Genetically Modified Food

The term Genetically Modified Foods (GMFs) are foods that have had their
DNA modified using genetic engineering techniques. Generally, GMFs comprises of
transgenic crops like soya bean, corn and canola. These plants have been modified in
labs to become insect and climate resistant or to produce certain desired nutrients. The
rapid growth of genetically modified food has resulted in both desirable and
undesirable effects on our environment. There is no doubt that genetically modified
foods has provided direct benefits to farming and agribusinesses there are still
controversies about the environment risk and ethical issues involved in the production
of genetically modified food. Valerie Jefferson (2006) describes about the moral issue
about developing GMFs in The Ethical Dilemma of Genetically Modified Food. On
the other hand, in Genetically Modified Foods and the Attack on Nature, Stuart A.
Newman (2009) discusses about how methods of genetically modified foods have
taken a toll on the environment. Although both writers differed in their views on the
side effects of GMFs, they have similar views in their opinions of the benefits of
GMFs.
Both writers agree that generically modified food has provided enhanced
biological qualities. Genetically modified foods grow faster and larger than nonGMFs and may be more resistant to pests and climate. According to Jefferson (2006),
genetic engineering has the ability to alter the genetic makeup of plants to produce
insect-resistant results (p. 33) Newman (2009) further complements this point by
stating that GM crops such as the B.t. corn is able to eliminate the use of chemical
pesticides as it contains a foreign gene whose protein product enables the crop to
resist damage by insect pests. Both Jefferson (2006) and Newman (2009) talk about
the application of an antifreeze gene from a cold-water fish can be inserted genetically
into plants or fruits such as a tomato so that it would be able to survive frost. With this

Name: Lim Wei Leong Mervin

ESL 407 Section: Q

Date: 3rd November 2011

Genetically Modified Food

gene transfer, these plants would be able to tolerate cold temperatures that normally
would kill unmodified seedlings. From both writers views, it can be seen that the
introduction of genetically modified food has brought many benefits to consumers.
Consumers are now able to enjoy foods which were previously dependent on seasons
or were unavailable in certain climatic conditions. Moreover, consumers would not be
exposed to the potential health hazards from the excessive use of pesticides.
Both writers have different views about the environmental issues caused by
the production of genetically modified foods. Jefferson (2006) expressed her views
that genetically modified food may lead to harmful effects on animals, humans and
the ecosystem (p. 33). She moves on to further state that these effects may be
irreversible as modifications made to an organisms genetic structure may cause
specific characteristics of certain cells to be lost (Jefferson, 2006, p. 33). The
accidental release of genetically engineered organisms may result in the upset of biointegrity of the environment. On the other hand, Newman focuses about the issue of
gene transfer to non-target species. The growth of superweeds is due to
crossbreeding of engineered crop plants with herbicide resistant gene and weeds
(Newman, 2009, p. 24). The superweeds would thus be herbicide tolerant as well and
would cause the famers time and money to remove them. The farmers have no choice
but to plow them out of the field manually, before they start to suffocate their crops.
Although both writers mentioned about the harmful effects to the environment caused
by GMFs, it can be seen that Jefferson has placed more emphasis on the threats
towards the ecosystem, whereas Newman centered on the production cost indirectly
caused by superweeds.
Both writers had different takes on the matters that genetically modified foods
have addressed. Jefferson (2006) mentions about how genetically modified food is
Name: Lim Wei Leong Mervin

ESL 407 Section: Q

Date: 3rd November 2011

Genetically Modified Food

seen as a universal remedy for stopping the hunger problem in many developing parts
of the world. Genetic engineering is able to create plants with similar desired traits
rapidly and accurately. With such technological advancement and increasing world
population, Jefferson (2006) feels that there is no better way to keep up with the
agricultural demands except for embracing genetically modified food. On the
contrary, Newmans standpoint was towards the financial incentives that have been
generated due to the introduction of genetically modified foods. Besides being
resistant to herbicides and insect damage, GM crops have also increased
transportability and shelf life (Newman, 2009, p.23). This shows that much emphasis
on the economic aspects of the production of GMFs has been placed. Newman (2006)
feels that the reason for introducing genetically engineered plant varieties is branding
and patenting. As agribusinesses would want to ensure a profitable return on their
investment, patenting would cause a price increase in the seeds. Perhaps, Jeffersons
views on the issue by may a result of her work nature in the field of the environment.
Despite the fact that the goals have been fulfilled, they are of different directions, one
of the global perspective and the other on the economic aspect.
The different perspectives taken on the issue of genetically modified food have
resulted in varying opinions. Even though there are certain negative effects that are
brought about by genetic engineering, both Jefferson and Newman agrees on the fact
that genetically modified foods have the potential to increase yield. With the
advancement of technology, genetic engineering has brought great benefits. However,
there are many factors to be taken into consideration such as the harm to human
health and damage to environment, as a result of embracing this powerful technology.

Name: Lim Wei Leong Mervin

ESL 407 Section: Q

Date: 3rd November 2011

Genetically Modified Food

References
Jefferson, V. (2006). The Ethical Dilemma of Genetically Modified Food, Journal Of
Environmental Health, 69(1), 33-34. Retrieved from
http://search.ebscohost.com.gate.lib.buffalo.edu/login.aspx?
direct=true&db=f5h&AN=21646210&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Newman, S. (2009), Genetically Modified Foods and the Attack on Nature,
Capitalism Nature Socialism, 20(2), 23-31. Retrieved from
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10455750902940609

Name: Lim Wei Leong Mervin

ESL 407 Section: Q

Date: 3rd November 2011