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 in many cases .The major disadvantage is the speculation that these pesticides and resilient genes can pass on to consumers to create u desirable conditions for them such as allergies, diseases and cancer. Though any of these effects are yet to be proven or actually reported, genetically engineered food continues to stock up super market aisles and to be purchased over natural foods. Nowadays, over 65 percent of food items are genetically engineered food or made with popular genetically enhanced components such as corn, rapeseed (canola) or soy. Even though reports exist that laboratory animals that have been fed genetically engineered food have suffered considerable organ damage and illnesses, humans are apparently immune to these effects. But the speculation hasn?t died that it may affect the future generations and their genetic makeup.

Such studies have reinforced the theory that the benefits of organic food are not a mere perception and it is in fact far superior to conventional food that depends on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The fact being that non organic food are more susceptible to be contaminated with chemical fertilizers and pesticides and more sustainable methods are overall better for ones health as well as for the environment. There again there is another school of thought that says that organic foods are harmful and the benefits of organic food do not outweigh conventional food stuff and is unsuitable for consumption as they do not use strong fertilizer and pesticides which could result in a possibility that the food could be contaminated with harmful bacteria a nd parasites, despite the debate by both parties any strong or harmful impact on the health is unfounded. However the benefits of organic food is widely gaining ground and many consumers believe that organic foods have the ability to promote good health due to the lack of chemical additives and that the flavor of the food is far superior to non organic food, and definitely the more eco friendly option.