There is a lot of concern today about genetically-modified foods and for good reason – no one really knows how safe they are!
Genetically-modified foods are the result of manipulating of the DNA of an organism. Some people assert that the environment has manipulated DNA for years through mutation and natural selection, and by man for thousands of years through artificial selection.
However, the term “genetically modified” usually implies a more direct manipulation of DNA through modern-day biotechnology processes. This process of artificially transferring genes from one organism to another often involves crossing certain species that never would in nature…and some consider this potentially dangerous. Many refer to the result as “Frankenfood.”
One novel feature of this revolution in our food is that the food is owned. Not individual sacks of wheat or bushels of potatoes, but entire varieties of plants are now corporate products. In some cases, entire species are owned. The term monopoly takes on new power when one imagines a company owning major portions of our food supply — the one thing that every single person now and into the future will always need to buy.
Some argue that there are benefits to genetic engineering. Plants that are resistant to the effects of pesticides. Faster growing fish. But, how accurately can biotechnology firms predict what will happen when the newly-introduced genes begin to interact with existing ones? There appears to be a risk of unforeseen illnesses, allergens or weaknesses that could be created.
Who knows the possible side effects on humans or the environment that could result when genetically-modified organisms are introduced to existing ones? And… what about the fact that testing on laboratory animals may not be able to accurately simulate or predict what happens with a human or other animals? And…what about the fact that they are unable to predict long-term effects that could result from an altered chemical environment?
