Genetically Engineered Foods: Process, Controversy and Environmental Concerns
Number of pages:
9
ABSTRACT:
This is a 9 page paper discussing genetic engineering in food. Genetic engineering (GE) or biotechnology in food involves the process of inserting genetic material into plant or animal breeds in the hopes to develop certain positive characteristics within that breed; characteristics which may have previously taken generations to propagate in the breed. In addition to accelerating the breeding of certain characteristics in plants and animals, GE also involves the introduction of new genetic material within breeds in the hopes for developing new characteristics in breeds. Genetic engineering in food mainly involves the processes of disease and pest resistance in addition to increasing yield. While GE in food may appear to be a positive step toward increasing food yield and decreasing loss of breeds to disease which perhaps could be extended to decreasing world hunger and increasing farmers’ productivity, the manufacturing of genetically engineered food has come under a great deal of controversy. One of the major areas of concern is the “release” of new crops into the environment which have not been tested and little is known of the long term effects of any of the GE crops. Another area of concern is that larger corporations retain the patents on the GE processes which does not allow for the introduction of these processes on a global basis. GE foods have become very expensive and their manufacturing is restricted to a relatively few large corporations and countries in which profit seems to have become the major incentive for the production of GE foods. Lastly, many of the same companies which produce GE pesticide resistant crops are the same companies which also produce pesticides bringing into question the motivation and type of development of GE foods.
Bibliography lists 6 sources.
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