Pros And Cons Of Gmo Foods

GMOs (Genetically modified organisms) are any organisms which have had the genetic code in their cells modified by humans on the molecular level. This is used to bring out specific traits that are more desirable. (Hanrahan) The controversy lies in the testing of GM foods for potential side effects and beliefs that these are unnatural and should not be consumed. The second beliefs are often based off or moral or religious concerns and they are easy to discount. The testing, however, is a far more noticeable issue and many argue it should be treated with care. The book Global Resources cites one of the few studies done saying
“The only human feeding trial ever conducted confirmed that genetically engineered genes from soy burgers and …show more content…
One massively noted benefit is the production of a new breed of drought resistant corn. (Paarlburg) These new breeds, whether created through selective breeding or recombinant DNA technology, are able to be used in the more arid areas such as Africa or many Middle Eastern countries. These areas often suffer due to their inability to produce food at a high rate, which increases the starvation rates in their countries. This new breed of corn can grow more efficiently in these dry areas, allowing for more food production, therefore decreasing starvation rates and improving quality of life. This is just one of the many potential advantages of GMO foods. Returning to the farming topic, the other big invention in agriculture that has saved farmers large amounts of work and time is pesticides. Pesticides are substances, typically of a chemical nature, which are designed to kill harmful or unwanted insects, plants or other living organisms. (Jacobs) Insecticides, which are designed specifically to kill certain types of insects or other bugs, are the most commonly referenced pesticide because of their far reaching consequences, and so this will be the definition used from here on …show more content…
As this process continues, humanity is forced to develop stronger chemicals to kill the pests, or to find alternate ways to kill the creatures, so that the pesticides continue to be useful. Otherwise, crop losses will increase over time as the creatures eventually become immune to the harmful effects of the chemical agents. The Pesticide Action Network states that “In the 1940s, U.S. farmers lost seven percent of their crops to pests. Since the 1980s, loss has increased to 13 percent, even though more pesticides are being used.” As humanity struggles to keep up with these adaptations, the chemicals become more and more dangerous, and are tested less and less. Combined with poor planning practices, it becomes obvious that these chemicals do not always stay where they are originally laid. This can have a severe detrimental effect on the