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The Dangers of genetically modified foods Abstract- Genetically modified foods in food production are a matter of major controversy and catching the attention of much media exposure. Huge international companies are involved in risky global experiment to introduce outside numbers of genetically engineered foods broadly into markets food supply. Genetically modified foods trigger many issues in the area of scientific, technological, environmental, social, ethical, economic, and political among social structure. It is perceived that marketable and political intentions are taking priority with negligible concern to the probable dangers for developing genetically modified foods. This paper explains detrimental effects of genetically modified foods in broad sense and highlighting the best action to be taken to retain good health through purchasing organic food. The organic process intends for food that is produced as naturally as possible.
It must be free from trans-fats, genetically modified organisms and most additives. Promoters encourages obtaining high quality food and crusades against the misuse of antibiotics for growth promotion. Introduction - Genetically engineered foods contain genes which are resulting from bacteria and viruses. These are created from genetically modified organisms which have their genome changed during genetic production techniques. These genetic modifications are completely dissimilar from those foods which are obtained from established methods of breeding. Due to curiosity and new invention, the trade of these foods is being allowable without proper evaluation of the risks and without sufficiently informing the public.
Many scientists stated that genetically modified foods could cause severe damage to health and the atmosphere. Another factor which is not acceptable regarding genetically modified food is that these foods are not labeled. Availability of Genetically modified foods-Genetically modified foods are readily obtainable in U. S. markets includes tomatoes, squash, yeast, corn, potatoes, and soybeans. The use of genetically modified organisms is to produce cheeses and canola oil.
The food industry and government presuppose that these modified foods are quite similar to existing foods in their basic properties and pose no particular risks. But this postulation is incorrect and treacherous. Till now, in the United Kingdom, four genetically modified food materials have achieved full authorization and are in saleable use. These are cheese produced with genetically modified chymosin, tomato paste from slow softening tomatoes, and genetically modified soya and maize. Many others have cleared parts of the UK approval system (Jones L, 1997). Genetically modified foods A severe health hazard- Genetic engineering causes the greatest danger of any technology yet introduced.
Genetically modified food has vast damaging effects on health that can not be preventable and irreversible. Burke raised main consumer concerns in his recent editorial on genetically modified foods. The two other strongly related apprehensions are the safety of genetically modified foods and the use of marker genes that confer antibiotic resistance. Genetically engineered products carry more risks than traditional foods - One of the foremost health alarms with GM food is its potential to boost allergies and anaphylaxis in humans eating unlabeled GM foodstuffs.
It is easy to set up whether the GM food is allergenic using in vitro tests, such as RAST or immunoblotting, with sera from individuals sensitized to the original crop. This was demonstrated in GM soybeans expressing the Brazil nut 2 S proteins (Nordlee, 688 - 692). The process of genetic engineering can thus bring in risky new allergens and toxins into foods that were earlier naturally protected. Already, one genetically engineered soybean was found to cause severe allergic reactions, and bacteria genetically engineered to produce large amounts of the food supplement, tryptophan, have produced toxic contaminants that killed 37 people and permanently disabled 1, 500 more (Nordlee, J. A.
et al 1996, pg: 12: 364. ). The recently extensively reported work on potatoes at the Robert Institute demonstrates that it is very difficult to identify the facts. preliminary media reports maintain that the research proved that all genetically modified foods were inherently unsafe; subsequently it became clear that the findings related not only to genetically modified potatoes at all but to potato material to which concanavalin A (a lectin and known toxin) had been added (Coghlan, 1998, pg: 14). Another case which proves the genetically modified food intrinsically unsafe is that the US Company Pioneer Hi-Bred, which pioneered genes from Brazil nuts into soybeans to raise the level of sulphur-rich amino acids. Testing results indicated that the nut protein which was transmitted to soybean was allergenic to humans, and the company selected not to follow the development, citing the potential intricacy in preventing the Soya from entering into the human food chain (Allen AH, 1996).
For growing genetically modified food, number of chemicals is used on crops that results in increased infectivity of our water supply and food. This also upsets of ecological balance. Such synthetically induced characteristics and certain side-effects will be transferred on to all succeeding generations. The costs of this are immeasurable. There is a loss of individual dietary choice, reduced nutritional reliability in our food supply, increased use of and dependence on toxic herbicides, errors in production, crop failures and food shortages, capricious and inexplicable wide-scale health and environmental harm rippling through communities and ecosystems. Unpredictable health damaging effects- When genetic engineers put in a new gene into any organism there are position effects which can direct to unpredictable changes in the pattern of gene expression and genetic function.
The protein product of the introduced gene may bring out unanticipated reactions and create potentially poisonous products. There is also the danger of using genetically engineered viruses as delivery vehicles in the generation of transgenic plants and animals. This could undermine the genome, and also probably generate new viruses, and new dreaded diseases (Green, A. E. et al (1994) Science pg: 263: 1423; Osborn, J. K.
et al (1990) Virology, pg: 179: 921). Steps must be taken to protect our health: To protect health of human as well as animal species, genetic engineering food must be banned until it is scientifically demonstrated to be harmless and safe for everyone. It is highly recommended to purchase organic foods which are produced according to definite production standards. Crops are grown without the use of conventional pesticides, artificial fertilizers, human waste, or sewage sludge and that they are processed without ionizing emission or food additives. It is corroborated that organic farms are more sustainable and environmentally sound. Organic food consists of mainly fresh vegetables.
Organic farms do not spread synthetic pesticides into the environment which have the potential to damage local wildlife. Organic farms are superior to conventional farms at supporting diverse ecosystems and helps in maintaining a balance between plants and insects, as well as animals. It is calculated per unit area that organic farms utilize less energy and produce less waste, for example, waste such as packaging materials for chemicals (Nelson et. al 2004, pg: 796 - 798). Supporters claim that organically managed soil possesses high quality and higher water retention (Johnston, A. E. 1986, pg: 97 - 105).
Patrick Holden, Director of the Soil Association, believes that supermarkets must hold up local producers and says: "The organic market is thriving and is being driven by consumers who want to buy fresh, local, good-quality seasonal food direct from the farmer. The leading supermarkets must take note of the public's wishes and increase the amount of locally sourced organic food in store, which should come from small and medium-sized farms. " Conclusion- It has been observed since many years that revolutionary changes are taking place in every sphere and we have to agree with invention of Science that produced genetically modified food for populace of world. Some advocate claim that limited data is available on the potential health risks of GM food crops, even though these should have been tested for and eradicated before their introduction. But dangerous consequences are widespread among people. We are right to take sincerely the development of genetically modified foods, to argue the issues that their use seriously affects the physical well being of humans. Organic foods have numerous benefits because these foods are grown in natural conditions.
Though they are slightly expensive but the sales of organic foods are booming in the UK. Parents in particular have turned to organic produce. Around half of all baby food sold is now organic. As far as the health factor is concerned, people usually do not compromise with engineering of genetically modified foods. Work Cited 1) Nordlee, J. A. , Taylor, S.
L. , Townsend, J. A. and Thomas, L. A. Identification of a Brazil nut allergen in transgenic soybean.
New England Journal of Medicine 334, 1996. 688 - 692. 2) Jones L, Haine H... Modern biotechnology in food production. Bulletin No 1 - 5. Chipping Campden: Campden & Chorley wood Food Research Association. 1997. 3) Coghlan A, Kleiner K. Spud U dislike. New Scientist 1998 Aug 15: 5. 4) Allen AH.
Biotechnology: regulations may help consumer acceptance. Food Product Design 1996 May: 80 - 5. 5) Nelson et. al. "Organic FAQs." Nature 428. 2004. 796 - 798. 6) Johnston, A. E. "Soil organic-matter, effects on soils and crops." Soil Use Management 2, 1986. 97 - 105. Outline The Dangers of genetically modified foods Introduction i) Genetically engineered foods containing genes Availability of Genetically modified foods i) GM foods are obtainable. The food industry and government assume that these new foods are not substantially different from existing foods.
Genetically modified foods A severe health hazard i) It has unpredictable health damaging effects. ii) Genetically engineered products carry more risks than traditional foods. iii) It increases pollution of food and water supply. Iv) Health-damaging effects caused by genetic engineering will continue forever Steps must be taken to protect our health i) Buy organic food instead of genetically modified food. Conclusion i) Genetically modified food is issue of concern so right.
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Research essay sample on The Dangers Of Genetically Modified Foods
