Uses of Genetically Modified Foods - Essay Example

Genetically Modified Foods Genetically modified foods also known as genetically engineered foods entails plants that are created or grown under the utilization of the latest molecular biology techniques which mainly work under the principle of manipulating the genetic makeup of organism through combination of different genes from various species. The aspect of genetically modified foods has been made possible due to advances in technology. It has been faced with a lot of controversy with its advantages being questioned over the dangers associated with it. Almost all kinds of foods and organisms have been able to be genetically engineered for example maize, tomatoes, beans, corn, nuts, cows among others. All in all the genetically modified foods just like any other aspect, have got both benefits and drawbacks and this piece of work will give an in depth discussion on them (Freedman 9). Genetically modified foods aim at producing the best in terms of ecological, as well as nutritional significance through the combination of desirable genes from various available species which result in new genetically modified breeds. Genetically modified foods have proved to be very essential in saving lives especially in times of emergencies where a lot of food is needed at a time since they can be produced at a relatively short period of time due to the DNA technology applied. Most parts of the world particularly the third world countries have been faced with a lot of food related issues like starvation which has been brought about by aspects like drought and famine. These problems have been fueled by climatic changes which in return have been brought about by environmental degradation as people keep on engaging in environmentally unfriendly operations that lead to the destruction of the environment (Cummins, Lilliston and Lappe 29). Evenson and Santaniello (61) assert that genetically modified foods have also boosted the agri-business in that they grow within a very short time as compared to the plants grown the ordinary way. Apart from the short time taken, the genetically modified foods usually yield a lot of produce which in return are able to serve a large population. The genetically engineered food also have an advantage in that they are usually resistance to aspects like diseases and hence their growth is not hindered in any way as opposed to other ordinary crops whose produce is affected negatively by the many challenges they face for instance insufficient amount of rainfall and diseases. They are also resistance to weeds and bugs which saves the farmers the burden of having to spend and use herbicide and pesticides which affect the quality of the crops and also pollute the environment. The genetically modified foods have played a great role in improving survival rates and increasing productivity even in the harsh or vulnerable conditions or regions. It has also prevented the aspect of food wastage since the foods are not vulnerable to many aspects that would lead to their destruction. The taste of these foods is also enhanced and they are not associated with allergies common in other types of food. With the rapid increase in population growth, there is a need to develop strategies that will help in satisfying these people’s needs in terms of nutrition and the genetically modified foods have proved handy in this area through various ways including cold and salinity tolerance, pest and disease resistance among others which in one way or the other work to enhance the productivity and hence reliable supply of food to the people (Edward par. 8). According to Panse (par 12), The genetically engineered foods has also the advantage of not going bad easily as they can stay for a relatively long period of time hence there are more durable and can even be transported to long distances or stay in shop outlets for long. The fact that the genetically modified foods can be made in such a manner that they contain more nutrients like vitamins and mineral, not found in other crops for instance the modification of a crop like rice to contain vitamins, is also advantageous as it allows people to have a balanced diet without having to look for a variety of foods each with some form of required nutrient. There is also some hope in the industry of the genetic modification where there are chances of improvement of technology which will in return make a lot of improvements in terms of what will be done for example there are considerations of engaging in genetic modification to make fish grow faster among other aspirations (Forman 86). Genetically modified foods are also without some threats for instance, there are deemed to affect biodiversity negatively through the release of harmful contaminants to the environment. They also pose health threats to individuals who consume them although it is still argued that they save a great deal by avoiding complications and deaths that could otherwise be caused by starvation. The genetically engineered foods are also associated with the problem of bringing about resistant weeds as the weeds are likely to access the modified genes that make the crops resistant and hence they also become resistant and difficult to deal with. The foods are also deemed to have a substantial level of estrogen that may be harmful to both children and adults. They are also thought to have some toxins which may affect human beings. It is evident that the genetically modified foods are associated some benefits as well as some dangers but the benefits far outweigh the dangers and hence most people are in their support. It is however an aspect that has brought about heated debate with the supporters claiming that it avoids hunger and promote better health while the opponents argue that they have some health risks and that there is no food shortage and the problem is that there is poor distribution which could also affect the genetically modified foods despite the fact that they are produced in large quantities as poor governance is deemed to be the key issue. Most of the fears related to genetically modified foods have not yet been proven especially in terms of the health risks and therefore there are no enough facts to support the elimination and ban of the genetically engineered foods. It is evident that there has not been enough research done on the aspect of genetically modified foods and most of the issues associated with them have not yet been put to test so that good conclusions can be reached at and therefore there should be comprehensive studies to help clear the doubts. All in all the known benefits surpass the drawbacks to a great extent and unless the fears linked with these foods are proved they still remain advantageous as compared to those grown naturally (Whiteman par 6). Works Cited Cummins Ronnie, Lilliston Ben and Lappe, Frances Moore. Genetically Engineered Food: A Self-Defense Guide for Consumers.2nd Ed. New York: Da Capo Press, 2004. Edward, F. “The Effects of Genetically Modified Foods’. Global Healing Center. 2011. April 19, 2011. Evenson Robert Eugene and Santaniello, V. Consumer Acceptance of Genetically Modified Foods. UK: CABI, 2004. Forman, Lillian. Genetically Modified Foods. USA: ABDO, 2009. Freedman, Jeri. Everything You Need To Know About Genetically Modified Foods. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group, 2003. Panse, Sonal. “The Advantages and Disadvantages of Genetically Modified Food.” Bright Hub. 2010. April 19, 2011. Whiteman, Deborah. “Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful”. ProQuest2000. April 19, 2011. Read More