A Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) is a life form. Whose genes are manipulated using non traditional breeding methods with genetic engineering. Commonly found in everyday foods, GMO products provide essential nutrients for a healthy and well balanced diet. The effects of these methods have a wide variety that range from growth hormones on livestock to longer shelf lives of food.
On the outside, it seems like an ingenious use of technology to increase the production and lasting effect of products, however there are serious risks that are looked past. It is evident that the American government must hold GMO farmers accountable for their potentially harmful methods of agriculture and increase legislature regarding the restrictions of such practices.
The regulation of GMOs will significantly contribute to declining critical health risks. According to Source A, “The National Academy of Science released a report that Genetically Modified (GM) products introduce new allergens, toxins, disruptive chemicals, soil-polluting ingredients, mutated species and unknown protein combinations into our bodies and into the whole environment.”
Due to the fact that it is easy for GM products to be misused, the detrimental effects of consuming said goods are often overlooked because they are mainly associated with how these genetically engineered crops facilitates food distribution; nevertheless, it does not change the fact that it is ultimately increasing exposure to contamination and diseases to the population that can cause a great deal of harm. Through governmental regulation of GMOs, such repercussions can be prevented throughout the United States while still being able to enjoy the upsides to GM goods.
Furthermore, the environmental damage perpetrated by GMOs can be significantly minimized through restrictions. Source B states that “environmentalists, consumer groups and 74 governments … believe that planting transgenic seed endangers biodiversity due to the volatility of pollen and the use of the plants as forage by wild animals” (Source B). Farmers who use these agricultural methods display reckless negligence in how they are creating these products, resulting in the jeopardization of the environment.
The toxicity disseminated by chemical pesticides and herbicides that are commonly used with GM products are harming organisms that play a substantial role in pollinating food crops, such as bees and butterflies (Source C). These organisms are endangered by the agricultural farming methods used as well as evidence presents that genetic changes in plants may produce major ecological shifts. This will ultimately affect biodiversity in a chain reaction that can easily be prevented with regulation and testing of genetically engineered crops.
There exists a convincing argument that the creation of GMOs is one of the most efficient uses of technology to ever benefit the food industry. One may take into consideration the findings from Source D which reports that “GM seed prices are lower and farmers’ benefit shares higher. For example, soybean farmers in Argentina or cotton farmers in China. And India capture over 70 percent of the overall GM technology benefits.
Consumers benefit, too, because new technologies tend to lower the price of food and other agricultural products” (Source D). This contributes to food security throughout the United States. Due to the fact that more products are made to be consumed by more people across the nation while selling it at an affordable price.
However, these points do not satisfactorily refute the conclusion that. It is substantial for action to be taken on regulation of these methods. There may be more food to distribute between people. Across the United States, however with all the risks and exposure to unknown chemicals, it provides more of a risk for diseases. (Source A). Ultimately, the
Taking everything into consideration, there have been many instances in society. And some which are still prevalent to this day in where action has been taken in order to improve food security. Food stamps and soup kitchens are just two of many demonstrations. While there are positive effects of GM goods in relation to providing more food to the general public. It is counterproductive because of all the dangers it brings alongside the benefits. Unless restrictions are made on the American government’s part, they will continue to be harmful to consume.
