The Misconceptions of Genetically Modified Foods
Many foods are marketed as “organic,” or “GMO-free,” claiming they are healthier and safer than genetically modified foods. Does this really mean a better product, or are these claims ignorant misconceptions written off as fact? Genetically modified foods, sometimes called genetically modified organisms (GMOs), are foods that have been genetically altered to have traits that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods. These foods contain DNA extracted from another organism to introduce a new trait. Contrary to popular belief, genetically engineered foods have no negative health effects; they are—in fact—beneficial to society. There is no need for extra regulations on …show more content…
Ken Mandel states that GM seeds have increased resistance to insects, lower crop failure, healthier crops, and are more weather resistant compared to organic plants. Treacy Colbert says that scientists can also engineer seeds to have longer shelf lives, allowing them to be shipped to remote areas. These traits demonstrate benefits genetically modified foods can bring to society. An example of how genetically modified foods can solve world-wide problems is vitamin A-enhanced “Golden Rice,” which has helped undernourished people receive vitamin A in many developing countries (Mandel). Golden rice shows that GMOs do not harm, but instead, help the human population by solving problems not possible by natural …show more content…
“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
Many foods are marketed as “organic,” or “GMO-free,” claiming they are healthier and safer than genetically modified foods. Does this really mean a better product, or are these claims ignorant misconceptions written off as fact? Genetically modified foods, sometimes called genetically modified organisms (GMOs), are foods that have been genetically altered to have traits that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods. These foods contain DNA extracted from another organism to introduce a new trait. Contrary to popular belief, genetically engineered foods have no negative health effects; they are—in fact—beneficial to society. There is no need for extra regulations on …show more content…
Ken Mandel states that GM seeds have increased resistance to insects, lower crop failure, healthier crops, and are more weather resistant compared to organic plants. Treacy Colbert says that scientists can also engineer seeds to have longer shelf lives, allowing them to be shipped to remote areas. These traits demonstrate benefits genetically modified foods can bring to society. An example of how genetically modified foods can solve world-wide problems is vitamin A-enhanced “Golden Rice,” which has helped undernourished people receive vitamin A in many developing countries (Mandel). Golden rice shows that GMOs do not harm, but instead, help the human population by solving problems not possible by natural …show more content…
“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