This is a paper I wrote.
Genetically modified foods(GM foods) are the latest and largest experiment in the history of mankind and we are the lab rats of this huge experiment. DNA is the blueprint of an individual living organism and stores the genetic information that is responsible of giving that particular organism its unique characteristics which is called Gene. Back in the 1900, scientists discovered that crossing plants can improve the plant species and get the desired characteristics. In 1986 genetically modified crops were firstly used in field tests, and then in 1992 the US Department of Agriculture approved the use of genetically engineered crops for commercial production. Like any new technology put in practice, genetically modified crops may have benefits and risks. As for GM crops, they have better yield than normal crops and are enriched with micro nutrients. In addition, they are cheaper to produce and have greater shelf life. But one of the benefits that people are arguing about is that they use fewer chemicals, thus they potentially improve the environment and human health. On the other hand, is it argued that these genetically modified crops are toxic and tend to have an effect on provoking allergic reaction while they contain an unstable gene which may result of unintended results or mutation. This paper will argue that we must not use GM technology for our food and the need of more research on the safety of GM crops.
Genetically modified organisms (GMO) changed traditional agriculture completely in developing countries. From the first look, this new technology might seem efficient, with higher yields, pest and virus resistance, vitamin enriched and low costs, it makes it sound very good. But that does not mean there is a possible risk from manipulating living organisms. The alarming discoveries conducted by independent scientists report that GM foods are surely not healthy for human consumption, because of the lack of researches made to this day. [price, S. (2004)]
Genome scrambling is thought to have a disastrous outcome that makes the food safety about toxicity, allergies and antibiotic resistance becomes a serious concern. On the contrary, world health organization (WHO) says that all current used GM foods are safe and would not represent any risk on human’s health. [The lancet. (2002)] On the other hand, some scientists think that GM crops are not safe, because all plants produce harmful chemical substances that were derived from inedible ancestors that contain toxic tissues or organs. Thus, they are potentially harmful. The genetic engineered organism is a far more complex issue far beyond science. Hunger in southern Africa affects about 14 million people even with the US donating GM maize. For example, Zambia rejected the GM maize because their president says that he is not prepared to “use our people as guinea pigs”. [The lancet. (2002)] While the USA officials say that Americans have been eating it for years and GM crops still in trial in the US and Mexico, that does not leave the fact that GM foods have many disadvantages such as, biodiversity threats while farmers fear to be depending on chemical and biotechnology companies. Moreover, people are concerned about their health. It is thought that antibiotic resistant genes might out cross from GM crops to conventional ones. [The lancet. (2002)]
On the other hand, using GM cotton in China has been of great benefit to both the farmers and the environment. Farmers growing GM cotton use fewer insecticides. Until 1997, 10,000 insecticides poisoning and 400-1,000 deaths were reported annually. By the year 2000, insecticides use declined 80% in GM cotton fields, therefore farmers felt healthier, while 22% of conventional cotton farmers reported health problems. While GM soy makes 60% of GM crops and increased the soy organic matter and helped reduce carbon dioxide loss from soil to the air. It also helped reduce environmental damage and risks from pesticides on farmers. [Roush, R. (2004)] It was also noticed that consumers may have not rejected GM crops until activist campaigned against GM crops and it was also shown that risks from pesticides and greater on farmer’s health than the general public.
On the other hand, a large number of studies showed worrying results. For example GM crops have higher probability of mutation and scientists are interested in conducting researches and giving results, while industries ignore the mutation in order to benefit from making farmers buy their products. However, a wide range of studies show that consumption of dairy foods from animals fed GM foods is safe [Roush, R. (2004)]
To conclude this argument, genetically engineered crops are an evolutionary way to solve world hunger and have a cleaner environment and a healthier life. However, the studies conducted are not enough to give solid proof of the safety of GM foods. But that does not mean we should halt growing GM crops that are not eaten like cotton because it probably will not be a threat to human’s health.
References:
Better health channel. (2008). genetically modified food. Better health channel, full text available online.
Price, S. (2004). Danger! The hidden perils of GM crops. African business, (304), 14. Accessed 10/08/2007
Roush, R. (2004). Good, safe, banned. Review-institute of public affairs, 56 (3), SI1. Accessed 10/08/2007
The lancet. (2002). How safe is GM food? The lancet. 360 (9342), 1261. Accessed 18/06/2008
Safe food. (2001) full text available online.
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