Genetically Modified Foods - Research Paper Example

Genetically Modified Foods Technology advancements have been experienced in various fields of the economy, agriculture and medicine included. In the field of agriculture, due to the increased frequency of drought and crop diseases, it has been necessary to find ways of increasing yields, which has been realized by the introduction of genetically modified foods. Despite this, the development of these foods has met sharp critics from various stakeholders in the field of agriculture and medicine, and this has resulted to legal debates in parliaments of various countries, United States of America included. In the production of genetically modified foods, scientists usually select desirable genes from crops, combine them and come out with crops that are more superior in regard to disease and pest attack, as well as production. This is contrary to traditional food reproduction technology, in which unrelated crops were used. The cliche in the technology, as argued by opponents is based on the idea that recombining inter-species genes do not have ways of evaluating the potential threats and long-term effects on the consumption of genetically modified foods by living organisms. Since food affects each and every one of us, the discussion on food safety is of great importance to all humankind, and thus proper evaluation of both thee merits and demerits associated with the technology is necessary. This essay seeks to outline the merits and demerits of genetically modified foods, and argue that the merits outweigh the demerits, and thus production of foods using this technology should be encouraged. Advantages of genetically modified foods To adapt to the technology of GMO’s, consumers need to be well informed on all aspects of the food starting from its production to preparation and consumption. In this regard, the consumers also need to be informed on the nutrition levels of different foods in order to ensure they purchase and consume foods that meet their health requirements. Opponents argue that GMO’s harm other organisms, human included; the recombination of genes may at times be ineffective and lead to the production of poisonous foods, which when consumed can be fatal. This is contrary to the current standards as all genetically food are tested against health standards before being released to the market. In the production of genetically modified foods, the recombination of genes is strived to ensure that the crops are less exposed to pest and disease attacks. This is beneficial to the farmers as it reduces their cost of production and consequently increase yields and return. Therefore, the farmers can use the saved money in meeting other economic demands, which is also necessary for the economic development of a country (Skinner and Liang 12-78). On this point, opponent base their argument on the taste of foods and argue that genetically modified food have bad taste in comparison to natural foods. Although the taste of foods affects the appetitive of an individual, the nutritional value of the food is more important and thus their argument does not hold sound ground for an argument. Our ecology is very important in ensuring that all life of living organisms is sustained, and chemical components usually affect our ecology by tampering with the water systems as well as the exposure to chemicals, which have adverse effects on humans, as well as animals (Shepard 34). Through the production of genetically modified foods, fewer chemicals are used, and this ensures that humans are less exposed to chemical hazards, as well as our environment remains unpolluted. Opponents argue that since genetically modified food are not good for human consumption, their production may lead to cross-pollination thus making it hard to identify genetically modified foods. Drought and other natural disasters have become a common occurrence in the recent past, and this has led to various organizations across the world striving to innovate new means of producing high yields in crop production (Suan, et al. 477). In this regard, genetically modified foods have higher yield due to reduced pest and disease infection. This therefore points out that the production of genetically modified food is a sure way of handling food shortages across the globe. To the proponents, the production of GMO’s leads to the presence of more resistant weed, and thus should not be encouraged. In this regard, the big question that should be considered is the returns versus the cost, whereby meeting global food requirements are crucial. The population of the world is on the increase and thus larger amounts of food are necessary to feed the entire population (Miller 211). Approaching this challenge using traditional food production methods calls for more land for tilling, which will lead to increased deforestation; this is contrary to the global requirements of conservation of our environment in order to reduce the effects of global warming. To the opponents, since some countries are better positioned in the production of genetically modified foods, geopolitics division may arise and this is bad for global cohesion ad issues such as trade. Due to increased food production in the world, the food prices are bound to decline as the demand and supply usually dictates the prices offered to consumers. This will make it easy for various families across the globe to access high nutritious foods at a lower price, and consequently improve their health. To the less developed and developing countries, a large percentage of the income is used in purchasing food stuffs and thus low food prices reduces poverty levels. To the opponents, the production of genetically modified foods may lead to new trade tariff among different geographical regions (Spool and Miller 288). Genetically modified foods are a technological development in the field of agriculture and medicine and it calls for more research in this field. This is good for further development in this field in a bid to ensure that all food produced are good for human consumption as well as the continuous improvement of food production methods. On this issue, proponents are afraid that the technological development in food technology might lead to the development of genetic food and beverage weapons. Conclusively, the productions of genetically modified foods have both merits and demerits, and since the merits outweigh the demerits, its production should be encouraged. These foods will eradicate food shortages and improve poverty levels in less developed countries. Works Cited Spool, Scott and Miller George. “Living in the environment” London: Cengage Learning, 2011, print. Suan et al. “Focus Ace Spm 2009 Science”. Malesia: Pelangi Publishing Group Bhd, 2010, Print Miller, George. “Environmental Science: Working With the Earth”. London: Cengage Learning, 2005, Print. Skinner, Daniel and Liang, George. “Genetically modified crops: their development, uses, and risks” NY: Routledge, 2004, print. Shepard, Tristram. “Food Technology Revision Guide” Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes, 2004, print Read More