Genetically Modified Foods - Essay Example

However, this has been widely criticized as there are new illnesses associated with the gastrointestinal tract and digestive system, which has caused a rise in the level of such diseases across the nation (Genetic Roullete, n.p.). 

This has been criticized because these modifications are rarely put under intensive testing despite the adverse effects that have been associated with genetically modified foods. Such effects include infertility, change in the structure of the liver, and susceptibility of the individual’s digestive system to various diseases. Another area that makes this a worrying issue is the nature of genetic modifications which results in every cell of the organism possessing the modified toxins which the human digestive system has not adapted to or developed mechanisms of digesting.

Furthermore, these toxins are poorly excreted and damage the liver, and in cases of pregnant women can cross the placenta and lead to several complications with the pregnancy or the child shortly (Genetic Roullete, n.p.). Such foods are not part of the natural system; hence, the body is likely to develop allergic responses after their consumption. The introduction of genetically modified food has led to an increase in the number of allergies and individuals in modern times are now developing allergies to basic food commodities such as parsley or regular vegetables which were previously considered part of a healthy diet.

These allergic responses to genetically modified food lead to the disruption in the normal functioning of the immune system. Hence, individuals also develop immune responses when they consume foods of a similar nature even if they are not modified, resulting in the necessity of dietary alterations. The harmful effects of modified foods are not just a myth as children and individuals who have been diagnosed with several diseases of the digestive system have shown 100% recovery after they change to consuming an organic diet.

In addition, research on mice has shown that they become infertile after injection with genetically modified food, they also present with a change in organ structure and they decrease in size with every generation. The question however rises why this research is frequently ignored and is never followed up. When this food is introduced to chicken embryos, it has fatal effects within a few hours, which shows the potential damage it could have to pregnant women (Genetic Roullete, n.p.). Specialists have stated the danger associated with genetically modified food as it is a potential threat because it creates several genetic mutations in the DNA.

Furthermore, these mutations are further transferred to the following generations. This could lead to a new generation that is susceptible to several illnesses, including infertility. Hence, this has been considered a case of emergency because the population might not be able to sustain itself shortly. In addition, genetically modifying crops leads to a cycle of nutrition deficiency that leads from the plants to the livestock and the humans. The process of modifying crops has also been found to increase the number of mortalities among cattle and other livestock.