The Issue Surrounding the Health Dangers of Genetically Modified Food

The Dangers of Genetically Modified Food

The argument for genetically modified food being legal has been going on for years now. Genetically modified food is essentially food being grown and produced using DNA modification. These modifications are made by transferring the genes of the food item into another organism. Unfortunately, this process leaves out important nutrients and minerals that are essential for growth. The food item can also pick up dangerous chemicals during the process; these chemicals can create diseases and cause malnutrition.

Malnutrition is the condition of not getting enough vitamins and minerals. Most think of malnutrition as a lack of eating. One can eat ten pounds of food a day, but if it doesn’t contain vitamins and minerals it is fundamentally worthless. Genetically modified food is not only nutritionless but also is expensive. While genetically modified food enhances the food’s flavor and texture, they contain harmful chemicals that put thousands in hospitals each year.

“The Exxon Oil Company first introduced micro-eating genetically enhanced organisms in 1988.

It wasn’t until 1983 that this idea started to be used to create food. The Monsanto company currently creates this food and sells it to thousands of companies to make it their own. A plant that has been genetically modified is called “transgenic”. In 2002 The Monsanto company officially created their company” (Monsanto Corporation). The company originally came out of a family owned pharmacal industry that sold over the counter medicine. The company has recognized themselves as a biotechnological research association. In 2001 the company introduced genetically enhanced corn.

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In 2005 they reached the point of planting overall one billion acres worth of genetically enhanced plants. One employee that works at Monsanto stated their purpose here, “Despite the PR, Monsanto’s goal is not to make hunger history. It’s to control the staple crops that feed the world” (Robbins). Many Americans think that genetically modified food isn’t safe to eat, there are many points proving that it is safe. One of their points is that with genetic enhancements, the food item can last longer than regular foods. Plants and crops have been tested thoroughly for any chemicals or issues that could cause damage to one’s body. The Monsanto corporation assures that here, “… there is, as of today, no scientific evidence associating GMOs with higher risks for the environment or for food and feed safety than conventional plants”(“Genetically Modified Foods Are Safe to Eat.”). These food items also have chemicals in them so that bugs and insects can’t eat it. While the chemicals in the food item do repel bugs, are they healthy? If consumers do not want GMO food items, they can specifically find organic items in stores. GMO food items taste better than regular food items and have a more consistent texture.

The issue here with the facts above is that they’re overlooking a main fact. The huge issue that results in deaths isn’t the fact there are parasites in them that carry diseases, it’s the fact that they have a lack of nutrition. Approximately 195 million kids suffer from malnutrition; that means around 13 of deaths to children under five are a result of malnutrition (UNICEF Corporation). When kids suffer from malnutrition, a simple common cold can lead to their death. Children need the 6 nutrients which are not found in enhanced food: carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, fats, minerals, and water. One can get these nutrients a variety of way. Drinking water is one way to obtain a nutrient; another way is to be active in the sun. One can get certain vitamins when active in the sunlight. The rest of the nutrients , however, are only obtained through natural food items. Animal genetics are also used to create genetically modified food. Some food items are made by taking genetic genotypes from different animals and are copied to create food.

One of the more subtle facts about enhanced food is the price it costs to produce the food. “To discover or instate a new genetically modified food item can cost upwards of 138 million dollars” (Robbins). Genetically modified food is not only bad for a person’s body, it’s bad for the economy as well. Although price is an issue, the bigger issue is the ingredients that are being used in the food items. One ingredient used in most of the food items is aspartame. The effects of consuming aspartame are dizziness, cancer, birth defects, headaches, depression, weight gain, a person can also develop attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as (ADHD). Other ingredients include corn syrup and starch. Genetic technology has never been foolproof. When it comes to created artificial genetically modified food, there can always be mistakes. If one DNA base in a DNA chain changes during mitosis, then it could cause a serious issue with the food. Genetics can be used to introduce dangerous and harmful chemicals into food that can kill many.

The American Academy of Environmental Medicine states here that the Monsanto company has been ignoring scientific studies for years, “Several animal studies indicate serious health risks associated with GM food, including infertility, immune problems, accelerated aging, insulin regulation, and changes in major organs and the gastrointestinal system…. There is more than a causal association between GM foods and adverse health effects. There is causation …..” Chemically enhanced food has been debated for years. Unfortunately, many have died from GMO food products since it was released. If only five percent of Americans step up to rebel against genetically modified food, we can shut it down for good. Since the beginning of time, humans have eaten healthy food not injected with chemicals. Help stop these scientists from getting rid of organic food. People can still stop them and change the future of the world from producing more GMO food items. Scientists claim this is the future. Both the pros and cons of this topic have been illustrated. There is no reason to help these scientists create more of this food by buying their products. Help support the economy and buy organic food. Although genetically modified food enhances the texture and flavor, thousands are put into hospitals each year due to the toxic chemicals.

Works Cited

1. Mercola, Joseph. “Genetically Modified Foods Are Not Safe to Eat.” Genetically Modified Food, edited by Tamara Thompson, Greenhaven Press, 2015. At Issue. Opposing Viewpoints in
2. Context, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/EJ3010259243/OVIC? u=roge51474&xid=b34ecfdb. Accessed 22 Feb. 2018. Originally published as “Former Pro
3. GMO Scientist Speaks Out on the Real Dangers of Genetically Modified Food,” http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/05/28/gmo-dangers.aspx, 28 May 2013.