A genetically modified food is a food product containing some quantity of any genetically modified organism as an ingredient. (Wikipedia) Plants, animals and microorganisms can all be genetically modified and have their protein structure altered in order to possess more desired characteristics that usually benefit the human race. Generally modified foods have a number of advantages such as feeding the entire world whose population is likely to double in the next 50 years. With all advantages comes disadvantages, such as the ethical concerns of people who believe it is wrong to “play god” even if it is beneficial to the human race. Producing and selling genetically modified foods comes with a set code of rules and guidelines specific to
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Possibly the most important advantage for genetically modifying foods is that genetically modified foods could provide enough food for the world 's growing population when it predictably doubles in the next 50 years. Genetically modifying the foods will produce more abundant crops because a gene can be inserted into foods such as corn to increase pest and disease resistance and also herbicide tolerance. A major benefit of modifying foods is that certain foods can be modified to increase their flavour or features such as shelf life. An example of this is the long lasting tomato, which "produces less of the substance that causes tomatoes to rot, so remains firm and fresh for a long time." (Reference 1) This tomato can tolerate more transport so is easier to ship and continues to ripen in the sun creating a better and more desirable flavour. Creating genetically modified foods also has a significantly beneficial effect on the environment. "There is some evidence for positive impacts of the planting of GM crops on reduced greenhouse gas emissions and pesticide loads in the environment." (Reference …show more content…
Although a number of concerns, such as safety, ethics and allergies are present with the topic of genetically modifying foods there has been no real proof yet of harmful effects and the foods have only proved to do good.
In my opinion, there is a big problem feeding the world and it will get worse. Genetically modified food seems to be the best solution to this problem and it could also better for the environment because it might be possible to use less chemicals. Risks and precautions do need to be taken in manufacturing these foods, such as machine checks and permits to produce the foods, however, they seem to have more advantages than disadvantages and with correct labeling people should be able to make up their own mind on whether they choose the foods if they hold ethical or personal issues with the foods or have any
Possibly the most important advantage for genetically modifying foods is that genetically modified foods could provide enough food for the world 's growing population when it predictably doubles in the next 50 years. Genetically modifying the foods will produce more abundant crops because a gene can be inserted into foods such as corn to increase pest and disease resistance and also herbicide tolerance. A major benefit of modifying foods is that certain foods can be modified to increase their flavour or features such as shelf life. An example of this is the long lasting tomato, which "produces less of the substance that causes tomatoes to rot, so remains firm and fresh for a long time." (Reference 1) This tomato can tolerate more transport so is easier to ship and continues to ripen in the sun creating a better and more desirable flavour. Creating genetically modified foods also has a significantly beneficial effect on the environment. "There is some evidence for positive impacts of the planting of GM crops on reduced greenhouse gas emissions and pesticide loads in the environment." (Reference …show more content…
Although a number of concerns, such as safety, ethics and allergies are present with the topic of genetically modifying foods there has been no real proof yet of harmful effects and the foods have only proved to do good.
In my opinion, there is a big problem feeding the world and it will get worse. Genetically modified food seems to be the best solution to this problem and it could also better for the environment because it might be possible to use less chemicals. Risks and precautions do need to be taken in manufacturing these foods, such as machine checks and permits to produce the foods, however, they seem to have more advantages than disadvantages and with correct labeling people should be able to make up their own mind on whether they choose the foods if they hold ethical or personal issues with the foods or have any