Essay --

There is a process in plant agriculture that scientists intentionally make a replica of a gene of a plant or organism and places it into another plant or organism. This produces what we call a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) or sometimes known as genetically engineered food. The modifications of the genetics in plants, livestock, and other organisms go as far back as 10,000 years ago and over time scientists have experimented with cross-breeding, researched how to create plants with desirable traits, and the first actual GMO was introduced to the market. There are currently eight crops commercially available from GMO in the United States. These crops include corn, cotton, soybeans, canola, alfalfa, sugar beets, papaya, and squash. There are several reasons as to why the crops are being genetically altered. Some of the reasons include making crops more resistant to disease, which will then result in a more efficient and higher production of crops, making them taste and look more a ppealing, and an abundance of other reasons. As of now, the labeling of Genetically Modified Organisms aren’t enforced. A major reason people would like foods who have been genetically modified to be labeled is because people feel they have the right to know what they are consuming. Some reasons why people are opposed to requiring the labeling of GMO’s is because there are no significant differences between genetically modified foods and conventional foods. There are people who are in favor of genetically modified foods being labeled for consumers. If the foods that have been modified are labeled, they can inform the people purchasing and consuming them (Debatepedia, 2010). Various bacteria are being used when modifying foods and if taken into the bod... ...t need to be labeled as such. In my opinion, I think genetically modified foods should be labeled. If they label these foods and have nothing to hide, then there shouldn’t be an issue. Yes, people have the choice whether or not they would buy foods that have been modified, but I think it’s best to label them just so people can be in the know of what they are eating and then can make an informed choice. Also, if you are allergic to a certain food, or refuse to eat something due to ethical and religious values, you should be informed. As far as we know now, Genetically Modified Foods can serve no harm to us; it’s just the principle of being informed and aware of what you are putting into your body. As citizens of the United States, I believe we have earned the right to know every ingredient that is in our foods because our health id very dependent on what we consume.