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Kaylee Speer
ENC 1101
Professor McGriff
October 27, 2014
Genetically Modified Foods
Genetic engineering is the practice of changing the genetic makeup of living organisms.
Genetic engineering or GE is a revolutionary production that has been studied and perfected over
many years of researching. When the DNA of a living organism is scientifically altered to create
another form of life it is referred to as a genetically modified food or GMO. Genetically
modified foods are vital to society because they distinguish world hunger, improve human
health, and require less chemicals.
It is believed by a handful of citizens that organic farming can provide enough food to
terminate world hunger. According to Ethan Huff author of Dont believe the lie organic
farming CAN feed the world, if several changes are made to the production of organic farming,
it could most definitely feed the hungry and malnourished. Amongst these changes are better
growing environments and more organic farms around the world. The use of naturally enriched
soil instead and composting will result in a more bountiful harvest.
In contrast, organic farming will never provide the amount of food that genetic
engineering can produce. With the use of GE, genetically modified foods are more sustainable
and can thrive in any condition unlike organic foods. Genetically modified foods are resistant to
disease and infestation which results in a greater harvest. GE reassures that there will always be a

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harvest and is not affected greatly by different weather conditions and climates. Genetically
modified foods suffice as a solution to world hunger and organic farming lacks in abundance and
sustainability (Huff).
Secondly, it is rumored that genetically modified foods are hazardous to the public
health. Ronnie Cummins author of Genetically modified foods are hazardous, states that
genetically modified foods or GMFs contain dangerous chemicals that are extremely toxic to the
human body. It is said that these toxins can cause severe viral infections and damage organs and
the immune system. GE is believed to even engineer entirely new forms of toxins that may be
detrimental to the public health.
In contradiction to Cumminss accusations, GE is in no way hazardous to human health.
According to the U.S national research council, GMFs contain no harsh chemicals and toxins.
As stated by Janet Carpenter author of Genetically Engineered Crops Have Had a Positive
Impact on Biodiversity, GMFs use environmentally friendly herbicides and are guaranteed safe
for consumption. Unlike organic products, genetically modified foods provide greater nutrition
and are better for the body because they contain an increased amount of vitamins and minerals
and other nutrients needed for a healthy lifestyle.
To continue, Ethan Huff concludes that GE requires an increased amount of toxic
herbicides and pesticides in order to sustain production. Huff claims that these abundance of
chemicals are hazardous to the earth and other organic plants inhabiting it. It is believed that the
high amounts of insecticides and other chemicals greatly diminish the earths natural bio diverse
landscape. Huff states that organic crops are safer and do not contain any harsh chemicals (Huff).

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On the contrary, GE uses a reduced amount of herbicides during its production.

According to Janet Carpenter, GE uses environmentally friendly and safe herbicides. These
herbicides have almost little to no effects on the environment and are not detrimental in any
matter. With extensive research, it is proven that GE is environmentally friendly and uses
minimal chemicals. GE also creates less environmentally hazardous gases than organic farming
due to its minimal herbicidal treatments (Carpenter).
To conclude, GE is proven to distinguish world hunger, improve human health, and use
less chemicals. It is clear that GE is a revolutionary type of technology and benefits society
greatly as a whole. Through many stages of development and experimenting, GE can only
increase in its benefits and is a scientific practice that should be used for centuries.

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Works Cited
Carpenter, Janet E. Genetically Engineered Crops Have Had a Positive Impact on Biodiversity.
Biodiversity. Ed. Debra A. Miller. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2013. Current
Controversies. Rpt. From Impacts of GE Crops on Biodiversity. ISB News Report.
2011. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 21 Oct. 2014
Cummins, Ronnie. Genetically Engineered Foods Are Hazardous. Genetically Engineered
Foods. Ed. Debra A. Miller. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. At Issue. Rpt. From
Hazards of Genetically Engineered Foods and Crops: Why We Need A Global
Moratorium. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 12 Oct. 2014
Huff, Ethan A. Dont Believe the Lie: Organic Farming CAN Feed the World. 2012. Rpt. In
Factory Farming. Ed. Debra A. Miller. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2013. Current
Controversies. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 21 Oct. 2014