Essay/Term paper: Genetically altered foods

Essay, term paper, research paper:  Biology

Genetically Altered Foods


It is quite evident that as technology advances m the scientific sense, we as
Americans are becoming more interested. One of the conflicts that have raised
concern here lately is that on genetically altered foods. By no surprise, one of
the major questions of many is whether or not these foods are safe. As altered
foods continue to be produced, we will begin to see much controversy. As the
growing industry expands, soils the research, not only nationally, but also
internationally.

This topic has proven to be an environmental issue, particularly by the money
that has been involved, as well as the concern for ones health. To the knowledge
of most, the United States can be very manipulative or should I say persuading,
so therefore it doesn't take much on their part to convince the regulators that
the crops are safe. Those who protest have debated on a list of concerns dealing
with this issue. For example, one of which brings a question to the
environmental policies. It states that Stimulating the resistance of cslve use
or such herbicides (Nature 559). "

A lot of concern has come from one certain crop and that is maize, which was
altered to an extent. The development was done by a company known to be Swiss,
called "Ciba-Geiby". That which was debated dealt with the Advisory Committee
on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) stating that "A gene resistant to the
antibiotic ampicillin used in an early stage of the developmental process, could
theoretically be passed to man via bacteria lodged in the gut of animals which
eat the maize unprocessed (559)". In response to this attack, the company said
that there would need to be a great amount of events that would have to take
place. The transferring of DNA to the bacteria is just one of which was
addressed. Therefore, the issue isn't settled. One then can only assume that
until a hault is put on altering, the industry will keep producing.
My opinion is that as long as there has been no proof of illnesses with
the experiments and procedures that have taken place, well then I am for it. So
I'm no doubt in agreement with the farmers, who are doing this in an attempt to
lower costs. The opinion is very much valid, because if you can cut cost and
increase in yields, well then more power to you. Another positive aspect is, as
of right now not a single soul has ended up being harmed. The opposing's
opinion is valid also, though I think they are trying to look to much into the
issue by critiquing it, instead of backing the agri-business by creating a line
of trust.

I think that the farmers should continue to do what helps their livelihood, as
long as no proof is found on dangers. If or when proof is found, I think the
regulators should then step in and make some guidelines. So, if this is not
hanning us and the environment, why not keep pursuing larger dollar signs?

References

Nature. "Distrust in Genetically Altered Foods" Vol. 303. 17 Oct 1996. issue
6601 pp. 559-60.

Miller, G.T. 1996, Sustainmg the Earth. Wadsworth Publishing Company, New York,
NY.