Gm Food

In the period of 1997 and 1999, two-thirds of all American processed foods are genetically modified foods (Batalion, 2009). In 2006, 10.3 million farmers cultivated 252 million acres of genetically modified crops in 22 countries (U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, 2008). Genetically modified foods are foods with genetic components that have been altered by genetic engineering to meet particular demands (Healey, 2004). GM foods can provide some specific benefits, such as higher nutritional value and productive value. However, as with everything in life, genetic engineering has its advantages and disadvantages (Healey, 2004). At present, only a small proportion of the American diet is made up of GM foods (banGMfood, 2008). Present food regulatory laws in Australia prescribe those GM foods will only be accepted for marketing as safe and higher nutrition (State Government of Victoria, 2010). The issue of GM foods is very important because it will decide our food supply in the future (Benjimester, n.d.). Opinions on whether or not genetically modified foods are safe to eat are divided. GM advocates argue that genetic engineering in food production is safe for human health and environment. However, this essay will argue that genetically modified products should not be used in food production because GM foods can pose human health problems, damage the environment, cause some ethical worries, and GM foods cannot eradicate the world's hunger.

Firstly, genetically modified foods have some negative effects on human health. GM foods have a tendency to induce allergic reactions. For example, researchers brought in a gene which is from the Brazil nut into soybeans in the laboratory testing. Then they found people who are allergic to Brazil nuts could also have allergies to genetically modified soybeans (Healey, 2010). This is probably because natural allergens may be enhanced and new allergens may be generated in the process of GM transformation from traditional...