Register to read the introduction…
For example, the genes from a certain strain of bacteria that has a resistance to certain insects may be inserted into cotton. The cotton plant with the inserted gene will now be able to produce the needed resistance to those same insects extending its crop life cycle. The technology has progressed to the point that genes can be transferred from plant to plant and animals or organisms to plants. The first genetically modified food that was grown specifically for commercial production was in
…show more content…
One such concern is the risk of allergic reactions from consuming bio-engineered food. There is a great possibility that there will be an increase in allergenicity in the world population because of the new genes being introduced to plants. This may cause new allergens to form or contribute to further allergic reactions in individuals who are susceptible. Because of this, the Food and Drug Administration has made it a policy that whenever any genetic material from a verified allergen source is introduced into a new plant, the derived products must be labelled with that information to protect consumers. Another concern is that genetic engineering or the recombining of DNA is not a natural process since genes that would otherwise never combine in nature are being done so artificially. The resulting recombinations are unnatural ones and therefore can theoretically have uncertain effects on the physiology, biochemistry and metabolism of human beings. Since there are no human trials to test the effects of consuming large quantities of bio-engineered food, the long term effects on humans are unknown and remain to be …show more content…
Almost everyone who is privy to the technology, including scientists, religious groups and governments are in constant debate as to the benefits and pitfalls of bio-engineered food. This matter is not simple but very complicated and lines can be blurred when discussing genetic engineering technology development and its uses. Some countries, like Venezuela have gone as far as to ban the use of genetically modified foods because there are no clear answers on what the long term effects are to humans and the environment. A much debated issue is whether genetically modified food is the solution to deal with the epidemic of malnutrition and world hunger. With recent advances in genetic technology bio-engineered food can now be made faster and more efficient and with more productive output than regular food. This, in theory, should result in cheaper prices for food in the world market reducing the rate of starvation even in developed countries like the United States. While this is a possibility, it also carries a real cost. Since long term effects of GMO's on human health is unknown, it could mean increased health care cost for countries already struggling to feed its citizens. If these foods cause debilitating diseases in the future, like cancer, it could put a further strain on the economies of developing countries and cause affected families more suffering and grief. Many cultures have
One such concern is the risk of allergic reactions from consuming bio-engineered food. There is a great possibility that there will be an increase in allergenicity in the world population because of the new genes being introduced to plants. This may cause new allergens to form or contribute to further allergic reactions in individuals who are susceptible. Because of this, the Food and Drug Administration has made it a policy that whenever any genetic material from a verified allergen source is introduced into a new plant, the derived products must be labelled with that information to protect consumers. Another concern is that genetic engineering or the recombining of DNA is not a natural process since genes that would otherwise never combine in nature are being done so artificially. The resulting recombinations are unnatural ones and therefore can theoretically have uncertain effects on the physiology, biochemistry and metabolism of human beings. Since there are no human trials to test the effects of consuming large quantities of bio-engineered food, the long term effects on humans are unknown and remain to be …show more content…
Almost everyone who is privy to the technology, including scientists, religious groups and governments are in constant debate as to the benefits and pitfalls of bio-engineered food. This matter is not simple but very complicated and lines can be blurred when discussing genetic engineering technology development and its uses. Some countries, like Venezuela have gone as far as to ban the use of genetically modified foods because there are no clear answers on what the long term effects are to humans and the environment. A much debated issue is whether genetically modified food is the solution to deal with the epidemic of malnutrition and world hunger. With recent advances in genetic technology bio-engineered food can now be made faster and more efficient and with more productive output than regular food. This, in theory, should result in cheaper prices for food in the world market reducing the rate of starvation even in developed countries like the United States. While this is a possibility, it also carries a real cost. Since long term effects of GMO's on human health is unknown, it could mean increased health care cost for countries already struggling to feed its citizens. If these foods cause debilitating diseases in the future, like cancer, it could put a further strain on the economies of developing countries and cause affected families more suffering and grief. Many cultures have