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GMO, Friend of Foe?

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GMO, Friend of Foe?
Daniel Albright
Mrs. Cowles
Honors British Literature
14 April 2014
Genetically Modified Food: Opposing Viewpoints The population of America consumes about 313,272,200 tons of food per year. With such a large demand, it is expected that food needs will continue to rise as human population increases. Our food supply needs to be reliable, abundant, and safe. One way to keep the food supply safe and reliable is to make sure that it is free from harmful viruses and pesticides. The creation of GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, is one attempt to increase efficiency in food production. Scientists do not know how this will truly affect humans in the long run, which is why many decide not to consume the unknown. This method of production is controversial, so only credible research and studies will determine if these chemicals and hormones are safe to consume in the long run. This topic includes many opposing viewpoints regarding the safety of consuming GMO food, the toxicity of GMO foods and labeling, and the impact of GMO food production on the environment. There are many opposing viewpoints regarding the safety of GMO foods. Some say that these products are only increasing the rate of grocery manufacturing. Others say that GMOs are highly toxic and should not be produced. Another belief is the fact that there is no research that thoroughly states the problem of GMOs. Scientists can only find out the short term effects of GMOs. Although GMO foods have been around for decades, scientists will only be able to know the long term effects in years to come. There are many facts to back up both sides of the safety argument, but many people who oppose GMO production are slowly giving up. Many pro-GMO safety facts are proven, including that GMO’s actually allow farmers to grow crops with less pesticides, due to the fact that they can enhance the gene of a plant to make its own pesticides. The way they accomplish this is by inserting more of the same gene a plant
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