Core 4 Final

Kevin Galeano

Professor Layne

Core 4 Final

May 14th 2015

Biotechnology, genetically engineered crops, genetic modification and genetically modified organisms are only a fraction of the phrases used when debating the argument over genetically modified foods. Genetically modified foods are discussed by numerous names such as biotech crops, genetically engineered crops (GE), and genetically modified organisms (GMO). According to World Health Organization “Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods derived from organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been modified in a way that does not occur naturally, e.g. through the introduction of a gene from a different organism.” It includes the supplement of DNA from one organism into another or modification of an organisms DNA in order to achieve a preferred trait. A genetically modified food includes foods that contain an added gene arrangement, animal products from animals GM fed, and/or products produced by GM organisms.

The modifications of foods can be found back to prehistoric times with farmers keeping seeds from the best crops and planting them in following years. Farmers were breeding and crossbreeding varieties to create products taste sweeter, grow bigger, and last longer. Yet, today there is this new wave of fear with the innovation of this agriculture technology. This is a contemplated issue because while genetically modified foods have quietly made its way into the U.S food supply, a majority of consumers aren’t fully aware of its benefits and/or threats. Society has automatically banned genetically modified foods as evil without knowing for sure what it really entails. Plant Physiology, one of the world’s oldest and most well respected plant science journals, completely describes “Societal anxiety is fueled by consumer unfamiliarity, lack of reliable information, a steady stream of negative opinion in the news media, opposition by activist groups, growing mistrust of industry, and a general lack of...