Group+4

=Genetically Modified Foods=

Contents:
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 * 1) Introduction
 * 2) Background
 * 3) Modified Foods
 * 4) Conclusion

Introduction:
1. After extensive research, we have decided that genetically modified foods should be labeled. As a society, we should be aware of exactly what substances we are putting into our bodies. In an age where new discovies are constantly being made, consumers have a right to know if their food has been genetically engineered.

Background:
2. Currently, Americans are consuming genetically modified foods without their knowledge. In the best case, these foods will be completely harmless. It is still unethical to hide any sort of processing that is demonstrated on the food. In our scientific community, advances are consistantly being made which doesnt disclude modified foods. There could be a time in the future when science identifies a problem with the chemicals being used in the foods, possibly when it is too late. Half of the soybeen crop, a third of the corn, and an increasing percentage of potatoes are being genetically engineered. The risk of discovering a difficiency in the modified crops is too great. Labeling must be used. ([|Should Genetically Modified Foods be labeled?])

In 2000, the U.S. adopted an international commission to allow countries to ban the import of genetically modified [|foods]. This new standard has helped rally people for the genetic labeling of foods. In 1999, Congress composed a bill to require the labeling of genetically modified [|foods]. These advancements have gained a large following of people concerned about the food in this country.

Europeans have publically opposed biotechnology. The [|European Commission] has made the labeling of modified foods mandatory. The U.S. has an agenda that calls for cost efficiency. Many people hope that our government will follow the lead of Europe.

Modified Foods:
3. Recently, people have been in uproar about the lack of labeling on genetically modified foods. Huge food corporations have been under watch due to the genetically engineered products. Some companies have vowed to discontinue genetically altered materials altogether. For instance, [|Gerber] has announced that none of their baby food contains modified ingredients. Currently in the news, "A lawsuit against the FDA reveals documents that show even the agency's own scientists have doubts about the safety of genetically modified foods." ([|Mutant Food]) There is little confidence in the health benefits of genetically modified foods. The [|FDA] has even considered a rule requiring the labeling of modified foods. Additionally, the FDA has not been known to give out strict health regulations. This ruling would drastically change the way that many corporations are processing their food.

Many different health and science groups have been outraged by our government's lack of position on genetically enhanced foods. One news article explains, "In its rush to approve genetically engineered food, the government ignored warnings from its own scientists about threats to human health and the environment." ([|Pandora's Party])

Genetic modification occurs when the [|RNA or DNA] of a material is changed in a method that does not naturally occur in nature. In most cases, the DNA is removed and manipulated, then placed in a different material.

Conclusion:
4. All in all, genetic modification of foods may be beneficial and healthy. But it is not worth the chance of the instance that this process is not healthy. The public has the right to know exactly what they are eating, including how it was made. In a country that prides itself on its democratic and honest society, it is the public's right to know how their food is being altered.