...Your health is one of the most important aspects in your life. What if the food you buy from stores threatened that? Genetically Modified Organisms, also known as GMOs, might be putting your health in jeopardy. As early as 1953, scientists have been trying to find ways to genetically change the DNA of food. Making the food more durable and longer lasting is apparently much more important than creating a healthy and safe environment for the people. Our very own government is allowing GMOs to be created and distributed among the people. The real question here is, what is a GMO? Genetically engineered food is produced from crops whose genetic makeup has been changed unnaturally to create a specific trait among the produce. This is possible by a method called gene splicing, in witch a gene that creates a specific trait in an organism is identified, then taken out from the rest of the genetic material of the produce. Scottish doctor Árpád Pusztai conducted a study on the effects of genetically modified foods in 1998. During a ten day period, he fed genetically engineered potatoes to one group of rats, natural potatoes to another group, and finally a third group was fed potatoes that were laced with insecticide. After the ten days he discovered that the rats who ate the genetically engineered potatoes were very sick. They had precancerous cells in their digestive organs, noticeably smaller brains, livers and testicles, and damage to their immune system. The other two groups were declared...
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...the topic of genetically modified food Do people nowadays want to know what they are ingesting and whether their food has been genetically modified? As with many societal contentious points, there is no simple and straightforward answer to this question. This essay tries to evaluate both sides of the argument and finally comes to the conclusion that it makes sense for our company to label our genetically modified food products accordingly on a voluntary basis. On one hand, there are the opponents of labelling GMO food who truly believe that because of the long history of genetical engineering in America this practice is not new to consumers and the awareness of some products being genetically modified is already anchored in society. Furthermore, they argue that labelling each and every product as genetically manipulated would not only be a very expensive procedure, but also adding immoderate confusion to consumers. Ultimately, they claim that the average American citizen is not taking a great interest in what ingredients exactly his/her food entails. On the other hand, people in favor of GMO labelling are of the opinion that every customer has the right to know what is inside the product that he/she is buying in grocery stores. Moreover, the proponents argue that even though not everybody might care about whether food has been genetically modified, the ultimate decision should be left with the customer and therefore a label on each GMO product is necessary. According...
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...Genetically altered food (GMOs) is modified organisms such as plant, animals or microorganisms that have been altered with to make the organisms appear weird. “Scientists take the gene for a desired trait in one plant or animal, and they insert that gene into a cell of another plant or animal” according to medlineplus. The mixing of genes from different species that have never shared genes in the past is what makes GMOs and crops so unique. There are many things in GMOs that could have a big Global impact. By 2050 scientist predict that there will be approximately 9.5 billion people living on Earth. This is where GMOs could come in handy. GMOs make the organism almost double in size, so out of one plant or animal it is double the...
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...GMOs should be viewed with the light of what has come before. Mankind has been manipulating the genetics of plants and animals for over 10,000 years. Many people forget that wheat, one of the world’s largest crops, is a hybrid of several different species. And while it did occur naturally, it has been artificially maintained over the centuries. As such, I believe that GMOs should be approached cautiously, but with an open mind to the benefits it can impart on the world. GMO crops can have significant advantages over regular crops, and can benefit people in a significant way. One advantage that GMOs have is that they can be made more resistant to stress, such has extremes in temperatures and droughts. They can also be made highly resistant...
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...known as Genetically Modified Organisms, or GMOs. These crops are becoming more and more accepted in today’s agriculture business. This type of bioengineering is being used to yield more crops and curb the effects of herbicides. But the risks in using GMOs may far outweigh the benefits. GMO foods are becoming increasingly available and are a threat to our health and our agricultural system. Basically GMOs are organisms that have had their genes altered through bio-engineering. These plants and/or animals have their genetic makeup changed, usually in a lab, in order to add or remove certain characteristics. Genes from other animals, viruses, or bacteria are artificially inserted into organisms in order to create new organisms that would not occur naturally. Corn, for example, has been genetically modified to produce its own pesticide and resist herbicides. Nearly 70% of all the corn grown in the United States was modified in this way. (Smith) And if you look at the ingredient list of almost any packaged food, you’ll see that there is corn in almost all of it. Corn is also the main ingredient in much of the feed given to farm animals, such as pigs and cows. So no matter what you eat, it is almost certain to contain some amount GM (Genetically Modified) corn. These new types of crops have some people to refer to them as “frankenfoods” a play on the fact that these foods are essentially created a lab by scientists. This new food technology helps farmers yield more crops than...
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...Jodi Burton argument critique is on Cameron English article, GMO Foods: Why We Shouldn’t Label (Or Worry About) Genetically Modified Products. She did an overall good job on it, however, there were something’s that she wrote that committed some of the same issues that the piece she critique did. Let drive in to her critique. Burton opens with the thesis of English and does a great job at summarizing it, but if I were to nitpick one thing it would be her commit, “Many people believe GMO’s are harmful, and that they should be labeled…” I think this statement is leading into the bandwagon fallacy. She then moves on addressing his credentials and gives us what he says about them, “he is a ‘public health and nutrition science education writer’.”...
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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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...First of all, in the fact that mankind doesn’t have tried to eat GMOs injected a gene from another species, GMOs will not be ensured food security unlike proven organic foods which has been eaten for human history. In despite of the dangerousness, the foods have still been on our table without verification. No one can guarantee that how GMOs’ side effects will be long-term and continuous and proving safety is beyond the capabilities of current technology. Supporters of genetic engineering argue that the application of biotechnology to improve the nutritional contents of various foods will help people who suffer many deficiency diseases. Also, they claim that GM foods can yields medical benefit by injecting a particular genes or vaccine. However, GMOs are only a temporary measure, not the fundamental solution for nutritional improvement of foods and medical benefits. Their own disadvantages far outweigh their own advantages. A study by the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAME) advised precaution because GM foods have not been tested for human consumption and because there is significant evidence of probable harm (AAME, 2009). The harmful effects that have raised up to now are that GMOs can cause food allergy reactions, indirect and non-traceble effects on cancer rate, unknown effects on human health and malfunction immune system. Several studies bear testimony to the dangerousness. For instance, according to the study conducted by Dr. Árpád Pusztai at the Rowett Research...
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...As Michael pollan points out in the book,The Omnivore's Dilemma The path our food takes from farm to table is a big impact to the environment. Because of this companies and big corporations have to be considerate of the environment.Since many systems have been in place to feed us,the environment is in more danger then it has been in many years throughout history,many of these systems hurt,like the industrial meal,but some benefit. Out of Michael Pollan's four food chain,Industrial organic would be the most beneficial for the environment.Because organic farming rules do not allow chemicals ,not toxic runoff into rivers and oceans.This is a huge benefit ,that's why organic food is more preferable for the environment,thanks to its superior...
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...SWOT Analysis Strengths: • Well-known in the food industry • Leading supplier in delivering food products and supplies to restaurants and grocery stores • Great benefits for employees o 401k, stock purchase plan, medical/dental/vision coverage • Worldwide growth annually Weaknesses: • Variety of competition • Demand for non GMO products, gluten free, and vegan options • Difficult to get some companies to use them • Food costs increasing • No control over food shortages such as the egg shortage due to bird flu o In a June 3 letter to customers, the company’s senior vice president, Scott Sonnemaker, warns them to brace for higher price tags on eggs and a plethora of egg-containing products such as mayonnaise, baking mixes, soups, dressings, desserts, and breaded foods. Noting the scope of harm to the industry, he wrote, “It appears that all of us — suppliers, product manufacturers, foodservice distributors, restaurants and food operators — will be negatively affected until the egg-laying hen population is replenished.” Sonnemaker stated that Sysco is not taking any new egg customers as a result of the shortage. (Terrell, 2015) Opportunities: • Having a higher variety of gluten free, vegan, and non GMO products • Moving into new territories world-wide • Using more local farmers • Merging with other food supply companies, similar to Sysco purchasing US Foods in 2013. o “This transaction will position us to significantly accelerate our progress in achieving...
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...Stafford 5 September 2014 Time-Traveling to a Healthy Diet It is peculiar to think about traveling back in time into the pre industrialized era when everything about the way you lived would be entirely different compared to now. Think about the food alone, and how crops were grown in season, and were stowed for the off season, and back when products did not have a shelf life of weeks, months, and sometimes years. In the reading “Escape from the Western Diet” by Michael Pollan, Pollan states that the way we eat now is much less healthy then the way our ancestors ate. Within this essay I reflect on how I use to be addicted to sugar, how it made me feel, and how that is exactly what the food industry had planned. I also talk about how the new supposed “healthier options” may just be new ideas for a new product line. To conclude, I will discuss how GMOs are put in almost everything we eat just to make it cheaper for the producer, despite the fact that GMOs are horrible for the human body. After reading this article, one will be aware of the proper way to eat, and the benefits of throwing away the western diet. Most people are not aware that sugar can be more addicting than cigarettes, and it is that reason that sugar is put in many foods we eat today. Growing up I was lucky enough to have been passed down my mother’s sweet tooth. Along with that sweet tooth came 3 cavities before I turned 12. It did not take long after that when I was faced with the obvious problem; I was...
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...Over the years there has been a major controversy about how safe the United States food supply. For the past decade, many Americans have being diagnosed with terminal diseases such as cancer. In 2012, The American Cancer Society estimated 1,638,910 Americans were diagnosed and 577,190 died. Not only does cancer effect the American population but also foodborne illnesses, diabetes, heart disease, strokes, and obesity. Each year about 48 million people get sick from it, 130,000 are hospitalized and about 3,000 die. The big question is how are so many people in today’s world becoming sick with deadly diseases such as cancer and foodborne illnesses. Many believe that it is being put into our food. The Food and Drug Administration also known as the FDA is a federal agency of the United States Department of Health and Services that is responsible for controlling and regulating the country’s food safety, medicine, tobacco products and more. The U.S. government is killing Americans by allowing the FDA to approve dangerous drugs being put into our food supply....
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...Zunta protein bars are a great place to start if you’re unsure which bar may be best for you. (Screenshot: Zunta) It’s nearly impossible for most folks to eat all their meals at home. Between work, errands, taking kids to practices and other obligations, hunger will inevitably hit at some point while you are on the road and away from your kitchen. If you’re trying to be healthier, lose weight or avoid processed foods, options for easing the hunger pains can be slim to nil when it comes to the bright lights of drive-thrus or gas stations. This is why I always recommend that you carry a box of protein bars in your car, purse, backpack or diaper bag at all times. Protein bars are a clean snack and/or meal replacement, which we all need at some point in the busy world we operate in. Besides the health aspects, they are more economical and time-saving than seeking out a healthy option anywhere else on the road....
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...A food label is a source of advertising a food product. Manufacturers try their best to make their product food label as attractive as possible, by using bright colours, bold text, food claims, and a lot of information. Too much information on a food label might have caused a lot of painful headaches for consumers; but it's all worth it, due to many health and nutrition problems. By law, manufacturers must abide by the standard code terms of what is put on their food label. By this, a food label must have no false claims or information, be in English and legible and easy to see. Also must contain a barcode, name of food, list of ingredients in descending order of weight, net weight, any additives in the food, country of origin, use of imported ingredients, name and address of manufacturer, date marking and nutrition panel if any claims are made. New guidelines for food packaging should insist that products containing GMO’s be labeled as such, and that all chemical additives be listed according to their exact name, not under the umbrella of “natural and artificial flavors.” Genetically engineered plants, and corn in particular, have demonstrated an ability to reduce biodiversity by contaminating nearby non-GMO fields and breeding in GM suicide genes. Although not perfect, this mutual coercion would prevent the few (shareholders of food companies) from taking advantage. Many of us are unaware of how we are treating nature by purchasing the food that we buy. When a shopper...
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...Gabrielle Albertha C. Burgos November 29, 2012AGRI 121Food Inc.(a reaction paper)Food. One of the major necessities of man. One by which no man can live without and now onethat many scientist and researchers look for ways to increase the production of food with respect to theincreasing population. Today, many technologies have made its way in the Agriculture industry. Someare GMOs, use of round-up ready corn, etc. In the film, Food Inc., it highlighted the situation of Agriculture today and most problems experienced by the farmers themselves.When we go to the supermarket, we usually pick foods that are, for us we think is healthy and atthe same time cheap. We are deceived by the labels saying they are fresh and all, but in truth animalsslaughtered in the process are abused. One of which is the poultry industry. In order to increase themeat size of the chickens, they are placed in dark, ventilated cages where they could not freely walkbecause inside the cage is too crowded. As a result, there is less energy used in walking making themfatter, but on the other hand, after 2-4 steps, the chickens could no longer continue to walk. Somechickens die inside the cage mainly because they could not stand the over-crowdedness. Other issues have been raised against major companies. One of which is the Kevin’s law notbeing implemented up until now. The Kevin’s law is a law which ma kes companies close their businessesif they are found to have failed in at least 2 tests of salmonella and such...
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