Research the issue of genetically modified foods, and then write a persuasive essay to be read by your peers in which you argue either for or against their use. Support your position with evidence.
The issue of genetically modified (GM) foods is among the most controversial things in the modern world. GM foods are grown by manipulating the genes of organisms using biotechnology processes. The purpose of this alteration is to give plants positive attributes like pest resistance, improved nutritional value, better taste, or storage qualities.
Debates on GM Foods
Proponents of GM foods believe that they come with many benefits. GM foods promote food security through enhanced food production and resistance to diseases and pests. People can now grow corn that protects itself from pests without utilizing harmful pesticides.
Furthermore, GM plants are modified in a way that they resist unfavorable climatic conditions. This characteristic makes it possible to save lives in areas with extended periods of drought or extremely cold weather.
Why do people fear GM food even though studies say it is safe for consumption? Despite the benefits, GM foods pose health and environmental risks. GMO opponents posit that these products have long-term effects on human health. They suggest that these food materials could cause allergies, cancer, and other health conditions. However, they don’t have enough evidence and explanations to prove whether these foods are carcinogenic. Besides, environmentalists feel that biodiversity loss can occur when genes are transferred between GM crops and wild plants.
Food Regulations
Countries use varying measures to regulate GM foods. Nations like Canada, the United States, and some parts of Africa allow people to cultivate GM food crops. Members of the European Union use stringent laws to control the growth and use of these plants. Due to continuous research and technological advancement, the conversations surrounding GM keep evolving. As a result, we need to conduct rigorous scientific studies and inform public discourse to clear doubts and give people factual information.
Read About the regulation of GMO foods in the USA
Essay: Argument against the Use of Genetically Modified Foods
While GM foods are likely to foster food security and bring other benefits, I will argue against their use. This is because these food materials are associated with potential health risks, social-economic implications, and environmental challenges.
Firstly, it is necessary to state that the potential harms of GM foods on human health are still debatable. Some researchers point out that they are safe for human usage, while others suggest they can have side effects such as allergies and chronic health issues. However, we still need adequate studies to gather more information and fully assess whether it is safe or unsafe to consume GM foods over generations.
GM crops have a negative impact on the environment. Gene transfer to non-GM plants is likely to occur and contribute to the development of herbicide-resistant weeds. Hence, companies would be forced to create more lethal chemicals to curb super-weeds, posing more harm to the ecosystems. If these toxic herbicides are applied to crops, they may reduce the population of animals and plants in the environment. Humans could be potentially exposed to the residue of these substances through the intake of chemically grown foods. Therefore, the dominance of GM crops is associated with biodiversity loss and other unforeseen ecological consequences.
GM foods can worsen social-economic inequalities. Since big biotech firms own the patents on GM seeds, they can trigger a monopoly, creating disparities between large-scale and smallholder farmers. Due to the high prices of agricultural inputs, debt and expenses will keep growing, making these people financially unstable.
Concluding Remarks
In conclusion, although GM foods have some benefits, the risks and unknown factors involved in their consumption cannot be overlooked.
We should meticulously undertake rigorous scientific research and examine ethical considerations before embracing GM foods on an international level.
As there are reasons to worry about these food materials, the FDA must examine the safety of all GMOs before they are introduced into the consumption market.
