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Genetically Modified Foods
Biotechnology has emerged as a new area of science since it has developed a new commercial approach towards influencing major aspects of Human life ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"tzbGRSJO","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(Prakash et al.)","plainCitation":"(Prakash et al.)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":319,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/CKNkWnK9/items/QT6RBW3G"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/CKNkWnK9/items/QT6RBW3G"],"itemData":{"id":319,"type":"article-journal","title":"Risks and Precautions of Genetically Modified Organisms","container-title":"ISRN Ecology","page":"1-13","volume":"2011","source":"DOI.org (Crossref)","abstract":"Commercial potential of biotechnology is immense since the scope of its activity covers the entire spectrum of human life. The most potent biotechnological approach is the transfer of specifically constructed gene assemblies through various techniques. However, this deliberate modification and the resulting entities thereof have become the bone of contention all over the world. Benefits aside, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have always been considered a threat to environment and human health. In view of this, it has been considered necessary by biosafety regulations of individual countries to test the feasibility of GMOs in contained and controlled environments for any potential risks they may pose. This paper describes the various aspects of risk, its assessment, and management which are imperative in decision making regarding the safe use of GMOs. Efficient efforts are necessary for implementation of regulations. Importance of the risk assessment, management, and precautionary approach in environmental agreements and activism is also discussed.","DOI":"10.5402/2011/369573","ISSN":"2090-4614, 2090-4622","journalAbbreviation":"ISRN Ecology","language":"en","author":[{"family":"Prakash","given":"Dhan"},{"family":"Verma","given":"Sonika"},{"family":"Bhatia","given":"Ranjana"},{"family":"Tiwary","given":"B. N."}],"issued":{"date-parts":[["2011"]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (Prakash et al.). One of the most prominent biotechnological application is the introduction of particular gene fragments via various techniques producing the desired variations into the plant. Such plants with the desired characteristics are identified as Genetically Modified Crops. These genetically Modified Foods are continuously emerging all over the world. It is estimated that 66% of people of the United States alone consume processed foods that incorporate genetically modified ingredients ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"DVrKc3W8","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(Lancet)","plainCitation":"(Lancet)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":307,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/CKNkWnK9/items/CFYFEZTV"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/CKNkWnK9/items/CFYFEZTV"],"itemData":{"id":307,"type":"article-journal","title":"Health risks of genetically modified foods","container-title":"The Lancet","page":"1811","volume":"353","issue":"9167","source":"www.thelancet.com","abstract":"Crops genetically modified to have reduced susceptibility to pests are promoted as\na solution low food yields in developing countries. The motive of these promoters\nis profit, not altruism. Monsant one of the largest developers of genetically modified\ncrops, has developed a grain that gives an improved crop and is sterile, so instead\nof keeping back some seeds for the next year's sowing, farmers must return to the\nsupplier for more.","DOI":"10.1016/S0140-6736(99)00093-8","ISSN":"0140-6736, 1474-547X","note":"PMID: 10359398","journalAbbreviation":"The Lancet","language":"English","author":[{"family":"Lancet","given":"The"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[["1999",5,29]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (Lancet). Unfortunately, most of these people don't even know that they have been consuming modified foods since the year 1990 ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"Ggx78mur","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(\\uc0\\u8220{}Altered Food, GMOs, Genetically Modified Food\\uc0\\u8221{})","plainCitation":"(“Altered Food, GMOs, Genetically Modified Food”)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":311,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/CKNkWnK9/items/P4U3RKWB"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/CKNkWnK9/items/P4U3RKWB"],"itemData":{"id":311,"type":"webpage","title":"Altered Food, GMOs, Genetically Modified Food","container-title":"National Geographic","abstract":"Want disease-free grapes? Add a silkworm gene. How about vitamin-enhanced rice? While technology promises new ways to help feed the world, some see risks to the land and to human health.","URL":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/food-how-altered/","language":"en","issued":{"date-parts":[["2009",10,9]]},"accessed":{"date-parts":[["2019",11,21]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (“Altered Food, GMOs, Genetically Modified Food”). There has been a controversy on the issue of safety regarding genetically modified foods since its beginning. Some people consider it to give rise a whole new era of scientific development in the field of agriculture. According to my research on the issue, I am against the idea of a genetically modified organism. This paper will support my claim in light of credible evidence.
Discussion
Although several studies on the safety of genetically modified foods indicate that they have opened a whole new area of scientific research that contributes towards the development of better crops still it is evident from most literature that these have continuously affected the health of humans ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"obPXTqCL","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(Prakash et al.)","plainCitation":"(Prakash et al.)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":319,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/CKNkWnK9/items/QT6RBW3G"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/CKNkWnK9/items/QT6RBW3G"],"itemData":{"id":319,"type":"article-journal","title":"Risks and Precautions of Genetically Modified Organisms","container-title":"ISRN Ecology","page":"1-13","volume":"2011","source":"DOI.org (Crossref)","abstract":"Commercial potential of biotechnology is immense since the scope of its activity covers the entire spectrum of human life. The most potent biotechnological approach is the transfer of specifically constructed gene assemblies through various techniques. However, this deliberate modification and the resulting entities thereof have become the bone of contention all over the world. Benefits aside, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have always been considered a threat to environment and human health. In view of this, it has been considered necessary by biosafety regulations of individual countries to test the feasibility of GMOs in contained and controlled environments for any potential risks they may pose. This paper describes the various aspects of risk, its assessment, and management which are imperative in decision making regarding the safe use of GMOs. Efficient efforts are necessary for implementation of regulations. Importance of the risk assessment, management, and precautionary approach in environmental agreements and activism is also discussed.","DOI":"10.5402/2011/369573","ISSN":"2090-4614, 2090-4622","journalAbbreviation":"ISRN Ecology","language":"en","author":[{"family":"Prakash","given":"Dhan"},{"family":"Verma","given":"Sonika"},{"family":"Bhatia","given":"Ranjana"},{"family":"Tiwary","given":"B. N."}],"issued":{"date-parts":[["2011"]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (Prakash et al.).
A most widely used technique for the production of a genetically modified organism is genetic recombination. Since genetic recombination disrupts the natural order of synthesis, producing a variation, it is quite clear that it can result in the crop that may not be desirable. This is often observed as the production of secondary metabolites which are quite harmful to human health. It is evident from the study that states that the naturally occurring mechanisms of protein and carbohydrate metabolism are altered which results in the production of unanticipated contaminants ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"fIYJAADR","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(National Academies of Sciences et al.)","plainCitation":"(National Academies of Sciences et al.)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":321,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/CKNkWnK9/items/9AVH285G"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/CKNkWnK9/items/9AVH285G"],"itemData":{"id":321,"type":"book","title":"Human Health Effects of Genetically Engineered Crops","publisher":"National Academies Press (US)","source":"www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov","abstract":"In this chapter, the committee examines the evidence that substantiates or negates specific hypotheses and claims about the health risks and benefits associated with foods derived from genetically engineered (GE) crops. There are many reviews and official statements about the safety of foods from GE crops (for example, see Box 5-1), but to conduct a fresh examination of the evidence, the committee read through a large number of articles with original data so that the rigor of the evidence could be assessed.","URL":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK424534/","language":"en","author":[{"family":"National Academies of Sciences","given":"Engineering"},{"family":"Studies","given":"Division on Earth and Life"},{"family":"Resources","given":"Board on Agriculture and Natural"},{"family":"Prospects","given":"Committee on Genetically Engineered Crops: Past Experience and Future"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[["2016",5,17]]},"accessed":{"date-parts":[["2019",11,21]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} ( National Academies of Sciences et al.). The food that is supplied to the citizens may contain unexpected toxins considering many of these products have been available in the supermarkets without proper risk assessment ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"yGaZR94O","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(Prakash et al.)","plainCitation":"(Prakash et al.)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":319,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/CKNkWnK9/items/QT6RBW3G"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/CKNkWnK9/items/QT6RBW3G"],"itemData":{"id":319,"type":"article-journal","title":"Risks and Precautions of Genetically Modified Organisms","container-title":"ISRN Ecology","page":"1-13","volume":"2011","source":"DOI.org (Crossref)","abstract":"Commercial potential of biotechnology is immense since the scope of its activity covers the entire spectrum of human life. The most potent biotechnological approach is the transfer of specifically constructed gene assemblies through various techniques. However, this deliberate modification and the resulting entities thereof have become the bone of contention all over the world. Benefits aside, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have always been considered a threat to environment and human health. In view of this, it has been considered necessary by biosafety regulations of individual countries to test the feasibility of GMOs in contained and controlled environments for any potential risks they may pose. This paper describes the various aspects of risk, its assessment, and management which are imperative in decision making regarding the safe use of GMOs. Efficient efforts are necessary for implementation of regulations. Importance of the risk assessment, management, and precautionary approach in environmental agreements and activism is also discussed.","DOI":"10.5402/2011/369573","ISSN":"2090-4614, 2090-4622","journalAbbreviation":"ISRN Ecology","language":"en","author":[{"family":"Prakash","given":"Dhan"},{"family":"Verma","given":"Sonika"},{"family":"Bhatia","given":"Ranjana"},{"family":"Tiwary","given":"B. N."}],"issued":{"date-parts":[["2011"]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (Prakash et al.). One of the genetically induced secondary metabolites is Steroidal alkaloid which is mostly found in the genetically engineered potato. The chemical is thought to cause severe gastrointestinal disorders such as ulcer and diarrhoea. GE rhubarb contains oxalic acid that can cause breathing problems. GE Alfalfa sprouts have reported causing the neurological disorders. Indirect consequences can be experienced in the form of cancer by consuming GE celery which contains phototoxic metabolites activated in the presence of sunlight. According to the study, GE potatoes caused the serious gastrointestinal deviations in the body of rats who were the test subjects for the experiments regarding the genetically modified foods ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"6Wlpceki","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(Lancet)","plainCitation":"(Lancet)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":307,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/CKNkWnK9/items/CFYFEZTV"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/CKNkWnK9/items/CFYFEZTV"],"itemData":{"id":307,"type":"article-journal","title":"Health risks of genetically modified foods","container-title":"The Lancet","page":"1811","volume":"353","issue":"9167","source":"www.thelancet.com","abstract":"Crops genetically modified to have reduced susceptibility to pests are promoted as\na solution low food yields in developing countries. The motive of these promoters\nis profit, not altruism. Monsant one of the largest developers of genetically modified\ncrops, has developed a grain that gives an improved crop and is sterile, so instead\nof keeping back some seeds for the next year's sowing, farmers must return to the\nsupplier for more.","DOI":"10.1016/S0140-6736(99)00093-8","ISSN":"0140-6736, 1474-547X","note":"PMID: 10359398","journalAbbreviation":"The Lancet","language":"English","author":[{"family":"Lancet","given":"The"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[["1999",5,29]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (Lancet).
The counter-arguments for the acceptability of genetically modified organisms mainly suggests that it results in the production of crops with the desirable characteristics, such as resistance to herbicides, insects and virus ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"sm5eSH50","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(Takeda and Matsuoka)","plainCitation":"(Takeda and Matsuoka)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":323,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/CKNkWnK9/items/VQHQLGTT"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/CKNkWnK9/items/VQHQLGTT"],"itemData":{"id":323,"type":"article-journal","title":"Genetic approaches to crop improvement: responding to environmental and population changes","container-title":"Nature Reviews Genetics","page":"444-457","volume":"9","issue":"6","source":"DOI.org (Crossref)","DOI":"10.1038/nrg2342","ISSN":"1471-0056, 1471-0064","title-short":"Genetic approaches to crop improvement","journalAbbreviation":"Nat Rev Genet","language":"en","author":[{"family":"Takeda","given":"Shin"},{"family":"Matsuoka","given":"Makoto"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[["2008",6]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (Takeda and Matsuoka). Apart from that, it claims that genetically modified food can contribute to feeding the future generation. In this way, Genetic recombinant technology can overcome the food scarcity by the production of newly generated crops ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"cHVpPzQj","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(Barrows et al.)","plainCitation":"(Barrows et al.)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":324,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/CKNkWnK9/items/5FW85RDZ"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/CKNkWnK9/items/5FW85RDZ"],"itemData":{"id":324,"type":"article-journal","title":"Agricultural Biotechnology: The Promise and Prospects of Genetically Modified Crops","container-title":"Journal of Economic Perspectives","page":"99-120","volume":"28","issue":"1","source":"www.aeaweb.org","abstract":"For millennia, humans have modified plant genes in order to develop crops best suited for food, fiber, feed,\nand energy production. Conventional plant breeding remains inherently random and slow, constrained by\nthe availability of desirable traits in closely related plant species. In contrast, agricultural biotechnology\nemploys the modern tools of genetic engineering to reduce uncertainty and breeding time and to transfer\ntraits from more distantly related plants. Critics express concerns that the technology imposes negative\nenvironmental effects and jeopardizes the health of those who consume the \"frankenfoods.\" Supporters\nemphasize potential gains from boosting output and lowering food prices for consumers. They argue that\nsuch gains are achieved contemporaneous with the adoption of farming practices that lower agrochemical\nuse and lessen soil. The extensive experience with agricultural biotechnology since 1996 provides ample\nevidence with which to test the claims of supporters and opponents and to evaluate the prospects of genetic\ncrop engineering. In this paper, we begin with an overview of the adoption of the first generation of\nagricultural biotechnology crops. We then look at the evidence on the effects of these crops: on output and\nprices, on the environment, and on consumer health. Finally, we consider intellectual property issues\nsurrounding this new technology.","DOI":"10.1257/jep.28.1.99","ISSN":"0895-3309","title-short":"Agricultural Biotechnology","language":"en","author":[{"family":"Barrows","given":"Geoffrey"},{"family":"Sexton","given":"Steven"},{"family":"Zilberman","given":"David"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[["2014",2]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (Barrows et al.). It is unfortunate how the organization in favour of genetically modified foods are justifying its acceptability by saving the future generation while the present generation is at risk of developing serious health effects that can be sometimes life-threatening. It is quite evident that governments are solely after making profits by giving the population full access to these foods without the risk assessment. Food and Drug Administration has refused to reconsider their notion regarding the safety of genetically modified foods which shows their extreme deviations from the health and safety code ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"gaDsVAnN","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(Lancet)","plainCitation":"(Lancet)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":307,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/CKNkWnK9/items/CFYFEZTV"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/CKNkWnK9/items/CFYFEZTV"],"itemData":{"id":307,"type":"article-journal","title":"Health risks of genetically modified foods","container-title":"The Lancet","page":"1811","volume":"353","issue":"9167","source":"www.thelancet.com","abstract":"Crops genetically modified to have reduced susceptibility to pests are promoted as\na solution low food yields in developing countries. The motive of these promoters\nis profit, not altruism. Monsant one of the largest developers of genetically modified\ncrops, has developed a grain that gives an improved crop and is sterile, so instead\nof keeping back some seeds for the next year's sowing, farmers must return to the\nsupplier for more.","DOI":"10.1016/S0140-6736(99)00093-8","ISSN":"0140-6736, 1474-547X","note":"PMID: 10359398","journalAbbreviation":"The Lancet","language":"English","author":[{"family":"Lancet","given":"The"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[["1999",5,29]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (Lancet).
Conclusion
Although genetically modified food is considered as a solution for the crops pest sensitivity issue, it should not be deemed acceptable as it is detrimental to the health of people who consume such foods. They give rise to several secondary metabolites that have adverse effects on the metabolism of the human body since foods are readily available in the markets around the world. FDA should reconsider their decision of promoting the production and availability of these foods to ensure health and safety.
Works Cited
ADDIN ZOTERO_BIBL {"uncited":[],"omitted":[],"custom":[]} CSL_BIBLIOGRAPHY “Altered Food, GMOs, Genetically Modified Food.” National Geographic, 9 Oct. 2009, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/food-how-altered/.
Barrows, Geoffrey, et al. “Agricultural Biotechnology: The Promise and Prospects of Genetically Modified Crops.” Journal of Economic Perspectives, vol. 28, no. 1, Feb. 2014, pp. 99–120. www.aeaweb.org, doi:10.1257/jep.28.1.99.
Lancet, The. “Health Risks of Genetically Modified Foods.” The Lancet, vol. 353, no. 9167, May 1999, p. 1811. www.thelancet.com, doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(99)00093-8.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, et al. Human Health Effects of Genetically Engineered Crops. National Academies Press (US), 2016. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK424534/.
Prakash, Dhan, et al. “Risks and Precautions of Genetically Modified Organisms.” ISRN Ecology, vol. 2011, 2011, pp. 1–13. DOI.org (Crossref), doi:10.5402/2011/369573.
Takeda, Shin, and Makoto Matsuoka. “Genetic Approaches to Crop Improvement: Responding to Environmental and Population Changes.” Nature Reviews Genetics, vol. 9, no. 6, June 2008, pp. 444–57. DOI.org (Crossref), doi:10.1038/nrg2342.
