Consequences Of Genetically Modified Food

Improved Essays
Vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of preventable childhood blindness, identifying that this problem affects over 250 million children worldwide, mostly in South Asia and Africa (UNICEF data from The World Health Organization, 2014). Associated childhood deaths arise usually as a complication from a weakened immune system, such as infection or diarrhoea. The introduction of Genetically Modified foods containing beta-carotene could assist to prevent this blindness and related deaths. It is because of this that this report will support the use of genetically modified foods.
Genetic Modification and Gene Splicing
Genetic Modification (GM) refers to the use of modern biotechnology techniques such as Gene Splicing to change the genes of
…show more content…
Consequences of this fragile diet from lack of nutrients are well documented and recognised.
James Dale, a scientific researcher from Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia, is currently experimenting on genetically modified ‘super bananas’, to aim to boost the Vitamin A levels of the Ugandan people where this fruit is a staple. If the results of their studies prove that beta-carotene in bananas does succeed in raising the body’s vitamin A levels, it would first require governmental approval, farmers to cultivate and grow them, and people to agree to actually eat the now orange-tinted fruit. (Rose Trapnell- QUT media, 2014).
Those who criticize GM foods worry about the possibility that GM food crops might produce new allergens. They claim that there are no tests or safety assessments in place to prove in advance that a GM crop is safe or to identify potential dangers (Jeffery M. Smith, 2007). Doubts that such allergy potential might be greater than with traditionally bred crops have also been
…show more content…
Another is that the consequences for the surrounding ecosystems are unknown. Possible changes include the species being repelled by pesticide resistant crops building up resistance against the chemicals, ruining the crops and costing the farmers more money. GM seed firms often make very large investments in research and development projects and some believe in more efficient use of money.
Biological Benefits from Nutritionally Enhanced GM Foods
Firstly, ongoing human health is only achievable if a nutritiously adequate diet is available and accessible during all life stages. Genetic modifications to plant food sources hold potential for improving human nutrition and health, provided that the capabilities for using GM crops are available in the developing country.
Vitamin A:
Research has proven that an adequate intake of Vitamin A in the diets of people living in underdeveloped countries will result in the following

Related Documents

  • Superior Essays

    Pros And Cons Of GMO

    • 1705 Words
    • 7 Pages

    The organizations that conduct studies concerning the overall safety of the GMO foods screen each GMO crop that is currently available which contains genes from known allergenic sources and if the certain crop is shown to have a higher risk of containing a certain allergen or toxin, it will be discontinued by these organizations. “The GM foods currently on the market have been tested for increased levels of known allergens and toxins and none has been found (ICSU).” (5) Many speculations regarding the safety for GMO foods involve the concern of a “super-bacteria” which will evolve due to the heavy use of anti-biotic genes inserted into these foods. Bio-engineered food researchers believe that the likelihood of an anti-biotic resistant bacteria surfacing is slim. Although this is the case, the FAO and the World Health Organization has still continued to dishearten the use of these anti-biotic marker genes in the GMO foods on the market.…

    • 1705 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Horticulture Case Study

    • 1381 Words
    • 6 Pages

    The horticultural industry encompasses many different jobs and opportunities for people, including, landscape and garden construction, working at a nursery, working at a garden centre and interior landscaping (Adams. C, 2015). For example, flowers are produced and exported all across the world. In my essay I will discuss the economic, political and biological challenges and opportunities that horticulture faces. Economic and political challenges have arisen from local events, the global financial crisis and more recently Brexit.…

    • 1381 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    For hundreds of years, farmers have been observing their crops through generations and utilizing the benefits of selective breeding to achieve desired results. Historically, this was done by simply choosing which organisms are allowed to reproduce, but recent developments in food science have produced Genetically Modified Organisms. Some find the process of physically rearranging genes to be frightening and unacceptable, while others fully embrace GMOs as the natural next step in future technology. The GMO debate is widely participated in, from laboratories to universities to government to the average home. During a classroom debate in Biology, I was assigned to the pro-GMO team.…

    • 1319 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Genetic Roulette Genetically Modified Organisms, otherwise known as GMO’s, could potentially stop world hunger; however, the risks outweigh the greater good. The mixing of genetic material can raise the risks of allergic reactions to foods. Furthermore, tests have shown that many hazards and medical complications come from consuming genetically modified foods. In addition, genetically modified foods do not only affect foods like tomatoes but meats as well. Yes, Genetically Modified Organisms come in larger harvests, provide bigger than average results and are pesticide resistant; however, the risks that come with consumption of GMOs are too dangerous.…

    • 1203 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Great Essays

    Introduction Genetically modified foods have become a major concern and have caused controversy regarding both their health and environmental effects (2). ' Using modern techniques of genetic engineering, it is possible to introduce specific genetic material derived from any species of plant, animal, or microorganism, or even a synthetic material, into different species of plant' (Journal 1) This allows a desired trait to be enhanced and reproduced. (3) (4) ' The resulting plants are commonly known as genetically modified (GM) plants; when used as food sources, they are known as GM foods.'…

    • 1492 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Improved Essays

    “Public fear of GMO is largely based on false premises and misinformation…” says Steven Novella. Transgenic genetic modification can feel like contamination, but that is due to a lack of appreciation for evolution (Novella). Genes are changing all the time and have been since the beginning of organic life. While modern genetic modification started in the 1940s and 50s, humans have been selectively breeding crops since 10,000 years ago (“When Did Humans Start to Genetically Modify Food?”). People who argue for stricter regulations on GMOs are disregarding scientific…

    • 489 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Gmo Benefits

    • 759 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Crops are able to grow on substandard soil, produce high quality protein necessary in less fortunate countries, without the need for harmful fertilizer. It has been calculated that the life of 25 percent of children in developing countries could be spared by providing them with diets that include crops biofortified with provitamin A (beta-carotene) and zinc, such as golden rice (Welch). Genetically modified foods allow starving people in developing countries to have the nutrients they need to survive and thrive. A growing population means more usage of resources, which indicates the need for a sustainable food supply for the…

    • 759 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    First, genetically modified organisms have been used in the food process for quite some time now. They have grown to be very popular, very quickly. In the article, “The State of Science”, the author Stuart Newman, comments that “Some critics suggested that the quality and safety of fruits and vegetables could be impaired, making them allergenic or toxic to humans” (Newman, 2013, p. 24). Worries of the food becoming toxic, or allergenic to humans arose, but regardless, the discovery of GMO’s came about, and the use of them grew. The scientists never expected it to become a normal occurrence in food production.…

    • 533 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    Gmo Foods

    • 1129 Words
    • 5 Pages

    UNCC 100 Global food security is a rising issue in the modern age. As the populations increases so does the need for an increased amount of food. In 2013 842 million people in the world do not have an adequate supply to food, however since 1990, 17% less people are now starving (Monet, 2014). The rising challenge in global food security is not producing more food; it is ensuring that the food that is produced is distributed evenly between the different classes of people.…

    • 1129 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Great Essays

    Are GMOs “living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated in a laboratory,” which results in “unstable conditions…that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods” (Non GMO Project)? Or is genetic engineering simply a process that “takes a beneficial trait that helps a living thing thrive in nature…and adapts that trait to a new plant so it can better survive in its environment” (Monsanto)? Can new biotechnologies and GMOs solve global nutrition challenges? A more accurate term may be transgenic’—any organism whose genetic makeup has been altered by adding genetic material from another, unrelated organism. This, too, has its own exceptions with altered and synthesized genes.…

    • 1161 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Decent Essays

    Genetically modified organism (GMO), are plants that have been scientifically altered to accomplish a specific reason. There are numerous reasons why they were created, which include but are not limited to, eliminating the need for pesticides through altering the plants DNA to be resistant towards insects, allowing plants to grow in drought like conditions saving the need for water which has cost benefits and saves a precious resource for the human population in those conditions, increasing the size of crops. Those are a few of the reasons behind GMO’s and their creation, within this essay we will dive deeper into the reasons why they were created. Are GMO’s necessary for survival, do they have the potential to and world hunger, can they withstand all climates?…

    • 450 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Decent Essays
  • Improved Essays

    The consumption of genetically modified foods comes significant organ disruptions, especially in the liver and kidneys. A primary concern is preventing genetically modified versions from mixing with the naturally existing populations of plants from which they're derived. Plants rely on the transfer of pollen, by insects or the air, to breed and produce offspring, and it's difficult to control how they cross-breed in the wild. Despite the controversy surrounding them, genetically modified plants have taken root in our world. As with any new technology, members of society have the responsibility to become informed about genetically modified plants, in order to make decisions about their responsible use and regulation.…

    • 837 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    The completion of the Human Genome Project has opened the doors leading to seemingly unlimited scientific possibilities. With a correct understanding of DNA, scientists can identify specific sections that code for positive (or negative) results; they can enhance or duplicate the positive sections and try to remove the ‘errors’. Genetically modified organisms (GMO) typically refer to animals or food, but soon it could become commonplace for it to refer to humans. Scientists have had great success in using genetics to improve the quality (and often the quantity) of food that humans eat on a daily basis. Although controversial, many advocate using this same technology on humans, particularly to cure them of disabling, genetic diseases.…

    • 912 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    Vitamin A is an example of a nutrient that is not very accessible to many children in Africa. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to organ failure, and eventual death. Every year, over 100,000 children, around the world, die from Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) (Johnson 1).The reason being, the foods that contain good sources of Vitamin A do not grow well in the soil and climate that many developing countries provide. Currently, there is a project working on inserting carotene, which creates retinol, or Vitamin A, into bananas, which are widely grown throughout Africa. By providing bananas rich in Vitamin A, there would be a huge reduction in Vitamin A deficiency throughout children (Johnson 1).…

    • 1422 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Superior Essays

    Gene Technology For thousands of years, Genetic modification Microorganism has affected many of the products we eat every day. It began with the tameness of animals. As humans evolved into an agricultural company, they begin breeding different strains of plants looking to receive the best possible plants for sustenance for human beings. But as a scientific understanding of breeding and technology grows, their methods of altering plants and animal changed.…

    • 1179 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Superior Essays