Genetically Modified Foods in America - Essay Example

Genetically Modified Foods in America Genetic modification involves altering the DNA or the genetic material of organisms. As seen in the work by Fromartz, the genetically modified foods may enhance the taste and the quality of the foods (240). In addition, the reviewer is of the view that genetically modified foods increase the nutrients of the foods as well as improve their resistance to pests and diseases (Fromartz 40). Some of these foods are also said to conserve the environment as they require less water and minimal energy for processing (Fromartz 5). It is after numerous trials of processing the foods that they have found their way to the stores and homes of many Americans. This essay shall attempt to assess the genetically modified foods in USA. In the research conducted by Nottingham, genetically modified foods have taken over in the sector of food production (186). These forms of modifications have been introduced in the crop genes, dairy foodstuffs and animals. This can be established from the nature of food fed to animals. In the long run, human beings end up consuming the foods in an indirect manner. It is this verity that led to the topic being a contentious one in the United Sates as some analysts argue that the foods are beneficial while others clearly outline the negatives of the foods (Ackerman 1) The government, on the other hand, has focused on the regulation of these crops. As seen in the work of Ackerman, the government controls these crops through the Environmental Projection Agency (EPA) that controls the bio-pesticides so as to ensure that the toxins applied in the crops are harmless to the environment (1). The agency also conducts food safety to ensure that the foreign proteins are not allergenic to the human body (Ackerman 1). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) legalizes the safety of the crops consumed by humans. The agency also approves the additives on foods and their safety on the human body (Ackerman 1). U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) authenticates the genetically modified plants (Nottingham 123). The Department aims at reducing the impacts of the crops on the human body through scrutiny on a higher level (Nottingham123). In the USA, the GMO crops range from corn, soya beans, wheat to rice. Such crops as seen in the argument of Nottingham have been said to contain vitamins that aid in the fight against heart infections, and prevent the common nutritional dearths (27). Moreover, the GMO foods have also been used in foods such as corn syrups; sugar beets, baked foods and corn meal (Nottingham27). This explains the increasing percentages of the GM foods in the country. The major question however is the extent of the effect of these foods on the human body. The case is more worrying especially with more and more hectares of land being put under GM crop cultivation. Ecologically, the GM crops have been said to have major impacts on the ecosystem. As seen in the work of Fromartz, the foreign genes in one way or another pollute the ecosystem. In this case the producers of such organic produce are at a risk of losing their market due to the genetic contamination of their produce (41). The insects such as butterflies that feed on these crops may also have adverse impacts (Ackerman 1). This fact leads to the questioning of whether these crops offer better yields that have longer shelf lives and can resist drought and pests. If these arguments are valid, how safe are humans who consume these GM crops. Studies indicate that most of the foods in the American supermarkets are genetically modified (Fromartz 125). This GM technology has been credited for its ability to boost the yields and reduction of the use of pesticide. The present hunger statistics in the world especially in the third world countries has actually been alleviated with the use of GM foods. For the case of the USA, Gillam indicates that the country has actually been consuming the GM foods for more than two decades (1). Ackerman insists that Americans have not had any negative effect even with this consumption (1). This leads to the argument that GM foods are safe for human consumption. However, there have been various disputes from the proponents of the organic foods who disagree with this fact. From Gillam’s perspective, it is the rising statistics of the use of GMO foods that led to the European Union emphasis on the labeling of GMO foods in the stores, which has actually been widely accepted by the American citizens (1). Gillam says that the debate on GM foods has led to the Republican s introduce a legislation that would see to the labeling of GM food (1). This would allow for safety of the foods in the stores. If the foods are labeled, human health will be safe as well as the environment will be spared from pollution. Despite the claims that GMOs are termed healthy, labeling is a push that will allow for health lives for the American citizens (Gillam 1). The video by DJKucinich also clearly outlines that 93 percent of Americans are of the view that labeling will be beneficial for the consumers (2012). Despite the arguments, Ackerman argues that the issue of genetically modified foods is not a new one (1). Humans have been consuming these products for the longest time. It is this verity that has led to the creation of numerous varieties of crops, that are bigger and last longer (Ackerman 1).thousands of genes have then been transferred from these breeds to the human system. In fact the writer is of the view that our food is constantly being altered (Ackerman 1). The GMO plants have tolerant genes that allow them withstand chemicals that are sprayed on them. This leads to the questioning of the safety of these foods to the human body. If the crops can withstand weeds, in sects and crop diseases, how beneficial are they to humans? The case is getting worse as more research is being conducted on potatoes, to see if they can also benefit from GM technology (Ackerman 1). Other studies, however, argue that these foods are far safer for the American population (Nottingham 47-8). Fewer people are losing their lives to crop related infections such as allergies thanks to the GMOs (Ackerman 1). This relates to the fact that GMO crops are tested more than enough times to assess if they fit for human consumption. This is unlike the usual crops that humans prefer, apparently for their indigenousness. Thus means that most Americans are confident of the EPA and FDA reports on the validity of these food crops and have chosen to go for the same despite the debates that have been going on regarding the same (Nottingham 123). Conclusively, America can be indicated to have GMOs as their priority. It is vital to note that despite the benefits that GMOs have offered to the American populace as well as the globe at large; they also have risks that may cost the Americans a huge deal. It is, therefore, recommended that they accept the products, but not open heartedly. More testing from the government’s agencies need to be more vigorous so as to test what exactly suits human consumption and what does not. This is the best mechanism that will aid in evaluating the possible threats and benefits of these crops. Since the stores are full of GMO labels, it may be difficult to completely eliminating the products. Work Cited Ackerman, Jennifer. “Food: How altered?”  In National Geographic magazine, May 2002. Web. 17 Apr. 2014. < http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/food-how-altered.html> DJKucinich. “93% of Americans Support Labeling Genetically Modified Foods.” YouTube.     Web. 25 Oct 2012. Fromartz, Samuel. Organic, Inc.: Natural Foods and How They Grew. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2007. Print. Gillam, Carey. “U.S. bill seeks to block mandatory GMO food labeling by states.” Reuters Apr 9th 2014. Nottingham, Stephen .Eat Your Genes: How Genetically Modified Food Is Entering Our Diet, Revised and Updated Edition. London: Zed Books, 2003. Print. Read More