Genetically modified foods
Nowadays, with the improvement of technology, many things have been invented. Many of these inventions have changed our daily lives. For example, televisions change the way of entertainment, and phones change the way of communication. This paper will discuss a product of genetic engineering technology, called genetically modified foods (GM foods). Not as popular as televisions and phones, many people do not know a lot about GM foods, and many people think that GM foods are not relevant to our daily lives. But based on research, "70 percent of our corn farmland and 93 percent of soy farmland are planted with crops genetically engineered to resist pests and herbicides and increase crop yields" (Gosselin). Now, we may see how GM foods play important roles in our daily diet, and GM crops is just one of them. Many people eat GM foods every day, but what exactly are these GM foods?
Genetically modified foods (GM foods) are foods derived from genetically modified organisms. Genetically modified organisms are organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. Genetically modified organisms are a product of genetic modification. The genetic modification involves the insertion or deletion of genes. It allows selected individual genes to be transferred from one organism into another, or selected individual genes to not be transferred. GM foods were first developed and put on the market in the 1990s. Typically, genetically modified foods are transgenic plant products, including tomatoes, soybean, corn, canola, and cotton seed oil. Animal products have also been developed in the past decade, but none are currently on the market.
When we talk about GM foods, many people may ask why GM foods are produced. Why do we need GM foods when we can produce foods naturally? There are two reasons that GM foods are produced. The first reason is GM crops are more productive. The genetic modification improves crop protection by the introduction of resistance against plant diseases caused by insects or viruses. As the crop protection level increases, the crops become more productive; therefore, GM crops are more productive and have a larger yield. The second reason is GM foods are cheap. Since GM organisms are more productive, it increases the supply of GM foods. As we know, if there are bigger supplies, then there are lower prices. GM foods have the advantages both for the producer and consumer because they are more productive and sold for cheaper prices. Therefore, GM foods are developed and marketed.
On the other hand, a concern people have about GM foods is the safety issues of GM foods. People are always concernd about food safety before they eat something. So are GM foods we buy from the market safe to eat? Based on research, the answer is yes. GM foods currently available on the market are safe to eat. These GM foods on the market have passed risk assessments. They are not likely to present risks for human health. Moreover, according to the World Health Organization, "no effects on human health have been shown as a result of the consumption of such foods by the general population in the countries where they have been approved"(WHO). Presently, there is no evidences that indicates GM foods have any significant risks to human health. Therefore, GM foods are safe for people to eat.
Recently, genetically modified foods have got a bit of attention in the media. Some people say that GM foods are the future of foods. I agree with these people. As the human population increases in the future, there will be a great demand for foods, GM foods will be needed because they are more productive and cheap.
Genetically modified foods (GM foods) are foods derived from genetically modified organisms. Genetically modified organisms are organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. Genetically modified organisms are a product of genetic modification. The genetic modification involves the insertion or deletion of genes. It allows selected individual genes to be transferred from one organism into another, or selected individual genes to not be transferred. GM foods were first developed and put on the market in the 1990s. Typically, genetically modified foods are transgenic plant products, including tomatoes, soybean, corn, canola, and cotton seed oil. Animal products have also been developed in the past decade, but none are currently on the market.
When we talk about GM foods, many people may ask why GM foods are produced. Why do we need GM foods when we can produce foods naturally? There are two reasons that GM foods are produced. The first reason is GM crops are more productive. The genetic modification improves crop protection by the introduction of resistance against plant diseases caused by insects or viruses. As the crop protection level increases, the crops become more productive; therefore, GM crops are more productive and have a larger yield. The second reason is GM foods are cheap. Since GM organisms are more productive, it increases the supply of GM foods. As we know, if there are bigger supplies, then there are lower prices. GM foods have the advantages both for the producer and consumer because they are more productive and sold for cheaper prices. Therefore, GM foods are developed and marketed.
On the other hand, a concern people have about GM foods is the safety issues of GM foods. People are always concernd about food safety before they eat something. So are GM foods we buy from the market safe to eat? Based on research, the answer is yes. GM foods currently available on the market are safe to eat. These GM foods on the market have passed risk assessments. They are not likely to present risks for human health. Moreover, according to the World Health Organization, "no effects on human health have been shown as a result of the consumption of such foods by the general population in the countries where they have been approved"(WHO). Presently, there is no evidences that indicates GM foods have any significant risks to human health. Therefore, GM foods are safe for people to eat.
Recently, genetically modified foods have got a bit of attention in the media. Some people say that GM foods are the future of foods. I agree with these people. As the human population increases in the future, there will be a great demand for foods, GM foods will be needed because they are more productive and cheap.