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Genetically modified foods are
foods whose genes have been altered using recombinant DNA technology.
Certain desirable genes from one organism are transferred into the food to
enhance quality, enhance taste, add nutrients, conserve soil, conserve
water, and conserve energy. Based on my research, I believe genetically
modifying food is beneficial in the long run to the environment, economy
and consumer.
Certain individuals, on the other
hand, believe that genetically modified food is dangerous in economical,
social, and environmental aspects. It's too early to know all of the
effects it could have on the organisms whose genes are transferred to the
food. It's too early to know if there are any health risks that come from
eating the genetically modified food. Potentially, genetically modified
food could cause allergic reactions in the consumer if s/he is allergic to
the organism whose gene is added and is unaware that it is present in the
food s/he is eating. And theoretically, a possible economic monopoly
could occur if some companies are able to genetically alter food while
others can't afford the technology or afford the patent placed upon the
gene. Meaning the farmers who grow crops the old fashioned way using
their knowledge of heredity to manipulate breeding would become
non-existent when larger corporations could, with much more ease, further
enhance the same food.
Genetically modifying food would
actually help the economy for farmers. With the ability of genetic
recombination, farmers could produce desirable crops more efficiently,
more quickly, using less land, using less water and using less energy.
In the long run, they would make more profits off the flawless crops,
and not take the monetary risk of no crops due to bad weather, for
instance. People would also be more likely to buy food with more
nutrients whose quality and taste is enhanced. Who wouldn't want that?
People would be spending money on healthier food, everyone benefits. The
people and the farmers who would be selling more crops both benefit from
genetically modified food.
By using recombinant DNA
technology, water, energy and soil would be preserved which benefits the
environment. To get a big, red, juicy tomato, less water would need to
used or wasted if the tomato doesn't prosper as anticipated, less soil
would be wasted by the resulted imperfect tomatoes, and less energy spent
on tomatoes destined to not grow to begin with. The tomatoes could just
have genes from other organisms added to give it bigger, redder, juicier,
tastier, more nutritional qualities. If genetically modifying foods can
preserve the environment, then genetically modify foods and preserve the
environment!
Genetically modifying food can
also benefit the consumer because nutrients can be added along with the
enhancement of taste and quality. When do tasty foods have any
nutritional value these days? Places like McDonalds could use genetically
enhanced potatoes for their French fries to make them healthier. That
would be beneficial for the consumer, health-wise, and great for a place
like McDonalds' image. Again, everybody benefits from the genetically
modified goods.
Foods appeasing to customers could be healthier, and not to mention better
for the environment and economy too. For today's society, genetically
modifying foods is the start to a brighter future for the economy, for
people and for the environment.
Sources:
Cqs.com, Better Health Channel, Social Issues Research Center, U.S.
Department of Energy |
