Genetically altered (modified) foods are those agricultural produce and life stock whose Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) has been modified through scientific intervention. All living organisms have DNA. It is a nucleic acid, the building blocks that give the basic genetic instructions to living organisms how to develop and function.
There are several arguments in favor and against what is seen by many as the interference by science; altering the normal growth processes ingrained in all living organisms.
Many believe that the world with its ever increasing population is not in a position to feed the millions who face starvation, war due to scarce resources, sickness and diseases. Many argue that there will be fewer deaths due to famine, wars and the constant struggle for scarce resources as genetically altered foods gain wider acceptance due to their ability to produce greater harvest. There is merit in that argument however, what are the side effects of consuming these genetically modified foods.
There are those amongst us who believe that in the years to come we will see increased occurences of new forms of cancers and other sicknesses and diseases, due to our bodies reaction to these "unnatural, hybrid foods".
As the debate rages on, many large retailers have started to make these foods available to those who wish to buy them. In Europe, genetically altered foods must be clearly and unambiguously labelled so that consumers will be informed and be in a position to make decisions about the foods they eat and companies they support.
I guess, to the starving it is a God send; a new lease on life and hope for the future. To those of use who have the privilege of eating when we choose, its business and it makes us feel good when we help those less fortunate.
My research has not revealed any products in our supermarkets that have labels identifying them as being genetically altered. However, upon careful examination I have discovered that certain products like milk, cheeses, beef, fish and poultry to name a few, are from animals fed with Soya based feeds that have been genetically altered. These feeds are sold throughout the world and companies in Argentina and the United States account for upwards of fifty percent (50%) of their production.
A survey conducted by Friends of the Earth published on their website in 2006 revealed that most animal products sold in supermarkets in the United Kingdom are from animals that have been fed genetically altered feeds.
There are several arguments in favor and against what is seen by many as the interference by science; altering the normal growth processes ingrained in all living organisms.
Many believe that the world with its ever increasing population is not in a position to feed the millions who face starvation, war due to scarce resources, sickness and diseases. Many argue that there will be fewer deaths due to famine, wars and the constant struggle for scarce resources as genetically altered foods gain wider acceptance due to their ability to produce greater harvest. There is merit in that argument however, what are the side effects of consuming these genetically modified foods.
There are those amongst us who believe that in the years to come we will see increased occurences of new forms of cancers and other sicknesses and diseases, due to our bodies reaction to these "unnatural, hybrid foods".
As the debate rages on, many large retailers have started to make these foods available to those who wish to buy them. In Europe, genetically altered foods must be clearly and unambiguously labelled so that consumers will be informed and be in a position to make decisions about the foods they eat and companies they support.
I guess, to the starving it is a God send; a new lease on life and hope for the future. To those of use who have the privilege of eating when we choose, its business and it makes us feel good when we help those less fortunate.
My research has not revealed any products in our supermarkets that have labels identifying them as being genetically altered. However, upon careful examination I have discovered that certain products like milk, cheeses, beef, fish and poultry to name a few, are from animals fed with Soya based feeds that have been genetically altered. These feeds are sold throughout the world and companies in Argentina and the United States account for upwards of fifty percent (50%) of their production.
A survey conducted by Friends of the Earth published on their website in 2006 revealed that most animal products sold in supermarkets in the United Kingdom are from animals that have been fed genetically altered feeds.
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