Benefits of genetically modified food
Since genetically modified food appeared on the market people
have been debating on whether it is healthy, good for the
environment, and ethical to eat this type of food.
Genetic engineering means changing the DNA, the nucleic acid
that contains the 'blueprints' of our organism, and the genes
(the chains of DNA are made of genes), by mixing different types
of DNA and genes between them. For example mixing the genes from
a normal bear with the ones from a polar bear, so that the
normal bear could resist lower temperatures.
The first genetically modified commercial food was created in
1992, but it had no market success then because it wasn't too
useful, but as technology developed people's interest started to
grow, and now fish that grow quickly and plants that produce
plastic are being researched.
Nowadays, genetic engineering has radically evolved, scientists
are able to cross-breed animals or plants of different species,
even plants with animals or animals with plants.
The country that cultivates the largest number of genetically
modified food is the United States, followed by Argentina and
Canada. In Europe the situation is different, because due to a
series of food crises the care for 'food safety' increased and
changed the public's trust in the food industry.
However it is impossible to anticipate all the effects that
genetically modified food could have on our environment or
health. Some of the new genes inserted in the genetically
modified food may be resistant to antibiotics, or maybe new
allergens or toxic proteins can be created.
Also, genetically modified food poses ethical and religious
concerns for many people, and even political worries, because it
is feared that the production of much more food than needed to
feed the world can unfortunately lead to...hunger.
So, there are many reasons to avoid genetically modified food,
but if you are interested in buying some you can consult the
Greenpeace 'True food guide'.
In conclusion, this subject is still a controvert one, but time
and science will surely help us decide for or against
genetically modified food.