Are We Overlooking the Dangers of Genetically Modified Foods?
If you were to ask ten people the question, "do you consider genetically engineered foods to be safe?" Seven out of those ten would probably tell you that they do not know what you are talking about. The genetic engineering of crops is a subject that the public is not well informed on. As hard as it is to believe, it is a process that has been going on for nearly eleven years now. The first test of a genetically engineered crop was reported in 1990, according to "Seeds of Change" (44). The foods that are currently being genetically altered range from corn and tomatoes to infant formula and soybeans. "Seeds of Change" states that "Today, a mere three years after the first large-scale commercial harvest, genetically engineered crops cover one-fourth of U.S. cropland - more than 90 million acres" (43). The public is unfortunately unaware of this and they should not be. People need become more aware of what is being modified and, more importantly, is it safe. When you ha!ve little or no knowledge on a significant topic, such as your health, you tend to speculate the worst. I know that my first response over this subject was one of questioning and concern. So why are crops being genetically engineered?
According to "Are You Eating Test Tube Food", the USDA has approved fifty genetically engineered plants; some of them include: beets, canola, chicory, corn, cotton, melons and papaya; and soon to come: apples, strawberries, cucumbers, rice, sugar cane, walnuts and wheat (126). "Health Risks of Genetically Modified Foods. Some people may believe my observations to be ludicrous, but I think there could be a connection with genetic engineering and the majority of unknown side effects and sicknesses that are discovered each day; but without hard evidence how can I, or anyone else, prove it? This is where the FDA's sole responsibility of mandatory labeling should be taking place, but as Dr. The safety of this process is literally impossible to monitor. Marion Nestle the reactions from this particular allergen can range from itching and upset stomach to death (Brazil 14). " Consumers' Research Magazine 83 June 2000: 6. Another incident took place after intestinal problems developed with rats that ate genetically modified potatoes, scientist Arapad Pusztai stated he refused to eat modified foods and that it was "very, very unfair to use our fellow citizens as guinea pigs" (Health Risks 1181).
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Acceptance Essays
