Genetically Modified Foods - Statistics Project Example

HOW ACCEPTABLE ARE GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS College Genetically modified foods resulted from the science of biotechnology and most consumers feed on these foods. They are produced scientifically using modern technology and through their spread all over the world major controversies have come up to explain why people should accept the foods. Governments, health organizations, environmentalists and consumer based bodies have all participated in legalizing the consumption of genetic foods. A number of measures have been put to ensure these foods are safe thus their acceptance by the large number of consumers. The merits of feeding on genetic foods come out clearly to outweigh merits of natural foods for example the fast growth of genetically modified foods and many more. The world cannot therefore be denied the use of these modern day technology and though most consumers have accepted the foods, caution must be taken. Introduction Genetically modified foods are as a result of incorporating the tools of molecular biology and several other modern scientific technologies to make new products and foods. This as a whole is referred to us biotechnology. Genetically modified foods have been produced with accuracy and at a very short time as opposed to how natural plants grow. The main reason that led to this development was the need to cater for the growing population worldwide which is at a very high rate. Natural foods have become inadequate leading to hunger and drought throughout most parts of the world. Even after this great discovery, genetically modified foods have intrigued serious debates of how well produced they are and if they are safe or not. Several other debates have come up and consumers are left to decide on their own whether to use the genetically modified foods or to continue with the usual natural foods. Farmers have developed a new farming system with the introduction of the genetically modified foods and they appear to be the most grateful members of the society with biotechnology put in place. For obvious reasons, the harvest comes early than expected and the farmers do not suffer from weeds and pests. The main tool used in biotechnology is the gene transfer method where plants are fed with different gene to suit the results expected. Plants can possess variety of genes for purposes of their growth and protection. This technology gives fast results and accurate ones as earlier mentioned, and farmers are widely using it. Governments in both developed and developing countries have approved the use of the technology and the consumption of the genetically modified foods despite the many controversies. Majority of consumers on the other hand are widely consuming these foods without any serious disputes on how safe they are. The main question that cropped up after the introduction of biotechnology is how acceptable the genetically modified foods will be to the consumers. ( Ruse, M., & Castle, D. 2002). This is because the food is mainly being produced for consumption to both people and animals and thereafter the agribusiness field make their profits. However, thorough measures are put in place before any genetically modified food is released for consumption. It is these measures that give the consumers the confidence to use the genetically modified foods. The actions of governments, farmers and other consumer related organizations play a major role in allowing consumers to trust that the genetically modified foods are safe. Materials and Methods The actions of the above mentioned parties involve employing the correct tools and procedures to ensure consumers accept the genetically modified foods without fear. The methodology used has brought a calm situation as opposed to the previous one where consumers literally refused purchasing the genetically modified foods. In the current situation consumers are confident with the genetically modified foods and are using them as much as natural foods. (Kahveci & Özçelik, 2008) The tools used by the government include legalizing the sale of the genetic foods to the public and creating bodies and organizations whose role is to check the safety of these foods to both the environment and human health. Before gene transfer by the biologists, research is conducted to ensure the methods are safe and will yield results that are not harmful to the people, animals and the environment. This proves that the foods are acceptable for consumption as caution is taken during their production. The other measures used include environmental assessment whereby environmentalist ensure and review the impact the genetic food has on the environment during its growth and after is growth. Matters regarding pollution are especially looked into so as to ensure little or no damage is caused to the environment. For instance, one major measure taken to reduce environmental damage was regulating the amount of pesticides sprayed on the plants as they grow and also the area in terms of space that a particular crop occupies during production. Moreover the environmental assessors visit farms to investigate if the farmers abide by the rules put in place. This is a control measure and severe punishments are given to those who fail to follow the rules. The governments work together work environmental bodies and this has resulted to fruitful production. Consumer care organizations act as a tool in the acceptance of genetic foods to the public. They tirelessly bided for the labeling of genetically modified foods claiming the consumers’ right to know what they eat. (Ayaz, Bilici, Uyar, Ay, Börekci, & Kök, 2011) It is constructive move though this elevated the prices of goods and the foods as the labeling was an additional cost for the producers and farmers as a whole. Most of the foods labeled gave considerable meaning to those with adverse knowledge of the scientific products put in the foods. Nevertheless, the common consumer without any knowledge on the labeling feeds blindly just like before the labeling. It is however crucial that the labeling was put as many people now consume genetic foods without fear. Results The results of the measures set to give credibility of the genetic foods to the consumers are advantageous. (Davies, Titterington, & Cocharane, 1995) The main one is the eradication of drought in many countries especially the third world countries. Instead of waiting for food to grow through natural means which may take a very long time. A country using genetically modified foods does not suffer from starvation as it is able to feed its citizens no matter the large numbers. The mainly produced genetic foods include tomatoes, soybeans and corn. These foods are widely grown and help eradicate hunger problems. The genetically modified foods are advantageous in that they are pest resistant and this provides a cheap means of growth for the farmers as they no longer used a lot of money on purchasing pesticides. In addition, the genetically modified foods are tolerant to herbicides. On spraying them with the herbicides they are not damaged at all by the chemicals unlike naturally grown foods where farmers suffer great losses after they harvest spoilt foods which are damaged by the herbicides and other chemicals. The genetically modified foods also tolerate cold and do not die after long exposure to cold. Their cells are not inactivated by cold unlike natural foods. Adoption of genetically modified foods is important in the modern world as observations made on the growing population show that land meant for agriculture is given to people for housing purposes. (Black, J. 2012, April). Therefore, land that has poor soils and in drought areas is left for farmers to cultivate and using genetically modified foods will come in handy as these foods are resistant to drought. They as compared to natural foods put up with drought and yield huge harvest. Biotechnology has enabled the growth of trees that are capable of reducing metal wastes from polluting soils. They degrade the metal wastes and reduce them from damaging the surrounding soils. The labeling of genetically modified foods gave a form of transparency to the producers of genetic foods and the consumers have assurance that the food is as safe as the natural foods. (Davies, Titterington, & Cocharane, 1995). The labeling was of what the food contains and people who do not feed on certain ingredient avoid purchasing foods with that ingredient as it may pose allergy and health complications. This awareness to the public benefitted the society as a whole. It should be noted that genetic foods are resistant to most plant diseases and therefore no harm can be passed on to the consumer when they eat the food as it is free from any contamination. Conclusion In conclusion, the numerous advantages of genetically modified foods have proved that these foods are safe for human consumption and professional teams work on ensuring that consumers are not contaminated. It is nonetheless essential to note the few demerits that can be caused by the genetic foods and work on ensuring the damage is minimal. Every discovery in science or in any field has its demerits and it is upon the concerned to ensure their control. Adoption of genetically modified foods by consumers is only acceptable if measures to improve the safety are put in place. References Ayaz, A., Bilici, S., Uyar, M. F., Ay, B., Börekci, S., & Kök, E. (2011). Consumer acceptance, knowledge and attitudes towards organic and genetically modified foods: a cross-sectional study among Turkish university students. HealthMed, 5(5), 1014-1021. Black, J. (2012, April). As NATURE Made Them. Prevention, 64(4), 82-89. Davies, A., Titterington, A., & Cocharane, C. (1995). Who buys organic foods? A profile of the purchasers of organic food in Northern Ireland. British Food Journal, 97(10), 17-23. Kahveci, D., & Özçelik, B. (2008). Attitudes of Turkish consumers towards genetically modified foods. International Journal of Natural and Engineering Sciences, 2(2), 53-57. Ruse, M., & Castle, D. (2002). Genetically modified foods: Debating biotechnology. Amherst, N.Y: Prometheus Books. Read More