Genetically Modified Organisms Should Be Banned

Genetically Modified Organisms Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are organisms that have been genetically altered so that they contain the DNA of another organism such as plants, insects, bacteria, or even humans. GMOs are different than crossbreeding in that crossbreeding takes two like organisms and naturally fuses the genes together, but GMOs take two unlike organisms and artificially force the DNA from one organism to another. Genetically Modified Organisms make up roughly eighty percent of all processed foods in grocery stores across America, and most people consume some form of a GMO every day without their awareness. GMOs should be banned or at least clearly labeled in the United States because of the harmful effects they have on the human body and the environment. The environment is a crucial part …show more content…
Because rice is the most important staple food in undeveloped countries, scientists have created a new genetically modified food called Golden Rice (Messer). Golden Rice produces beta carotene, the naturally occurring ancestor of Vitamin A (Messer). Studies show that in developing countries, there is a severe lack of Vitamin A that causes blindness and an increased vulnerability to disease and infection (Messer). Golden Rice is currently being produced by a nonprofit organization called the International Rice Research Institute in hopes of providing nutrients for people in both the Philippines, and other poor countries all around the world (Harmon). The Philippine government is still in debate over whether to allow Golden Rice to be grown outside of the four remaining field trials (Harmon). It is now said that one bowl of rice can supply 60 percent of Vitamin A needed in a day (Harmon). Complications are still rising with this new invention, but the goal of these organizations is to save as many lives possible through genetic