Index Outline Essay on Genetically Modified Foods Introduction Risks Associated with GMOs Benefits of GMOs Debate on Labeling of GMOs Conclusion Example Essay on Genetically Modified Foods Outline Essay on Genetically Modified Foods Introduction Overview of Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs) The claim that GMOs have not been sufficiently tested and pose health risks. Risks associated with GMOs Health risks and potential allergens Environmental impacts, including effects on biodiversity Genetic modifications affecting humans Benefits of GMOs Increased crop yields Potential to address food security and malnutrition in third world countries GMOs enriched in nutrients such as golden rice Debate on GMO labeling Arguments for and against mandatory labeling of GMOs Comparison with labeling practices in other countries Consumer opinions and right to exist informedConclusionSummary of risks and benefits of GMOsEmphasis on the need for further research and regulations, as well as informed consumer choices through labeling. Sample Essay on Genetically Modified Foods Genetically modified foods are the latest innovation that promises to bring with it many benefits with little to no risks. However, this is far from the truth as GMO foods have been “thrown out the door” with insufficient testing and research. This mistake will have a cost in terms of health for citizens. GMO foods also negatively affect the biodiversity of the ecosystem in which they are planted. Furthermore, there is no mandatory label for GMO foods, so the consumer has no idea what he is buying at the supermarket. GMO foods are currently in an experimental phase and any living organisms that are affected will suffer the side effects of GMOs. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been a scientific discovery that appears to provide solutions to some of the world's problems; however, the risks that GMOs pose far outweigh the benefits they offer. GMOs were created to reduce costs for the farmer, making his work easier. This in turn would benefit the customer by allowing the farmer to offer them lower prices. However, the risks posed by these genetically modified foods pose a great danger to the health of society. This danger is not worth the possible benefits that GMOs possess. GMOs need to be more strictly regulated to prevent the consequences caused by genetic modification. The consumer may pay less for GMO foods; however, they will still pay the difference in their medical bills. The advantage offered by genetically modified organisms is a reduced cost of growing GMO foods compared to organic foods. GMO foods have been shown to produce higher yields per acre than non-GMO foods. As Mark Lynas and Claire Robinson stated, “yields are critical to food security.” Food safety is not currently a major issue in the United States; however, in third world countries it can be the leading cause of death. GMO foods can represent a solution to combat the food crisis in these countries. In an article by Renton Righelato he hesitates on his experiences, “farmers have been able to purchase more food – and food of greater nutritional value – for their families.” GMO foods may containadditional nutrients to provide more than organic foods can offer. A great example of this is Golden Rice, which provides vitamin A, a nutrient that regular rice doesn't offer. Vitamin A deficiency, “every year blinds up to 500,000 children worldwide and kills half of them” (Righelato) This problem seems non-existent for Americans who have access to foods that provide all the necessary nutrients. Yet this problem is prevalent in these third world countries. These countries are currently in desperate need of food that can meet all their nutritional needs, that can be stored for long periods of time and that is not too expensive to produce. GMO foods provide a solution to all these problems. They can be genetically engineered to contain many vitamins, GMO foods can have a longer shelf life, and these foods require less labor to produce. While GMOs present many benefits to the world, they also pose dangerous risks. The risks from GMOs can be fatal and life-changing depending on how much the food has been modified. An article written by Grethe S. Foss and Sissel Rogne states: “In fact, in the 1990s, a Brazil nut allergen was inadvertently transferred into GMO soy.” This mistake can lead to fatalities that would never have happened if GMO soy had not been created. Imagine the surprise of someone who has an allergic reaction to soy because a gene from a nut was mistakenly inserted into GMO soy. These GMO crops also impact the environment in which they are planted. In an article by Walden Bell we read: “Bt corn was found to destroy monarch butterfly larvae.” This raises concerns for other plant and animal life that may be in danger due to these genetically modified foods affecting the surrounding biological system. These GMO foods also possess the ability to modify human genes. The old anecdote “you are what you eat” has become true with GMO foods.” The Bt toxin used in GMO corn, for example, was recently detected in the blood of pregnant women and their babies” (Bell). These genetic changes pose a danger to the general public as these changes can cause birth defects and miscarriages. An expectant mother could lose her child due to a complication caused by a chemical found in genetically modified foods. In addition to GMO foods causing genetic defects, these foods may also contain cancer-causing chemicals. An example of this is presented in a Tufts University newsletter which states: "Idaho-based JR Simplot Co. has received USDA regulatory approval for a genetically modified potato that produces less acrylamide when fried" . Acrylamide is a chemical found in GMO potatoes that is linked to an increased risk of cancer. Even though this company is taking steps to reduce the risks of GMO foods, it is clear that GMOs are not ready to be produced commercially. Genetically modified foods pose too many risks to be considered safe for human consumption. GMOs have been in development for many years now and have only recently been criticized for potential risks. These genetically modified foods represent solutions to the food crisis and nutritional deficit that third world countries are facing. The risks of these GMOs would leave these countries in a worse condition than they were in previously. They would solve their food problems; however, they would face a problem of allergens, defectscongenital and genetic disorders. GMOs need a few more decades of research and testing to eliminate most of the risks associated with them. Then these GMOs could help third world countries that desperately need genetically modified food to survive and thrive. In addition to these countries being affected health-wise by GMOs, their biodiversity may be at risk due to the introduction of GMOs into their ecosystems. Genetically modified organisms represent a scientific advance in agriculture that involves changing the genetic composition of plants and animals for the benefit of humans. However, these alterations affect the ecosystem around the plant or animal that has been modified. GMOs are mainly applied in agriculture to create more efficient crops. Therefore, the crops are stronger and produce more harvest, but this stronger plant has a negative effect on surrounding plants. These genetic modifications also pose a danger to any animal or human who consumes the GMO. Finally, these GMOs pose a danger to the natural genetic makeup, exposing humans to the risk of genetic abnormalities in themselves and their children. GMOs influence the biological system present in a sort of "butterfly effect". The effect that GMOs have on the surrounding agriculture is evident as today's agricultural techniques are much more sophisticated than in the past. For example, the well-known chemical Round-Up is used in the United States as a primary source of herbicide. The active ingredient in this chemical is glyphosate, which prevents plants from synthesizing the essential acids they need. Then the plant dies shortly after. In an interview with genetic engineer Thierry Vrain he states: “A handful of major crops are now resistant to glyphosate” (Kincaid). These crops are able to resist glyphosate treatment and not wilt. This, however, creates a separation between plants that are “Roundup ready” and those that are not. For example, a common problem among farmers is that genetically modified foreign seeds find their way into their crop and plant themselves, eventually infecting the crop over time. Organic farmers often encounter this problem as GMO seeds are constantly carried by the wind onto their land and ruin their organic crop. “There are well-documented cases with papaya in Hawaii, corn in Mexico, canola more recently in North Dakota, and creeping bentgrass, which pollinated grass 13 miles away in Oregon” (Crossfield). One might think that the seeds have a mind of their own considering the distance they can travel to pollinate. Organic farmers are fighting to keep GMO seeds away from their crops and some have given up the fight and bought GMO seeds to plant. For an organic farmer the struggle to stay organic it is not worth the cost or effort. The effect that GMOs have on agriculture also has an effect on insects and mammals since insects and animals are constantly eating plants For example, scientists are trying to genetically modify animals to produce more milk, grow faster on less feed, or be born without unnecessary traits. Some farmers are willing to create different versions of cows for their convenience. An article on the creation of hornless cows states: “Cows modified to be hornless would not have the DNA of a different species, but only of a different breed of cattle” (Regalado 13). This new genetically modified cow would not be able to grow horns. By genetically modifying aanimal, these breeders are creating an unnatural mutation that borders on animal abuse, as this type of genetic mutation could only very rarely occur naturally. Genetically modifying an animal does not only affect the animal itself since cows, pigs, etc. they are eaten daily by humans around the world. Some unknown toxins that are not present in a GMO animal can appear in a human once they consume it. An article on genetic alteration states: “Genetically altering an animal could affect the microorganisms living on or in that animal, making them more dangerous to that species or to other species, including humans” (“DOC : Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)." This tinkering with an animal's genetic makeup produces a butterfly effect in all that consume the animal's products. A good example of this is the growth hormone that is injected into cows to make them produce more milk. This hormone has a negative effect on humans who drink cow milk. That's why organic milk has gained popularity over the years. Even though it costs more than regular milk, it's worth it consumer those who consume it, but it can also change the genetic composition of the organisms that interact with it. Since a GMO has undergone an alteration in its genetic composition, the same organism can alter other organisms, if consumed, in adverse ways. An example of this is shown in an article by John Grogan and Cheryl Long. It is claimed that “milk produced from cows injected with Monsanto's controversial genetically engineered bovine growth hormone contains higher levels of a growth factor that may be linked to an increased risk of both breast and spinal cancer. gastrointestinal tract in humans” (45). The change introduced in these cows is also transferred to their milk and humans are affected, as shown in the article. We already have enough worries when it comes to carcinogenic chemicals, we don't have to worry about what milk we buy at the supermarket. Another example of the effect GMOs have on the genetic makeup of humans is shown in an article by Better Nutrition. It states: “there are serious health risks associated with the consumption of GM foods, including infertility, immune system problems, accelerated aging, disruption of insulin and cholesterol regulation, gastrointestinal problems, and organ damage” (Smith 46 ). Now mankind will no longer be able to reproduce because GMOs are affecting its reproductive system. GMOs are infecting the public's genetic makeup and causing health problems that may not be so noticeable right now, but will pay the consequences later. Whether it be not possessing the ability to have children, dying prematurely from cancer, or dying of a heart attack at age 20 due to failure to regulate cholesterol. GMOs affect much more than just the plant or animal that is modified. This is evident from the struggle of organic farmers to maintain an organic farm. Since GMO plants are literally around all of them and will infect their organic crops if given the chance. GMOs also affect animals that are injected with these hormones. This is demonstrated in cattle that have been injected with growth hormones to grow faster and produce more products for the farmer. The most important thing is that GMOs affect the genetic composition of society when we consume any genetically modified product and these genes will not end with us. These..