viernes, 23 de diciembre de 2011

Genetically engineered food is food which is enhanced by the addition of genes from different species to make them better. Genes are, in the most basic interpretation, codes that are responsible for certain characteristics, the production of certain enzymes or to create a certain appearance, and in the case of genetically engineered food the genes are often put in place to create enhanced versions of regular food. Since it is quite a costly process to develop, genetically engineered food is patented by large corporations that are responsible for their research and development.Farmers who grow genetically engineered food are greatly benefitted by their added qualities. Some genetically engineered food crops are modified to be able to withstand certain herbicides so that the farmers are able to use them liberally to get rid of weeds while others are created with built in pesticides that repel bugs and other pests. Other genetically engineered food is created with long life and resilience to adverse weather conditions in mind. For instance, some species of corns are created to withstand the harsh chill of winter and to keep them from rotting in heavy rains. Other species such as tomatoes which are one of the first vegetables to be engineered are modified to have a more vibrant colour, better taste and much longer shelf life and as well .The tolerance of herbicide is one of other benefits of genetically modified foods. Usually, the crops are sensitive for the other weeds in the field and due to the same, crop would produce less amount of production. In the conventional method, the farmer will have to spray chemicals in order to control the weeds, a few times. With benefits of genetically modified foods, farmer will have to use chemicals only one time and the benefits of genetically modified foods do the rest.

In May 2009, Germany has officially banned genetically engineered food from their country but most other countries continue their use. In the USA, it is more of an individual preference whether they are going to consume genetically engineered food or natural food and it has been made official that all GMO food are to be labeled with their ingredients and their genetic status while non-GMO foods are not to contain any enhanced components. However, with the increasing population and slow reduction of farming land, GMOs may just be our only hope to keep our generation as well as the future generations from imminent starvation.

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