Example Of Consumption Of Genetically Modified Organisms Argumentative Essay

Genetically engineered organisms are organisms whose genetic material has been genetically altered to produce desired traits. GMOs can either be animals, plants or foods. Genetic engineering has been a topic of rebuttal for a long time, with some people supporting it while others are opposing it. There are concerns over the use and consumption of genetically modified food/organisms (GMO’s) because of their potential hazards. I am against the use and consumption of genetically modified food/organisms. Fist, GMOs pose a health risk to the human health, secondly, GMOs are a threat to our ecosystem, and lastly because their economic concerns (Qaim 680). Therefore, the use and consumption of GMOs should be limited and at the very least have all GM foods labeled.
GM foods are unsafe for human use. They pose a serious risk to the human health. GMOs are toxic, and this makes them harmful to the human body (Smith102). A good example is the life-threatening allergies to peanuts and other GM foods by children in the US (Ruse 24). Therefore, if a new gene is introduced into a plant or an animal, there is a possibility of creating an allergic reaction from vulnerable people, like the children. In addition, the introduction of new genes into animals and food plants have unknown and adverse effects on the human health and our animals. GMOs pose a threat to our ecosystem. For instance, genes from the GMOs can be passed to unexpected places creating undesired outcomes. In GM plants, herbicide-resistant genes can be passed into weeds, thus creating dangerous weeds that will become a threat to our crops and out environment (Frewe149). Before GM foods are brought to the market, they involve a costly and lengthy procedure. Therefore, it is difficult for third world countries to afford this technology because of the cost (Freedman 78). Hence, due to these concerns, the use of GMOs should be reconsidered.
In conclusion, the war against GMOs is not near to an end. While there are many reasons in favor and against the use of GMOs, it is important to consider the dangers that accompany this technology. The use and consumption of GMOs can be hazardous to the environment and the human health. In addition, it poses economic threats to the farmers and developing countries. Therefore, before this technology is embraced, there is a need for further research in order to determine its safety in addition to labeling all GM foods to let the public know.

Works Cited

Smith, Jeffrey M. Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods. Fairfield, IA: Yes! Books, 2007. Print.
Qaim, Matin. "The Economics of Genetically Modified Crops." Annu. Rev. Resour. Econ. 1.1 (2009): 665-694. Print.
Frewer, Lynn J., et al. "Public Perceptions of Agri-Food Applications of Genetic Modification–A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Trends in Food Science & Technology 30.2 (2013): 142-152.
Freedman, Jeri. Everything You Need To Know About Genetically Modified Foods. The Rosen Publishing Group, 2002.
Ruse, Michael. Genetically Modified Foods: Debating Biotechnology. Prometheus Books, 2002. Print.