Essay on Cracking the Genome of Genetically Modified Foods

Cracking the Genome of Genetically Modified Foods. From prehistoric times crop plants and animals have been improved by selective breeding, a process by which humans breed other animals and plants for certain traits, but the modern marvels of GMOs and transgenic plants have come to light in just the last few decades. Selection procedures have achieved huge differences in form and genetics of a single species for instance the mule, a cross between a male donkey and a mare has been used in Europe for more than 3,000 years (GM Education). Modern genetic engineering started back in 1973 when Stanley Cohen, Annie Chang and Herbert Boyer created the first genetically modified DNA organism. In terms of food, genetic engineering simply means†¦show more content†¦A research conducted by World Health Organization (WHO) in 2000, new varieties of food crops, other than those produced using rDNA technology, are rarely subjected to toxicological assessments (The National research Council, 39). This could give a rise to medical emergenci es in the United States and requires people with allergies to pay very close to attention to what they’re trying to consume. This could also introduce humans to new varieties of diseases and health conditions. Opponents of GMF argue that genetic engineering of plants and animals for food and medicine is expensive and impractical and that they are not labeled as such in the United States. This raises concern that US consumers are not fully aware of what they are buying (Forman, 13). US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only makes sure that the food consumers consume is wholesome. It doesn’t consider whether or not the food’s genetically modified (UC Santa Cruz). This could possibly make people think that there’s something that they’re not aware of and eventually give rise to resentment. In 1994, FDA approved injection of cows with a genetically modified growth hormone called rBGH despite a study that suggested doing so might increase the risk for disease in humans (Forman). Consumers with allergies, vegetarians and people who follow religious dietary rules are not only having a hard time avoiding food that might containShow MoreRelatedGp Essay Mainpoints24643 W ords   |  99 Pagesimproved†, or â€Å"part of a complete meal† for fast food when it is actually only healthy when eaten in extreme moderation †¢ E.g. Before and after photos for slimming advertisements. In the ‘before’ photos, the person usually slouches, is pictured in full view and is clad in unsuitable clothing. In the ‘after’ photos, pictured in half view with more attractive clothing. Increased attractiveness is thus attributed to weight loss. †¢ E.g. Fast food usually photographed in warm light so that it looks