Genetically Modified Food - Coursework Example

Genetically Modified Food Introduction Genetically modified or genetically engineered foods are those which have had foreign genome information inserted into their gene code, via a process known as Genetic engineering. Such intervention is possible with plants, animals, and micro-organisms (Cooper 2002). Man has been modifying plants and animals since centuries. However, the technique employed in these endeavours was that of selective breeding. Ultimately these techniques produce the same effect, as genetic engineering but they entail a greater amount of time and are self limiting, in nature. Moreover, these techniques can only effect a transfer of selective genes between plants or animals, but not between plants and animals (Genetically modified foods 2008). On the contrary, genetic engineering promises a much wider scope, wherein the crossing of traits between animals and plants is a distinct possibility. In this manner, exotic traits from unrelated organisms can be introduced, which is promising in the extreme. For example, theoretically, it is possible to transfer genetic material from a fish that lives in cold seas, to a strawberry so that it would be possible to cultivate strawberries, under condition of frost (Genetically modified foods 2008). There have been a number of objections against the consumption of genetically modified foods. These have chiefly stemmed from the world community and organisations that promote public interest, in the use of genetically modified foods. In the broadest sense, Genetically Modified food is a term that can be applied to crops that have been modified genetically, in order to be improved for animal or human consumption. The principal objective of genetically modified foods is to combine genes of various species and produce a new genetically altered organism, with enhanced desirable traits, in the areas of nutrition, production and ecology (Stone 1994). At this point of time, it is difficult to make any accurate predictions, regarding the long-term effects of genetically modified food. This is the principal reason for the never ending debate on the advantages and disadvantages of the usage of such foodstuff (Stone 1994). The Flavr Savr tomato was the first genetically modified food to be introduced on the market. It was less prone to spoil, in comparison to ordinary tomatoes. This product’s evaluation report was released by the Food and Drug Administration on 18 May 1994 (Stone 1994). Advantages The human population has been increasing at an alarming rate over the past few decades. Hence, it is of the utmost importance to find ways that allow the human race to increase the food yield, so as to satisfy the needs of the entire human population. GM foods promise a lot, in this regard, as these crops are highly productive and have a very large yield, in comparison to conventional crops (Chaudry 2004). In addition, GM foods offer better nutritional value and enhanced flavour. Moreover, there is the distinct possibility that such foods can eliminate the allergy causing properties inherent in some foods. Furthermore, they can also behave as an inbuilt resistance to weeds, pests and disease. For example, the insertion of genes from the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis into plants, effectively terminates insect larvae, and thus renders them resistant to this particular variety of pests (Chaudry 2004). This envisions a world that could do without the use of pesticides, thereby eliminating the risks that are associated with their use. There exist several crops, which are adversely affected by the chemicals used for destroying weeds. In these cases it is possible to develop genetically modified variants that remain unaffected by a particular weed killer. Crops like soybeans, corn, cotton, and canola have been successfully modified to tolerate specific herbicides that are designed to kill weeds. These crops can also resist certain insects, and this dispenses with the necessity to use additional pesticides. The GM crops of the future could withstand drought, resist viruses, grow much larger, yield pharmaceuticals and function in a manner that could defy imagination (Brown 2001: 52). GM foods are suitable for cultivation in regions with poor soil or adverse climatic conditions. They are more environment friendly, as they require a lesser amount of herbicides and pesticides. These foods are more tolerant to environmental conditions and can remain in a ripened state for a longer period. They also reduce the expenses for farmers, as the need for using chemical sprays to induce harvesting is eliminated. Consequently, they can be shipped long distances, or kept on shop shelves for much longer periods (Sakko 2002). In this manner, food wastage, which is a major concern of the agriculture industry, is reduced to a significant extent. GM crops can be grown on relatively small plots of land; hence, they can prove to be of great help in catering to the needs of an ever growing population. Such food is safe, and changing a few genes, does not render the crop toxic. Another advantage is that in the future, foods could be modified to make edible vaccines, such as bananas that protect the people against Hepatitis B. Edible vaccines would make large-scale immunisations against diseases, easier, painless and more accessible. Disadvantages: Despite the many advantages that genetically modified foods offer, there are several drawbacks associated with their use. First and foremost, genetically modified foods are new and it is impossible to know all the future effects that they could have on human health and the environment (Genetically modified (GM) foods 2010). Consequently, it is unwise and inadvisable to encourage the use of genetically modified food, in the absence of comprehensive risk evaluation. The genes that are to be selected can be precisely chosen, but it is not possible to know exactly where the gene must be placed in the target organism’s DNA. The gene expression is hard to control, and the genes work as a unit. Therefore, modifying a few of them could result in unpredictable and undesired effects (Genetically modified (GM) foods 2010). The labelling of Genetically Modified food products has currently been the subject of controversy, all over the world. The proponents of labelling contend that manufacturers must affix labels on their food products that provide information regarding the presence of genetically modified or genetically altered organisms. Opponents claim that labelling would lead to unfair practices, as it would serve to segregate genetically modified products and ordinary food products; which would lead to product discrimination. Those who support the labelling of Genetically Modified food products claim that the consumer has a right to know about the nature of the food product. This right enables consumers to have specific knowledge of the product they are consuming. There were several campaigns for affixing labels on genetically processed food products. However, in Australia, it is mandatory for GM foods to be identified with proper labels. These requirements became law in December 2001, and were aimed at assisting consumers to either purchase or avoid GM foods, depending on their personal preferences (Genetically modified (GM) foods 2010).   In addition to health factors, some moral and religious objections have also been levelled at GM foods. There are many environmental problems involving genetically modified foods. These are mainly related to pollination. GM food might end the diversity in food if everyone grows the same standardized crop. Herbicide and pesticide resistant crops could give rise to super-weeds and super-pests that would need newer and stronger chemicals to destroy them. GM crops can be cross-pollinated with nearby non-GM plants and create ecological problems. If this happens with GM foods containing vaccines, antibiotics, contraceptives and so on, it will result in untold problems for human health (Potential Hazards from Transgenic Crops). The argument of ending world hunger with GM food is untenable; because world hunger is not caused by shortage of food production, but by sheer mismanagement of resources. GM foods have proved the bane of the farmer in the developing countries, because they cannot save the seeds for replanting and because they cannot afford to purchase expensive seeds from companies, every time. Furthermore, this new technology interferes with traditional methods of agricultural, which is better suited for their environment and condition (Potential Hazards from Transgenic Crops). Conclusion Genetically modified foods promise to provide an answer for many of humanity’s concerns, such as food shortage, better quality of food, and excessive use of pesticides. Nevertheless, there exist a number of drawbacks, with these foods. For instance, the Bt pest control gene could result in weeds that no drug could destroy. The safety of such foods Vis – a – Vis human consumption cannot be vouchsafed, and the extant peer reviewed data is woefully insufficient. As such, the time is not ripe to indulge in such exotic experiments. Genetic modified foods should be consumed only if their reliability and safety is established and if substantial evidence can be garnered that proves them to be non – detrimental to humans and the environment. Hence a significantly, greater amount of research has to be conducted into GM foods. References Brown, K. (2001). GM Foods: Are They Safe? Scientific American , 284(4), 51 – 57. Chaudry, A. (2004, August). Genetically Modified Foods. Retrieved January 20, 2010, from The Science Creative Quarterly: http://www.scq.ubc.ca/genetically-modified-foods/ Cooper, D. R. (2002, June 5). Genetically Engineered Foods. Retrieved January 20, 2010, from AllRefer: http://health.allrefer.com/health/genetically-engineered-foods-info.html Genetically modified (GM) foods. (2010, January 8). Retrieved January 20, 2010, from Food Standards: http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumerinformation/gmfoods/ Genetically modified foods. (2008, November). Retrieved January 20, 2010, from Better Health: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Genetically_modified_foods?open Potential Hazards from Transgenic Crops. (n.d.). Retrieved January 20, 2010, from http://www.sos-arsenic.net/english/homegarden/biotechnology.html Sakko, K. (2002, May). The Debate Over Genetically Modified Foods. Retrieved January 20, 2010, from ActionBioscience: http://www.actionbioscience.org/biotech/sakko.html Stone, B. (1994, May 18). The Flavr Savr Arrives. Retrieved January 20, 2010, from Access Excellence: http://www.accessexcellence.org/RC/AB/IWT/Flavr_Savr_Arrives.php Read More