Four Facts Against Genetically Modified Foods and Organisms

In my hypothesis It was stated that Woolworths would contain the most genetically modified foods, however, that is incorrect. Woolworths contains the least genetic modification. These results were taken from the ingredients therefore there remains the possibility that Woolworths does not disclose the information (Whether it has been genetically modified or not). Based on the information I have collected I would feel most comfortable buying from either Spar, Checkers or Pick n Pay as they provide an indication of genetically modified foods. Although not every product specified exactly what was modified, the product still states that it. I would prefer knowing exactly what I am buying as I am then able to make decisions based on my preferences. I would not feel comfortable buying from Woolworths as there is no indication of it being genetically modified and whilst it very well may not be (Woolworths are using non-genetically modified maize), there is no clear answer. At the beginning of this investigation I knew very little about the benefits and disadvantages of genetically modified food. I was completely for it and saw no issue with it. However after researching and learning more about it, I am against it.

Firstly, Iowa State University research proves that when harvests are altered to incorporate antibiotics and different things that eliminate germs and pests, it lessens the viability of an antibiotic or other drug when it is required in the conventional sense. Since the foods contain trace measures of the antibiotic when consumed, any life forms that had previously been affected by prescription antibiotics would have then built a resistance to it, which can make a disease be progressively hard to fix.

Secondly, Crops usually share open fields with different plants, including weeds. Genetic migrations are known to happen. What happens when the genes from an herbicide-resistant harvest get into the weeds it is intended to execute? Connections at the cellular level could make unexpected problems to future harvest development where even the advantages of genetically modified foods may not exceed the issues that they cause. For example, many weed species have already become resistant to atrazine (a herbicide).

Thirdly, 6 organisations control the vast majority of the genetically modified foods market at the centre level. Since most GMO foods are produced using corn, wheat, or soya beans, even food manufacturers that utilise these harvests are helpless before the Manufacturers. Over half of the seed producers that have made the GMO foods market preclude any independent research on the final crops to secure their profits.

Lastly, a hypothetical link between infertility and genetically modified foods. 10% of women world wide have endometriosis - that's 176 million worldwide. The prevalence of endometriosis in women with infertility be as high as to 30–50%. An article from a website called “PubMed”, which holds information from the US Library of medicine states, ‘It could be conjectured that GMFs/GMOs could be potential hazard on reproduction, linking to the development of infertility through influencing the endocrine metabolism, endometriosis. However, little evidence shows the impaction on embryo or reproductive related tumor due to the limited literatures, and needs further research.’

This area in science needs to be researched, as stated above however this may not be possible as the 6 organisations that control the GM foods market, prohibits any independent research.

I come from an open-minded background and my faith has nothing against genetically modified foods however after researching many websites, my viewpoint has significantly changed from the one I had prior to conducting this research and I will definitely be cautious about the foods I consume going forward. There were no outside factors that changed my perspective apart from the research I conducted.

I believe that there is definitely an advantage by providing the world with better food access however this should not be done at the expense of personal health. Therefore I do not believe that the production of genetically modified foods is a solution to the global food crisis, I believe it is a disaster in the making.