Informative Speech: GMO Foods
Introduction: When I was doing my research, I came across GMO and wondered, “What does
that stand for? Giant mole octopus? Green mashed orange? Great mighty ostrich?” These all
sound very appealing and interesting, but the true meaning is genetically modified organisms.
According to a March 2011 article on Northwestern University’s educational website, Science in
Society, GMOs affect the economy, health, safety, and environment. To get a better
understanding of these genetically modified organisms that impact many aspects of our lives,
let’s find out more about what they are, who are supporters and opponents of them, and some
common GMOs.
Let’s begin with simply figuring out what they are.
I.
What are GMOs
A. Bioengineered, gene technology
1. DNA altered, doesn’t occur naturally
2. In that same article from NWU titled “Genetically Modified Food for Thought”,
Cigenesis with same organisms, and
3. Transgenisis with different organisms
B. Carry “better” traits
1. The WHO, World Health Organization (not the band) stated in its latest
publication in 2013 that GMOs can be altered to contain desired nutrients and
remove allergenic content of foods
2. SiS: Apply bacterium found in soil that creates resistance to diseases and
viruses caused by insects, and higher tolerance of pesticide/herbicide
You’re probably thinking “Why do I want to eat a Frankenstein food?” Well, let’s take a look at
some views that are for and against these freak foods.
II.
Supporters/Opponents
A. Views of supporters
1. Help put a stop to world hunger by creating nutrient enriched foods:
Globalization 101 last reviewed in 2013
2. Less environmental damage because of pest resistance therefore less use of
pesticides to damage crops and nearby water sources. Also resulting in high
yields, says the Science & Space division of TIME.
3. 7/9/13 Forbes: Mark Lynas, environmental activist, started anti-GM
movement in 1990s, didn’t believe his arguments against GMOs anymore,
recently realized technological benefit on the environment
B. Views of opponents
1. Europeans have been studying GMOs far longer than the U.S. and they are
strong opponents, with GMOs being banned and 71% of the E.U. “do not
want this kind of food” says the Electronic Journal of Biotechnology in April
2013.
2. KCET May 2012 article - Bayer, Kraft Foods, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Nestle,
General Mills, and Kellogg, working against the proposition for labeling
3. Many believe too little known on GMO effects
a. No long term and lifelong studies
b. Safety of humans isn’t fully understood.
But technology to create these unknown products advances every day. Still, we haven’t seen
any drastic effects. And for that reason we have plenty of GMOs to choose from.
III.
Common GMOs
A. Commercial crops
1. Corn, cotton, rice, tomato, potato, sugar beets, squash, animal feed and
seeds, such as some that are used to make canola oil. TIME 2013
B. Animals
1. Salmon, pigs, glowing fish, sheep, featherless chicken, dogs, camels, horses,
mice, monkeys, cows, rabbits, and donkeys.
Conclusion: Now I have a better understanding of what GMOs are, supporters and opponents
of them, and common GMOs. Come to think of it, one day there actually might be a great
mighty ostrich or a green mashed orange with all the modifications being made. You never
know.
Works Cited
Bonny, Sylvie. “Why are most Europeans opposed to GMOs? Factors explaining rejection in
France and Europe.” Electronic Journal of Biotechnology 6.1(2013) EBSCOhost. Web.
22 September 2013.
“Food Safety: 20 questions on genetically modified foods.” World Health Organization. World
Health Organization, 2013. Web. 22 September 2013.
“Highly Beneficial: Increased Yield and Hardiness.” Globalization 101. The Levin Institute-The
State University of New York, 2013. Web. 22 September 2013.
Perlut, Aaron. “Mark Lynas: From GMO Hater to Supporter.” Forbes. Forbes, 9 July 2013. Web.
22 September 2013.
Walsh, Bryan. “Modifying the Endless Debate Over Genetically Modified Crops.” TIME: Science
& Space. TIME, 14 May 2013. Web. 22 September 2013.
“Who’s Funding Prop 37, Labeling for Genetically Engineered Foods?” KCET. Community
Television of Southern California, August 2012. Web. 22 September 2013.
Vakana, Eliza. “Genetically Modified Food For Thought”. Science in Society. Northwestern
University, 22 March 2011. Web. 22 September 2013.