Heath 1
Sarah Heath
Dr. Steven Faulkner
English 150
24 November 2014
Genetically Modified Foods
Genetically modified material are plants or animals that have been modified in order to
achieve some goal, such as maintain a longer shelf life or provide nutrients to humans and
animals. According to Doctor Kirpichnikov et al., there are several different ways that scientists
modify genes of fruit, vegetables, and animals, such as utilizing the methods of “synthesis of
genes, isolation of individual genes or hereditary structures from the cells…, and integration of
various genomes within a cell” (1). Genetically modified foods are generally accepted because
they have the potential to bring nutritional benefits to consumers and even meet some of the
basic food needs of society (Hossain et al. 353).
The genetic engineering of food can be linked back to the research of Darwin in the midnineteenth century (“A Brief History…” 1). In addition to Darwin’s research, the research of
genetically modified organisms has greatly increased in the past couple centuries with the
cloning of two sheep and the planting of genetically modified seeds worldwide (Woolsey 3).
Slowly but surely, genetically modified organisms are taking over grocery stores and it is nearly
impossible to find anything 100% natural. Overall, humans are positively accepting of
genetically modified foods because of the benefits, but people need to think about the
consequences of genetic engineering as well. Society needs to start taking the necessary steps to
rid grocery shelves of dangerous genetically modified foods in order to prevent future harm of
Heath 2
plants, animals, humans, and the future generations from the toxins of genetically engineered
material.
HISTORY OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS
The genetic engineering of food can be traced back to the mid-1800s. In 1859, The
Origin of the Species was published by Charles Darwin and explains information of breeding
which became the foundation of genetically modifying fruits and vegetables. Sixteen years later
in 1865, Gregor Mendel successfully experimented with the breeding of pees and contributed to
Darwin’s knowledge. Approximately fifty years later, scientist H. J. Muller proved that X-rays
could generate genetic mutation (“A Brief History…” 1).
Genetic engineering originated in the mid-1800s, but the history of genetically modified
food has sped up in more recent years. In 1994, the U.S. FDA, Food and Drug Administration,
approved the sale of a genetically modified tomato in grocery stores because natural tomatoes
have a shorter shelf life (Woolsey 2). Only two years after that, scientists announced the birth of
Dolly the sheep, the first genetically modified animal, and the cloning a Polly, a transgenic lamb.
Through the experiments, scientists discovered how to clone animals to create a new protein.
Scientists are trying to use the feedback from Dolly and Polly to clone other animals to use as
food for humans, but these animals contain toxins that are not safe for human consumption (“A
Brief History…” 3). By the end of the twentieth century, genetically engineered seeds had been
planted in approximately one million acres worldwide (Woolsey 3). Furthermore, from 1996 to
2014, scientists have estimated that genetically engineered seeds have been planted in 1.25
billion acres cumulatively (Barrows, Sexton, and Zilberman 100). By 2010, 42% of land in
twenty-nine different countries was dedicated to genetically engineered crops, such as soybean,
cotton, and corn (Barrows, Sexton, and Zilberman 101). Therefore, humans started adopting the
Heath 3
idea of genetically modified organisms at an astounding rate. In 2011, research in Quebec proved
that there are toxins from genetically modified food in the blood of pregnant women which is
being passed to their babies and therefore, could negatively affect the future generations
(Woolsey 3).
BENEFITS OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS
The genetic engineering of food has its benefits, which is the reason that it is being
greatly accepted worldwide. It has been proven to be faster to modify genes of plants and
animals as opposed to waiting for them to reproduce naturally (Barrows, Sexton, and Zilberman
105). Additionally, there are economic and health benefits to the genetic modification of foods. It
is cheaper to use genetically engineered material making it easier for the average person to afford
the products (Hossain et al. 355). In regards to the health benefits of genetically modified
organisms, scientists can modify genes in plants to give them certain vitamins and nutrients
(354).
First of all, it is much faster to modify plant genes in order to force them to reproduce.
Natural plant breeding is much slower and when they do reproduce, it is uncertain whether they
will make an edible plant or not. That could cause farmers to lose crops, farmable land, and
money. However, genetically modified seeds generally yield a higher crop production and
require less time and land (Barrows, Sexton, and Zilberman 105). Therefore, it can be argued
that genetically modified seed is helping farmers keep their jobs, while also helping other people
by keeping food on the grocery shelves.
Moreover, the products of genetically modified material are generally cheaper. There are
new varieties of grass that produces cheaper vegetables and fruit, and the grass requires less
mowing (Hossain et al. 354). The price of genetically modified corn is 13% less than natural
Heath 4
corn and cotton was estimated to have decreased in price by 18%. Additionally, the price of
soybean declined by approximately 65% since the use of genetic modification (Barrows, Sexton,
and Zilberman 106).
Furthermore, there are some modified foods that bring health benefits to the people that
consume them. For example, there are a couple varieties of rice recently developed that contains
nutritious grains and vitamin A. These types of rice are used to feed people in poor countries
who do not have an endless accessibility to nutritious food (Hossain et al. 354). Due to a study in
2001, scientists revealed that people are more likely to buy genetically modified food when there
are tangible benefits, like health or economic. They would overlook the consequences of
genetically modified material because of the benefits (364).
CONSEQUENCES OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS
There are several benefits to genetically modifying plants and animals, which is the
reason that so many people are being very accepting of this idea; however, it has its
consequences, too. One worry about genetically modified material is the spread of it to weeds
and to other farms, in general (Barrows, Sexton, and Zilberman 107). Another worry is how it
will affect humans and animals. Some genetically modified foods may have health benefits, but
studies have proven that other genetically modified organisms have a negative affect (“65 Health
Risks…” 1).
One major issue that farmers worry about is the spreading of genetically modified
material. Farmers that use genetically modified material are worried about the spread of the
material to weeds. If weeds contract the gene that makes crops grow more and last longer, then
the weeds will also grow more and last longer, which would cause problems for the farmers
(Barrows, Sexton, and Zilberman 107). According to Barrows, Sexton, and Zilberman, weeds are
Heath 5
building up a resistance to pesticides due to a gene in genetically modified seeds, glyphosate.
This is making it much easier for weeds to take over farmland and the water for other crops,
leaving no room for crops used for human consumption (108). Organic farmers are also worried
about the spread of genetically modified material. These farmers are extremely opposed to
genetic engineering. However, it is highly probable that the genetically engineered seed will
transfer from a neighboring farm. That will cause the organic farmer’s crops to be impure and it
will be difficult for him to sell (Barrows, Sexton, and Zilberman 107).
An alarming consequence of genetically modifying food is how it can affect plants,
animals, and humans. In recent studies, rats were fed different genetically modified foods so
scientists could observe the rats’ reactions. For example, rats that were fed genetically modified
potatoes ended up with damage in their internal organs, such as the brain, intestines, and liver. In
another study, rats were fed genetically modified tomatoes for an extended period of time. After
only two weeks of the study, almost 20% of the rats died and had to be replaced. This is very
worrisome to people because these are the same potatoes and tomatoes that Monsanto, an
agriculture company, is trying to get on the shelves of grocery stores for humans to eat (“65
Health Risks…” 1).
Genetically modified foods may hurt not only whoever directly ingests them, but it also
affects their offspring. There was a study where pregnant animals were fed Roundup Ready soy,
which is a genetically modified soy, while other pregnant animals were fed natural soy. There
were several different outcomes of these experiments and none of them were good. When the
rats were fed the genetically modified soy, about 56% of their offspring died in just three weeks;
whereas only 9% of the offspring of the rats fed natural soy died. Also, when the offspring of the
rats that were fed genetically modified soy were forced to mate, they could not have offspring
Heath 6
(“65 Health Risks…” 2). Feeding the rats not only affected those that directly consumed the
genetically modified food. It also increased mortality for their offspring and cause their offspring
the inability to conceive. This was not only true for rats, however, because this same experiment
was conducted on dogs. Scientists fed the same genetically modified soy to pregnant dogs to
observe the effects to their offspring. According to the scientists, the offspring of those fed
genetically modified soy were significantly smaller and more aggressive than the offspring of
those that were fed natural soy (2). These experiments proved that the harmful aspects of
genetically modified food have the potential to carry from mother to offspring. Therefore, if
humans ingest toxins from genetically modified food, they can carry onto the generations to
come.
DEATH BY GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS
Genetically modified materials have the potential to harm or even kill whoever ingests
them. People are eating and utilizing genetically modified food and other products without fully
realizing the problems that they can cause.
Humans are unknowingly eating animals that are fed genetically modified food, which
have the potential to harm those that ingest it. In a recent study, chickens were fed Liberty Link
corn, which is a genetically modified corn. The death rate for chickens after eating this corn
doubled from the death rate of the chickens which were fed natural corn. The chickens gained
body weight at an alarming rate, and therefore, farmers use that to breed chickens and sell them
faster. People are then eating those chickens and indirectly ingesting toxins from the genetically
modified corn (“65 Health Risks…” 3).
According to this satirical poem, “Genetically Modified Poem,” “If you’re eating
genetically modified food, I guess you’re genetically modified too” (Cureton 1). Cureton’s
Heath 7
poem, although seemingly silly, actually proves that people are eating genetically modified foods
without thinking of how that will affect them and those around them. Cureton also states that if
one asks about the risks of genetically modified foods, companies will lie (1). This has been
proven true in studies where the company in question tries to hide the evidence. For example, in
the aforementioned chicken experiment, the scientists were going to conduct another experiment;
however, before that was possible, the company in question, Liberty Link, dismissed the results
and would not allow a follow-up experiment (“65 Health Risks…” 3). Also, when the rats that
were fed Monsanto’s genetically modified corn and contracted multiple health problems, experts
demanded Monsanto run a follow-up experiment. However, with the use of contradictory
arguments and absolutely no scientific explanation, the concerns were dismissed (“65 Health
Risks…” 1). Companies that are producing genetically engineered materials are continuously
hurting innocent people, animals, and future generations, and then proceeding to lie to the public
about it.
Companies are also doing anything possible to sell their genetically modified materials.
In March of last year, President Barack Obama signed a bill regarding food and in that bill, the
“Monsanto Protection Act” is included. This act states that federal courts cannot ban or slow
down the sale of genetically modified no matter what the future health consequences are (Sheets
1). According to the article, several members of Congress were not even aware of the addition of
this act. Nonetheless, now it is much easier for companies to sell their genetically modified food
to unknowing customers without any interference from the government (1).
Heath 8
PREVENTION OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS
In order to stop the harm that genetically modified food could do to humans and the
future generations, preventative measures need to be placed on the source, the companies that are
allowing the production of genetically modified materials. Russia has already started with
preventative laws to protect its citizens. According to Kirpichnikov et al., “only GM products
that have been extensively studied, approved, and used without restrictions for food in other
countries for several years… can enter the Russian market” (28). The United States, on the other
hand, need to be more protective of their citizens from genetically modified foods. In the past 16
years, the United States approved the production and sale of more than one hundred genetically
modified crops. In Russia, on the other hand, only twenty-one crops were approved in the same
time frame (Kirpichnikov et al. 21). By avoiding the overuse of genetically modified food, it is
argued that the population of Russia has a healthier balance of other foods, such as proteins, fats,
and carbohydrates (Kirpichnikov et al. 324).
The USA is not as strict when it comes to registering the production and selling of food.
In order to prevent the harm from genetically modified foods, the United States needs to place
more laws in place regarding genetically modified materials. The USA confirms the derivative of
every food before each product is registered, but the government will accept any product
regardless of if it is genetically modified or not. Also, it is not always guaranteed that the
genetically modified products will be correctly labeled. In Europe, it is difficult for a genetically
modified product to be registered in the first place. Furthermore, if the product is accepted, it
must be labeled as a genetically modified product if there is any more than 1% genetically
modified organism per ingredient (Kirpichnikov 307). The United States should take such
precautions in order to slow down the sale of genetically modified products.
Heath 9
It is also possible to avoid genetically modified organisms individually. People can grow
their own fruits and vegetables in a personal garden to ensure that their food does not contain
harsh genetically modified materials. Additionally, people should avoid processed food and
commonly genetically engineered ingredients, such as canola, soy, cotton, and corn. People are
also telling their legislators that they support the correct labeling of their food and that they want
to know exactly what is in their food without all the lies from the companies (“10 Things…” 1).
If people want to rid the world of the harm of genetically modified foods, they need to take
matters into their own hands to protect the world and its inhabitants.
Heath 10
Works Cited
"A Brief History of Genetic Modification." GM Education. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2014.
Barrows, Geoffrey, Steven Sexton, and David Zilberman. “Agricultural Biotechnology: The
Promise and Prospects of Genetically Modified Crops.” Journal of Economic
Perspectives. American Economic Association, 2014. Web. 20 Nov. 2014.
Cureton, Katrina. "Genetically Modified Poem." Products and Poems. Blogger, 3 Jan. 2013.
Web. 20 Nov. 2014.
Hossain, Ferdaus, et al. “Product Attributes, Consumer Benefits and Public Approval of
Genetically Modified Foods.” International Journal of Consumer Studies. Blackwell
Publishing Limited, 2003. Web. 18 Nov. 2014.
Kirpichnikov, M.P., et al. Genetically Modified Food Sources. Amsterdam: Elsevier/Academic
Press, 2013. Science Direct. Web. 20 Nov. 2014.
Sheets, Connor A. "'Monsanto Protection Act': 5 Terrifying Things To Know About The HR 933
Provision." International Business Times. IBT Media Incorporated, 27 Mar. 2013. Web.
21 Nov. 2014.
Woolsey, GL. "GMO Timeline: A History of Genetically Modified Foods" Rosebud Magazine
Hydroponics Lifestyle Growing And Entertainment. Rosebud Magazine, 2012. Web. 19
Nov. 2014.
"10 Things You Can Do to Stop GMOs." GMO Free Oregon. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2014.
“65 Health Risks of GM Foods.” Institute for Responsible Technology. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov.
2014.