Dangers of Genetically Engineered Crops - Assignment Example

Relevant medical research has been cited as well to strengthen the presented arguments. (Cummins) The second article deals with various loopholes in genetic technology as well as its side effects on human health and its impact on the environment. Every line of argument in this article is heavily referenced from technical publications and research. (Mothers for Natural Law) The third article exposes fundamental weaknesses in the benefits related to genetically modified crops such as greater yield, lower input need, the safety of genetically modified foods, etc. This article has been created by the renowned Jeffery M. Smith, author of Seeds of Deception, an eye-opening book on genetically engineered crops and foods. (Smith)

Results from ABI/INFORM

In addition to search engines, I also searched on the ABI/INFORM platform for dangers posed by genetically modified crops and food. This search turned out quite a few helpful articles. An article on whether genetically modified foods are harmful or helpful is highly relevant to our work because of its upfront approach to the issue. Furthermore, the author has presented detailed statistical data to support her arguments. (Whitman) Another article relates the concerns of Dr. Arpad Pustazi, a leading plant biotechnologist who was fired from the Rowlett Institute after he divulged concerns on British digital media. This article is in an interview format and provides clear definitions and concepts related to the dangers posed by genetically modified crops and foods for mammals. (Mitchell) Another article I found is a Congressional Research Service Report on agricultural issues. This article appreciates the need for genetically modified crops but accepts that there are risks posed as well. (Jones)

I am attaching the bibliography of these articles for your reference and consideration.

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The FLA was founded in 1999 after which it has expanded to promote fair labor practices around the world. A Workplace Code of Conduct was created that was based on ILO (International Labor Organization) standards. This effectively created internal standards through which workplace conditions could be monitored and maintained. The FLA keeps a healthy check and balance by conducting unannounced and independent visits to factories where FLA affiliates are getting their work done. (FLA a)

The domain of factories evaluated by the FLA covers various regions. These include North and South America, Europe, Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East. Around 4,500 different workplaces are actively monitored. FLA has accredited certain persons as monitors who conduct some 150+ unplanned and unannounced audits and verifications annually. The various discrepancies found after an audit are reported to the concerned FLA affiliate(s). The concerned affiliate(s) collaborate with the audited facility to create and implement a CAP (Corrective Action Plan) so that deficiencies could be worked out. Multiple visits are carried out to ensure that the CAP is implemented on the ground. The FLA also conducts various visits on its own to verify the state of auditing and to ensure that the FLA affiliate(s) and the concerned facility are enacting improvements. (FLA b)

The contention behind utilizing an external monitoring program by the FLA is to promote transparency. The results of all factory audits are posted on the FLA website. The subsequent action plans developed by the FLA affiliate(s) and the concerned facility are also posted on the FLA website. (FLA a)

A separate complaint channel has also been developed by the FLA so that third parties can file complaints. This is especially true for workplaces where consistent violations of labor codes are showing up. The failure of an FLA affiliate(s) and concerned facility plan can also be reported. The FLA allows any person, company, or organization to file complaints. This ensures that all stakeholders are given chances to play their part in corporate accountability. The FLA oversees the investigation conducted as well as the corrective actions pursued when necessary. (FLA c)

FLA’s performance has had mixed reviews from various quarters. The UN Special Representative on Business and Human Rights, John Ruggie declared the FLA as a “gold standard” within multi-stakeholder initiatives as well as the leader in its field. (Business and Human Rights Resource Centre)

On the other hand, the FLA has come under severe criticism from the United Students Against Sweatshops. It declares the FLA as a weak initiative that has little protection for women’s rights, a living wage system, complete public disclosure of workplaces monitored, and university control over the evaluation processes. (USAS) Similarly, WAAKE-UP! has been critical of the FLA by stating that the FLA is funded by the groups it monitors. The conflict of interest is cited as the primary cause behind FLA’s lack of credibility. A watchdog known simply as the FLA Watch has been created to monitor the FLA. (FLA Watch)

Other than apparel and garments manufacturers, electronics companies such as Apple have also come under fire for commissioning companies with bad labor practices. Apple investigated charges against its suppliers and forced them to improve their wages and other standards. (Kahney)