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17 September 2018

Genetic Engineering Controversy

Genetic engineering is a modern technology, associated with genes, which focuses on the

alteration of living organism’s genetic mechanism. When genes from different organism are

combined, the organism produced as a resultant is called Genetically Modified, or

Genetically Engineered (Bawa and Anilakumar). The alteration of gene, in the form of

insertion of genes from one to another organism’s DNA, has been happening since long, in a

natural way. Cross-pollination of plants is an example. In many cases, this type of natural

engineering gives rise to biologically superior plants (Swaminathan). This genetic technology

has enabled us to clone animals, however, the FDA has not approved it, yet, to be used in

food supplies. Although genetic engineering comes with numerous benefits, such as better

biological properties and potential to eliminate food insecurity; there are certain threats, as

well, associated with this aspect of technology.

Genetically engineering in food supplies can solve the increasing issue of food

insecurity. For the past few years, the world population has been increasing at an exponential

rate; and, thereby, the food requirements are also growing (Somerville and Briscoe). To meet

the demands of the growing population, an upsurge in the food production is deemed

necessary, which is possible by two primary methods: increase area under cultivation or

increase production of the existing cultivatable area. Bringing more area under cultivation is

not a preferable approach since it requires more resources. Therefore, the only option, which
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is feasible, is to increase the productivity of the area that is already under cultivation. And,

that is where genetic engineering comes in (Somerville and Briscoe).

Genetically manipulated food is not only able to survive harsh conditions, which are

otherwise not suitable for growth, but also provide more quantities of production (AP).

Nearly all of the food crops have been genetically modified by our ancestors, thousands of

years ago, by using cross-breeding (BBC). For instance, papaya was genetically modified by

increasing its ring-spot resistance, to control the disaster that the virus was causing in Hawaii,

in the 1990s (Bawa and Anilakumar). Canola oil is the third most used oil, all over the world,

and it has been modified since 1997, to enhance its composition and its resistance towards

herbicides (Bawa and Anilakumar).

Genetically modified foods are useful in enhancing productivity and resistance to

incompetent conditions but there are certain risks associated with them as well. For instance,

many scholars argue that genetically engineered foods hold a negative impact on human

health (Frewer, Howard and Shepherd 117). It is believed that consuming genetically

engineered food causes complex diseases, which cannot be treated with antibiotics (Bawa and

Anilakumar).

Many other people perceive genetic engineering as unnatural methods of producing foods

(Frewer, Howard and Shepherd 119). Besides, many people tend to stay away from such

foods because they are not aware of the long-term health effects that these foods might hold

(Bawa and Anilakumar).

To sum up the discussion, genetic engineering has proved itself useful in controlling

certain diseases by modifying DNA. Besides, it is useful in enhancing food growth and its

resistance to unfavorable environments, but it comes with some risks to human health. Since

the technology is relatively new, the long-term effects are unknown, but many food scientists
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have denied such foods’ association with any health issues. The bottom-line is genetic

engineered foods can be beneficial, but they should be avoided until they have been

confirmed to be healthy.
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Works Cited

AP. "GM food generally safe for humans and the environment, report says." 18 May 2016.

The Guardian. Website. 18 September 2018.

Bawa, A. S. and K. R. Anilakumar. "Genetically modified foods: safety, risks and public

concerns—a review." Journal of Food Science and Technology (2013): 1035-1046.

Journal Article.

BBC. "Is opposition to genetically modified food irrational?" 3 June 2015. BBC News.

Website. 17 September 2018.

Frewer, Lynn J., Chaya Howard and Richard Shepherd. "Public Concerns in the United

Kingdom about General and Specific Applications of Genetic Engineering: Risk,

Benefit, and Ethics." Science, Technology, & Human Values (1997): 98-124. Journal

Article.

Somerville, Chris and John Briscoe. "Genetic Engineering and Water." Science (2001): 2217.

Journal Article.

Swaminathan, M. S. "Genetic engineering and food security: ecological and livelihood

issues." Agricultural biotechnology and the poor: Proceedings of an International

Conference. Ed. G. J. Persley and M. M. Lantin. Washington, DC, USA: Consultative

Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), 1999. 37-42. Document.

<http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.547.3742&rep=rep1&type

=pdf>.