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Opinions of GMO
There is obviously a lot of controversy surrounding genetically modified food. Curious as to some of your opinions! I really hadn't studied much up on it, and came across an article which mentioned it. My nutrition professor is very lovely, but it is really had to pull definite answers out of her, she doesn't seem to want to take a stand on certain things and offend people.
The article:
The Promise of Biotechnology
Biotechnology involves the use of living things- plants, animals, microbes- to manufacture new products. Biotechnology in agriculture has led to the development of crops that supply higher yields, resist pests, or are tolerant of drought conditions. By increasing food production or modifying the nutritional content of foods, biotechnology offers another way of alleviating the world food crisis.
Genetic Modification methods, such as genetic engineering, involve scientific methods that alter an animal or plant's hereditary material (genes or DNA). For example, genes that produce a desirable trait are transferred from one organism into the DNA of a second organism, altering it's genes. Most of the soybeans and about 40% of the corn grown in the United States are from seeds that were genetically modified. Although these genetically modified organisms, or GMOs are used for feeding livestock, many processed foods manufactured for human consumption also contain ingredients from GMOs.
According to Dr. J. Craig Venter, geneticist and founder of the Institute for Genomic Research, the safety of genetically engineered crops destined for human consumption has been tested extensively. In 2004, a committee of scientists with the National Research Council reported that there was no documented evidence that genetic engineering resulted in human health problems. Some scientists, however, have raised concerns that GMOs introduce new proteins into the food chain, creating the potential for environmental harm. Moreover, certain people who consume foods that contain the new proteins might experience unexpected side effects, such as allergic responses, as a result. Despite these concerns, experts at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) think currently approved varities of genetically engineered foods are safe for human consumption. Nevertheless, more research is needed to determine the long-term safety of GMOs.
In the near future, farmers may find it difficult to sustain a high degree of agricultural productivity as crops and livestock reach their maximum capacity to produce food, particularly as water for irrigation becomes scarce and farmland is used for other purposes, such as housing for the ever-expanding population. Biotechnological advances in agriculture may help reduce the prevalence of undernutrition by increasing livestock production and crop yields in many parts of the world.
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Comment by Julie Dillon on August 24, 2012 at 5:33am -
I signed the petition that now requires GMO foods to be labelled. The rest is up to the consumer. I think we have a right to know what is in the foods we eat, weither we agree with the theories or not. I personally believe it alters DNA. Thanks for spreading the word
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Comment by Lauren Woods on August 24, 2012 at 5:40am -
I agree, the consumer should always be aware of what they are eating. That information should never be hidden. No problem; I just want to try and balance my perception of them by getting other people's opinions, so thank you! This is the only article I've read regarding GMO, will look up some more schtuff.
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Comment by MaryAnne R on August 24, 2012 at 8:51am -
I also signed the petition. As a vegan I do not want fish genes in tomatoes . I want to know everything that goes into my body. I read recently that Organic Certification does not require GMO testing. I find this disturbing.
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Comment by Infinite Skeptic on October 25, 2012 at 12:08am -
Hello,
Just came across this. Thought I'd add my two cents.
To say that GMOs are a controversial topic is an understatement. But I think we should exercise caution in the tendency to label anything that is "modified" as bad.
Were it not for the scientific method, so much of what we know about the environment, nutrition, and animal consciousness would be lost. If GMOs can improve crop production and possibly nutritional value, without causing harm, than I'm certainly for it. Unfortunately, I don't think such a thing is possible so long as the motivation behind biotechnology is profit driven. When we recognize the needs that can be filled by this technology--and only address those needs--I think science can prove to be helpful in all the ways it has throughout our civilization.By all means, food should be labeled as genetically modified if it is. People have a right to know where there food comes from and how it is made.
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Comment by Lauren Woods on October 26, 2012 at 11:17am
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Thank you for your reply! Very insightful.
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Comment by eMCee eNVee on November 8, 2012 at 12:56pm -
Mmmm, tasty agrobacterium.
It's tricky though because there is a lot of potential there, it's just freaky how much power and how little accountability many of these companies have. Of course, they're also greedy and secretive as can be, so that always helps. Plus, it's a bit crazy to think we'll need such herbicide-resistant plants and pigs that produce omega-3 to feed everyone instead of just living responsibly, especially since the environmental and animal toll is going to most likely increase (if what has already occured is any indication). So, we'll just have to wait and see, hopefully all the crops don't get damaged by invasive genes that make them unable to grow without soil destroying chemicals. We'll see.
In the meantime, check out the label it yourself campaign. I don't know if I'll be doing this, but it's a neat idea.
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Comment by Lauren Woods on November 8, 2012 at 2:53pm
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Very true. The great point you make is that they are so secretive about it. I see meme's flying all over the web with slogans such as, "Monsanto, if you're so proud of your product, why not label it?" Which is true. That proposition in California failed I think, which would force GMO to be labeled in that state. Why people voted against their right to know, idk... seems like a right everyone would want for themselves! They said the company cast around a huge chunk of change to confuse the voters, and it's very suspicious.
Also true, instead of modifying our own behavior to protect the world, of course people invest rather in a way to change the world to protect themselves- and I will definitely check that out!
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