... These are commonly known as GMOs. Genetically modified organisms have some positive attributes. However, GMOs also have adverse effects on animals, the environment and the health of the consumer. In order to understand why GMOs have these effects, it is important to know exactly what a GMO is and how these differ from the normal breeding farmers have done for years. The Free Dictionary defines a GMO as “An organism whose genetic characteristics have been altered using the techniques of genetic engineering.” It goes on to explain that modern science has the ability to modify the genetic makeup of plants and animals. Scientists can even transfer genes from one species to another. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/genetically+modified+organism Advocates of genetically modified organisms say that the use of the gmos could end world hunger they also say we could create plants and animals that are resistant to disease and tolerant to pesticides. They can also engineer plants to be drought resistant. They argue these changes would stop famine because the plants could naturally resist. The proponents use pathos to convince people they have the answer to world hunger. They show you pictures starving people around the world and tell you their “improved” seeds make hunger go away. Perhaps it could but the studies do not prove that yet. In fact, the only feeding study done with humans showed that GMOs survived inside the stomach of the people eating GMO food. This does not mean it is...
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...GMOs, They’re Killing Me! Recently someone said that 70% of the foods sold from our grocery store shelves contain Genetically Modified Organisms. This is extremely alarming because GMOs are plants or animals that have been genetically engineered with DNA from bacteria, viruses or other plants and animals. These experimental combinations cannot occur in nature or in traditional cross breeding (“Non GMO Project”). Obesity, chronic disease, and food allergies have skyrocketed in the United States over the past two decades. Many people think it is due to poor eating and exercise habits. While a portion of this may be true, the more logical explanation is the fact that corporations have altered the food supply in a way that is harmful to the human body. GMO crops adversely affect human health. Numerous studies have been done recently and even more are currently being conducted around the globe. These studies illustrate the correlation between the introduction of GMOs into the food supply and the increase in health issues. This is such an important issue to literally every human being on the planet. Not all countries are addressing the issue in the same manner. It is crucial to know what the United States is doing as compared to other industrialized nations around the world. There were several reasons that corporations began altering the DNA of seeds. One of those reasons was that GMOs were supposed to reduce the amount of pesticides necessary to keep weeds under control. The...
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...The debate about Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) is one of the worlds most important issues. GMOs are organisms in which the genetic material has been altered for improvement of productivity and product quality. GMOs have raised concerns about whether or not they are resistant to disease, help humans suffering from famine, produce greater yields, and improve the nutrition of foods. Food is required for humans to maintain great health and to survive. It is not secret that GMO foods have spread out rapidly to the whole world. If we can not stop the proliferation of GMOs, we should at least know why they are harmful to our health and how we can prevent it because GMOs are harmful to our health. Also, crops containing GMs lead to vital destruction of the environment and have contaminated organic crops. As well as major companies, which work closely with GMOs, intend to monopolize market foods. lastly how to prevent GMO products from becoming the main source of eating by labeling and informing people of the danger. Most people have eaten GMO based foods at one point or another in their lives. Unfortunately, GMOs will not provide the same food security as most proven organic foods which have been eaten by humans through out history. Despite the danger, GMO products are still on our table. No one can truly guarantee that GMOs’ side effects will not be long-term and continuous. Proving safety is beyond the capability of current technology. Supporters of genetic engineering say that...
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...engineering ("Non-Gmo Project", 2015). In recent news, there has been controversy over the use of GMOs. Since the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Flavr Savr tomato for sale on grocery store shelves in 1994, more GMOs has since came on the market (GMOinside, n.d.). Does GMOs have inherent value? INHERENT VALUE Inherent value is a quality attributes to every creature that has a life that matters to it (Regan, 2004). According to DesJardins (2013), inherent value is to have value in and of oneself. Objects with inherent value are ends in themselves, not merely means to some other end (DesJardins, 2013). CONTROVERSY REGARDING GMOs There are two main problems that concern GMOs. GMOs have no boundaries and do not have labels. Once a genetically modified organism is planted they are in risk of contaminating any regular crops planted nearby (The Non-GMO Report, 2005). A survey reports that in the Midwest, where there are millions of acres of GM corn and soybean crops, up to 80% of organic farmers reported direct costs or damages resulting from genetic trespass (The Non-GMO Report, 2005). Unlike the organic food, there is not a GMO-free label on food products. In fact, products are not required by law to state whether or not they contain GMOs. In a world where 92% of the soybean crop is genetically modified and many products use soybean oil or corn syrup the chance of finding GMOs in food is very high (The Non-GMO Report, 2005). All that needs to happen is a GMO crop can...
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...feelings of distrust in many people in several parts of the world: the GMO, or, the genetically modified organism. There is hardly a product on American grocery shelves today that does not contain some form of a genetically modified (or GM) crop, and many people find this fact disturbing. The average consumer does not fully comprehend the GMO, but fears and rejects it based on a superficial knowledge of the term. The possible dangers – or the possible lack there-of – of GMOs are largely debated among consumers, organizations, corporations, and even politicians. And yet, the overlooked consensus of the scientific community is that, so far, GM ingredients in food products cause no more harm to the consumer than non-GMO products. However, there is no proof that long-term risks do not exist, and many point to the several countries that have banned or severely restricted the production and trade of GMOs. But mankind has been altering the genes of food through domestication for thousands of years using selective breeding; many say that biotechnology is simply the newest innovation in agriculture. There are, without a doubt, problems surrounding GMO production and regulation that need resolving, but the process itself is not inherently bad. As long as the practice is well-regulated, thoroughly tested, and transparent, the potential benefits of GMOs outweigh the hypothetical risks; the supplement and vaccine implications of GMOs are potentially life-saving, they reduce the need for harmful pesticides...
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...Rubrics section of the course. Food, the one thing all human beings can agree upon its necessity for our survival. Ever walked into a grocery store and gotten a headache from the bombardment of food certifications. USDA Organic, Certified Humane Raised & Handled, Natural, Fair Trade Certified, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Food Alliance are just a few of the dizzying array of food certifications circling around. The simple truth only two of the multitudes of certifications around should warrant your attention. Some will contend that Fair Trade has its merits, really? The Fair Trade association developed from the need to offer protection and security for coffee farmers. Fair Trade exists to provide premiums to farmers to ensure the farmers gets a standardized price and were not exploited for labor. Sounds fair right? Fair Trade lacks any governmental branch, its criteria is created from within its own walls. Where does the money really go? To the laborers? Better farming conditions? Or in someone’s bank account? There is unfortunately no way to trace the funds making Fair Trade hard to trust and impossible to verify. This leaves only USDA organic and Non-GMO Project Verified as the real top two contenders each with their own subtle flaws. Unlike every other certification USDA Organic is regulated by U.S. Department of Agriculture (Hence the name USDA) and verified by a third party. In order for food to bare the USDA Organic label a strict set of qualifications...
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...conversations, and the very thing that can prohibit or allow a person to live a full life. Imagine if all of the stigmas put on America’s ideas of what health foods are were completely false. Vegetables, fruits and whole grains for example are staple items classified as “healthy” in today’s society. Personally, there have many times when choosing a sala over a greasy hamburger has given a feeling of accomplishment that a healthier choice was made. The fact is that unbeknownst to most of the population that salad contains genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and in hindsight, may not have been the healthy choice. The US government should have to require all food producers to correctly label all products that contain GMOs to inform the public what they are truly choosing to eat. There has been an unquestioned sense of security that the government and food and drug administration (FDA) are looking out for our best interests, until now. The wool has been over the eyes of many consumers and slowly the truths are being uncovered as to what GMOs are doing to the health of many unaware Americans. Genetically modified organisms, in the most elementary form, are foods that have had specific changes in their DNA to alter the growth patterns and resistance to pathogens. The combination of two (or more) totally unrelated species is against natural scientific theory. The outcome of this biotechnology has no long term diagnosis of potential risks to the health of humans. A good majority...
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...You Need to Know,” I would like to begin by stating that the topic of organic foods versus GMOs is still very controversial. It is a widely known, ongoing debate, but most do not even know all of the information about the two sides. To recap the general information, I will start with some facts. Organic foods are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, bioengineered genes, petroleum-based fertilizers, or sewage sludge-based fertilizers while GMOs are engineered to make food crops resistant to herbicides and/or to produce an insecticide. For example, most of the sweet corn produced in the U.S. is genetically engineered to be resistant to the herbicide...
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... “The truth About GMOs”, Ronald talks about how genetically modified organisms are safe to consume. There are no reasons why GMOs are unsafe, “Genetically engineered crops currently on the market are as safe to eat and safe for the environment as organic or conventional foods.” GMOs have been around for many years and not a single person has died from them. Over the years people have been changing and modifying crops left and right trying to creating stronger and more durable crops to withstand insects and diseases. GMOs are safe for consumption and great for the human population growth because without GMOs people would have an even more serious issue with hunger in the world. With the help of GMOs, farmers are able to use less pesticides on plants allowing the crops to be less harmful and toxic to our environment and to us. With modifying crops they can create them to be resistant to pests and other things, “Genetic engineering can be used not only to combat pests and diseases, but also to enable farmers to use less harmful chemicals to control cropchoking weeds.” Using a lot of herbicide is more dangerous and harmful than genetically modifying crops. Scientists found a better way to help the environment by creating GMOs. In many ways using less herbicide helps the planet, thus helping the people. Using less means less toxins in the air and it allows all of the beneficial insects to live while the bad insects die. There are many useful traits for GMOs that go beyond just insect repellant...
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...Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are foods that have been injected with genes to achieve a desired trait. Traits include size, color, shelf life, and even taste. Although they may cost less that foods that are not genetically modified, there are numerous problems with them. GMOs are unhealthy, increase the use of herbicides, and are proven to be harmful by reliable science research. Initially, GMOs are unhealthy. How could something created in a laboratory be healthy for you? It is not. While being tested on animals, there were signs of organ damage, gastrointestinal disorders, immune disorders, and even infertility. Wild animals will eat these crops when they seem them outside and are putting their lives in danger unintentionally. On the other hand, health problems increased after they were introduced in 1996. In less than 10 years, food allergies, autism, reproductive disorders, and a whole list of chronic illnesses were on the rise....
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...Monsanto Case Study Liberty University Business 472-D02 Introduction Monsanto has a long and varied history having been founded in 1901. It started by selling the sweetener saccharine to Coca-Cola, transformed itself into a chemical manufacturer, plastics, rubbers, and packaging (Ferrell, Fraedrich, & Ferrell, 2013, p.382-383). Fast forward to the late 20th and early 21st century and Monsanto is the worldwide leader in genetically modified (GM) food seeds. Through these various incarnations Monsanto has run into its share of ethical problems that has cost it some hard earned trust of governing bodies and consumers worldwide, but continues to prosper none the less. Monsanto has a very fine line to walk in keeping the highest ethical standards, finding ways to continuously innovate products that help to feed the world, and do this causing the absolute minimum damage to the environment at large as well as animals. All this must be done and still produce a profit that shareholders demand. Monsanto and the Culture of its Ethics Monsanto has a long history of ethical business violations that has resulted in fines from a multitude of American and International governmental agencies. The company has had issues with some of its products dating back to the 1940’s. Brian Tokar lists a string of products manufactured by Monsanto such as Dioxin, Agent Orange, Roundup, and others that has caused the company more than a headache or two. In reference to a train derailment and subsequent...
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...produce insecticide, enhance the nutritional value of the crop, or to increase the overall yield of the crop. There are also animals that have been genetically modified, which are referred to as “transgenic” animals. Transgenic animals include the transgenic mouse, commonly used in lab experiments. Interestingly enough, no commercial meat is directly genetically modified. BACKGROUND About 20 years after James Watson discovered the structure of DNA(1953), Scientists Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen developed the process of genetic modification. From there experimentation with genetic engineering led to the creation of GMO animals and GMO crops. By 1983 the US Supreme Court ruled that GMO’s could be patented, and by 1992 the first GMO Crop to be approved by the department of agriculture was the flavr savr tomatoes. One of the early pioneers in the GMO game was the company Monsanto. HOW COMMON ARE GMO’s? Currently, 80% of all processed food contains GMO’s, and because the standard American diet is 70% processed food, a large number of food items have...
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...Abstract The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has become a chief topic of controversy through out the global world. Many countries around the world have stringent laws about genetically modified organisms and their use, but the U.S. does not, why is that? The majority of countries believe that genetically engineered foods are not safe for human consumption or the environment. Yet, the USDA or the FDA has not proved genetically modified organisms harmful or dangerous nor have any major studies conducted in the United States found them to be dangerous or harmful. However, there are studies that have shown that genetically modified organisms are producing “super” weeds and “super” bugs. The major advantage to using these genetically modified foods though, is they could possibly end world hunger in the future by the assumption that they increase crop yields. Although the long term health, environmental, and economical effects of genetically modified organisms is not fully understood, the majority of people from around the world are leery and therefore opposed to the use of genetically modified organisms. This research paper will attempt to analyze the health, environmental and economical issues surrounding genetically modified organisms. According to Dictionary.com, “A GMO is an organism whose genome has been altered by the techniques of genetic engineering so that its DNA contains one or more genes not normally found there.” Genetically Modified Organisms are...
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...Watch out! GMO potatoes are taking over the market`s shelves GMOs are taking over the world. One sentence which provoked horror everywhere. Many people are unfamiliar with this abbreviation, but others are leading a cold war against it. What does GMO stand for? GMO or Genetically Modified Organism is applied to any food or meat which has been genetically modified through its growth or cultivation. In other words, vast industries are merging DNA from various species in order to increase production and decrease costs. Sure, it turned out just fine for the moneymakers, however this is on the cost of ordinary people who tremble upon the fact to go in the markets and examine and study every label which enters their shopping card. Every fruit, veggie...
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...in our foods today. The debate over Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are starting to become more of a hot topic and is now not a secret that GMO-ed foods have spread out rapidly to the whole world. Government officials should take the proper steps to ensure our countries safety and not allow GMO’s in our foods today, and if it is needed, labeling should be mandatory. Even though it is banned in other countries, our government is still allowing the United Stated to continue with GMO cropping and without labeling it. We should know why it is harmful to our health and how we can prevent it. GMOs could cause health issues, create allergies, toxins, new diseases and nutritional problems. First, GMOs are harmful to our health. Second, these crops can lead to contaminated organic crops, and serious destruction of the environment, which could also lead to toxins and allergens surrounding us. Third, there are some companies that intend to monopolize market-foods, which work with GMOs. Finally, labeling should be a very important factor in the GMO industry, to ensure people would recognize how dangerous GMO’s are for us. GMOs are special organisms in which the genetic material has been altered for improvement productivity and product quality. First, Research and studies show that GMOs could be very harmful. Through manipulating our crops our health is at a serious risk. “Numerous health problems increased after GMOs were introduced in 1996. The percentage of Americans with three or...
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