S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have determined that some genetically modified corn products have the potential of producing allergic reactions in humans (Barrett 2002)
History of Genetically Modified Foods Farmers have crossbred plants and animals for centuries in an effort to promote desirable characteristics in succeeding generations, but the application of scientific approaches involving genetic modifications are much more recent. The science has improved to the point where inter- and intra-species manipulation of genetic material can be used to create desired product characteristics such as resistance to specific diseases, tolerance to agricultural chemicals or enhanced nutritional profiles (Brady and Brady 2003)
As to the first commercially grown genetically modified food crop, Chapman reports that this was a tomato that was developed by California company in the 1990s called the FlavrSavr. The FlavrSavr was genetically modified in order to provide the crop with a longer shelf life and retard ripening during transportation (Chapman 2006:1)
Advocates of genetically modified foods maintain that the use of these technologies can help produce food products that have a superior appearance and taste, remain fresher longer, and contain more nutrients than their unaltered counterparts (Brady and Brady 2003). Although there are some concerns that genetically modified foods crops hold the potential to harm the environment in some ways (some of which remain strictly conjectural), proponents of the technology emphasize that these techniques can actually benefit the environment because they reduce the needs for harmful pesticides and require less chemical fertilizers (Jefferson 2006)
As a result, genetic pollution of natural crop varieties and of wild plant relatives may occur. Unlike other forms of pollution, genetic pollution is uncontrollable, irreversible, and permanent, posing a major threat to biodiversity and to the bio-integrity of the entire life community" (Fox 1999:37)
2008:335). Food processors that use genetically modified food in their products object to the mandatory labeling requirements called for by some consumer advocacy groups because this requirement would serve as an indicator that suggested that there "is something inferior about genetically modified foods relative to non-genetically modified foods" (Lusk and Rozan 2008:271)
Based on their consumer survey study in this area, Radas and her associates determined that consumers in the United States differ in their preferences concerning genetically modified labeling policy. These authors report that, "Unexpectedly, consumers with less-defined views desire mandatory labeling of the most stringent type, while consumers with stronger viewpoints (either pro- or con-genetically modified) are more relaxed in their labeling requirements" (Radas et al
The food the world eats, from meat to grains, fruits, and vegetables, is all going to eventually become GM food. This food can be made to be resistant to all kinds of pests and predators, which can mean less waste (Anderson, 1998)
These are significant issues to consider, since they all work in tandem when it comes to whether genetically modified foods will be accepted and used or whether they will be avoided by the majority of consumers. When consumers avoid them, they will not sell and the growers of them will not make money (Border & Norton, 1998)
This is important to consider and address, because changes have to be made to the food supply in order for it to be realistically sustainable well into the future as the population keeps growing. Murnaghan (2012a) addressed the true economic impact of genetically modified foods, and also explored the corporate power that genetically modified foods brought out (Murnaghan, 2012b)
This is important to consider and address, because changes have to be made to the food supply in order for it to be realistically sustainable well into the future as the population keeps growing. Murnaghan (2012a) addressed the true economic impact of genetically modified foods, and also explored the corporate power that genetically modified foods brought out (Murnaghan, 2012b)
Those who embrace genetically modified foods and/or do not see any risk to them realize only the benefits. They focus on how people are being helped because there is more food to eat, and how farmers are being helped because they have drought and disease resistant crops to grow (Schneider & Schneider, 2013)
In his treatise on moral philosophy, "Utilitarianism," Mill proposed the "greatest-happiness principle" a sort of pseudo-mathematical, economic equation to determine the desirability of a particular action. (Mill, 1863, p
In his treatise on moral philosophy, "Utilitarianism," Mill proposed the "greatest-happiness principle" a sort of pseudo-mathematical, economic equation to determine the desirability of a particular action. (Mill, 1863, p
But, as we have seen, this can only be a viable scenario if the genetically modified foods are not patented and run by monopolies. Other opponents of GM food argue that GM crops could harm the environment, with no large-scale test having been conducted on GM crops in the wild, and with the only such large-scale experiment being denounced by scientists, as being statistically untenable (Concar, 2003)
S. decision to send GM grain to their countries? Most African leaders have argued that the importing of GM grain would threaten their people's health, the environment of their countries, and their agricultural industries (Murphy, 2002)
The primary concern of many African countries, in particular Zambia and Zimbabwe, who held out to the last minute and didn't accept the GM grain until it was absolutely necessary, is that the grain would be used not only as food, but would also be seen as seed, and planted by farmers, leading to potential contamination of the native grain. Zambia, as reported by the BBC, decided in November 2002 to reject donations of GM grain, even though three million of it's people were said to be starving (Plaut, 2002)
S. Of using the UN to distribute it's domestic GM food surpluses, which otherwise would not find a market (Vidal, 2002)
A common method of treating weeds is the use of herbicide, but these are expensive, and also carry risks as herbicide sprays may also damage the primary crop (Amofa, 2014). The developments of GM crops have included increased resistance weeds, so they can compete more effectively, which has reduced the need for the use of herbicide sprays (Anonymous, 1999)
A common method of treating weeds is the use of herbicide, but these are expensive, and also carry risks as herbicide sprays may also damage the primary crop (Amofa, 2014). The developments of GM crops have included increased resistance weeds, so they can compete more effectively, which has reduced the need for the use of herbicide sprays (Anonymous, 1999)