GENETICALLY

MODIFIED FOOD

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Genetically Modified Food is Created By:

• Using biotechnology • Genes inserted into food sources• Altered DNA produces new proteins that lead

to new characteristics

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Reasons For Creating Genetically Modified Food:

• To produce chemical compounds such as vitamins and other nutrients that are not normally present to make for a more efficient source of nutrition

• To have a herbicide tolerance and insect resistance

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Issues Against Creating Genetically Modified Food:

• Tend to increase allergic reactions because of  allergens from one food can be transferred to another

• Crops can threaten centers of crop diversity because the varieties of seeds can become extinct

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Arguments FOR Labeling

• Consumers have a right to know what’s in their food• Will allow consumers to identify and not choose the food

products that cause them problems • For religious or cultural reasons, many Americans want

to avoid eating animal products• Food companies regularly reprint labels, so it would not

increase food-packaging costs.

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Arguments AGAINST Labeling• any individual allowed to sue family farmers and grocers without

any proof of harm, potentially costing courts, businesses and taxpayers millions.

• Farmers and food companies would be forced to switch to higher-priced, non-genetically modified organic ingredients, potentially increasing food cost for families by hundreds of dollars per year

• If a nutritional or allergenic difference were found, current FDA regulations require a label to that effect.

• Labeling to fulfill desires of some consumers would impose a cost on all consumers

• Consumers who want to buy non-Genetically modified food already have an option: to purchase certified organic foods

• Facilities could not currently accommodate the need for segregation of Genetically modified food and non-Genetically modified products.

Genetically Modified Foods should be labeled!

I believe that labeling should be mandatory because it presents many health and cultural issues. If products are not labeled, they can effect one’s health leading to bad results or upsetting one’s culture. The first reason for genetically modified foods being labeled is that allergens can be transferred to one food to another. If there is no label one will think that its safe to eat the food and end up with an allergic reaction. People should be able to know what is in their foods. The second reason is that if in one cultural or religion that can not eat one food, and it is in their genetically modified food, they will be going against what they are doing. They have a right to know what they’re eating for their purposes. The third reason is that food companies regularly reprint labels, so it would not increase food-packaging costs. It would not be that much of a big deal to add something in for our people. It is only fair if we know what we are eating. This should be treated equal like other foods are and be labeled. As said in the text book, “zero risk is probably unattainable”(240). It’s better to be safe than sorry in the end.

Bibliography • Taylor, Martha, Eric Simon, Jean Dickey, and Jane Reece. "Chapter 12

Gene Coloning."Biology Concepts and Connections. By Neil Campbell. San Fransisco: Pearson, 2009. N. pag. Print.

• "Labeling of Genetically Engineered Foods." Labeling of Genetically Engineered Foods. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2013.

• "Genetically Engineered Foods: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia." U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2013.

• "Debate and Policies on Labeling GM Foods." Debate and Policies on Labeling GM Foods. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2013.

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