Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are organisms whose genetic material has been manipulated in a lab by using modern biotechnology and genetic engineering. Genes are injected into the living organisms and become combinations of genetic material or crossbreeds. GMOs are, for the most part, recognized as unsafe for human consumption, and most developed countries have banned the production and sale of GMOs. However, the United States still allows GMOs to be produced, sold, and consumed because of certain studies done by people who have made a large profit off of GMOs.
Why Are Foods Altered?
Altering foods could serve as an advantage to either the producer or the consumer. Foods are altered in order to make crops more sustainable. Different genes can be added to different crops to make them resistant to herbicides, drought, and even diseases that could be carried through insects. These genetically modified crops also use fewer resources like fertilizer and water. To benefit consumers, genetically modified foods have a longer shelf life, taste better, cost less, and do not contain pesticides.
What Are Examples of GMOs and Why Were They Modified?
Papaya, corn, and milk are just a few examples of foods that Americans eat every day that have been genetically modified. Papayas were modified to protect them from the Papaya Ringspot virus, corn was modified to be herbicide resistant, and cows were given growth hormones in order to grow faster and produce more milk. Although these are just a few examples, many foods we eat today are genetically modified (unless they are labeled organic) and we do not even realize it.
What Are Some of the Ethical Issues Related to GMOs?
The biggest issue with GMO foods is the potential risk they pose to human health. GMOs could cause allergies, unwanted nutritional effects, create toxins, and encourage antibiotic resistance. These effects can be long term, which is why Americans are
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