Genetically Modified Foods

Genetically Modified Foods

Genetically modified food requires the altering of genetic material in organisms in an unnatural manner such as in mating or recombination. This genetic transformation creates traits that would not have occurred naturally. Examples of this trait acquisition are the anti-frost resistance of tomatoes acquired from fish genes. Genetically modified foods comprise 71% of all food items in the United States alone. Genetic modification has represented economic wealth for major science based product companies such as Dupont and Monsanto. Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) technology has certainly increased the efficacy of farming and food processing practices. This has led to increased profitability, but are there any hidden costs? Opponents of GMOs are concerned with the environmental repercussions associated with altering the Earth’s genetic gene pool. In their view, millions of years of evolution are at stake. The mixing of genes from varying species runs counter to the natural balance. They argue that such modification can have adverse consequences on the world’s natural structure. In addition, GM food items are unpredictable, Brazilian nuts combined with soybeans can have potentially disastrous allergic effects on consumers. Also, due to the high amount of GM foods, consumer choice is minimized. There exists a lack of proper regulation, labeling, and environmental concern due to the rampant use of GMO technology. The most concerning aspect of this technology is the lack of independent research measuring the present and future effects of implementing such technology onto the world’s food supply. Will our environment and children pay for this technology in the future? What will be the cost?