Gmo Foods

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. Research into producing genetically modified food has been conducted in the last few years however there are downfalls in using genetically modified foods. Genetically modified foods are only a fairly new process which means they have not yet been tested extensively to make …show more content…
This is an issue within itself, as the prices of seed increase and the ‘one season seeds’ now the farmers physically are unable to support themselves. Multinational agribusinesses such as Monsanto are not wanting a change and are hoping that the development of genetically modified crops such as those which are resistant to pests and disease, as these can be beneficial to the human race, there are many advantages and disadvantages of using and producing genetically modified food. The safety of the foods has not had the time to be extensively tested; any potential threats that may arise to the human race cannot be verified as there is not enough research to prove that it is entirely safe, especially for prolonged consumption. Recent research by Dr Stanley Ewen at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary has suggested that water and food that is contaminated with any materials that have been exposed to genetically modified ingredients can rapidly increase the growth of malignant tumours in humans; this suggests that these genetically modified ingredients have the ability to cause cancer. When there are …show more content…
The new golden rice for example, this type of rice has been genetically engineered to contain large amounts of vitamin A, this is extremely beneficial to poor people in the developing countries as it can help in the body’s ability to fight off infections and it can also act as an immuno-boost. Some people that are vegetarians and vegans may not be able to consume certain products this is because with certain genetic modifications animal products are used, which is also not ethical in many people’s beliefs. It is unknown the complete extent that the un-natural production of food will have on biodiversity and the ecosystem. When natural traits of crops are change it is unknown whether they will kill off other plants or interbreed with them that can cause something such as a super weed. New studies have shown that there may be a chance that the immune functions of the body can be compromised by genetically engineered food. A study completed over the course of thirty days on mice has shown that an immune reaction can occur and it can alter the number of immune mediators and cells inside the body. This is a major concern for the elderly and the young as their immune systems are already compromised so if the cells used to regulate the immune system are compromised then this