’s poor. They think GMOs might solve the problem of growing food in difficult conditions caused by global warming. Opponents feel consumers should be warned by mandatory labeling until the long-term health effects on humans and the environment are known and so people can make informed choices. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the findings from several articles on genetically modified (“GM”) food safety and whether or not mandatory labeling of GMOs is necessary.

Genetically modified organisms, commonly known as GMOs, have been around since the early 1990’s. Genetically modified crops are engineered to be drought, bug, and pest tolerant. Genetically modified (GM) crops are also made to increase yields and to have many other positive attributes for the farmer. (“Introduction”). GM crops and foods have not been proven to be harmful to people 's health in any way. GMOs, which aren’t harmful to people’s health, are beneficial to the environment and society because they can increase food production and keep the cost of produce affordable.