Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Don’t Be Afraid of Genetic Modification

In the early 1990‘s a company, AquaBounty, took appropriate actions towards genetically modifying sources of food, such as salmon. This “AquAdvantage” salmon is a carrier of two pieces of unnatural DNA. These genetically modified fish would produce a growth hormone year round rather than only during the summer months as normal Atlantic salmon would. This genetic modification allows for AquAdvantage salmon to grow full size in nearly half the time.

This modified fish would become a part of human food supply for consumption, a very controversial idea. Scientists clear the modified fish as a safe source of food for a human, however other concerns exist. It is possible that these modified fish are released into the environment of Atlantic Salmon could endanger the natural species.

The Enviropig is a pig that has been modified to excrete less phosphorous into their waste, making them more environmentally friendly. The company of Enviropig failed to get the genetically modified animal approved for food sale. From there, these potentially useful and environmentally beneficial animals were killed and no introduced to the food market.

The government has elongated this process for AquaBounty for nearly 17 years, which proves the importance of this decision. It is known that safe, genetically modified animals would be a cheap, efficient source of food that would relieve the environment of pressure; however, fears still stop them from becoming significant products in the market that could be very beneficial for our environment and financial status.

For more information on this article visit: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/10/opinion/sunday/dont-be-afraid-of-genetic-modification.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 or http://www.businessinsider.com/aquadvantage-salmon-is-safe-fda-says-2012-12

5 comments:

  1. This is huge for nations in poverty just like GMO crops, but im guessing it will always be an issue on whether GMO's are accepted in US and Europe

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  2. All of these genetic modifications seem to have a very positive outcome, but I would be hesitant to eat any of these animals. I have to wonder if these modifications have altered the nutritional value of the food. Also, the thought of enginereing pigs to have a less phosporic exriment is ingenious!

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  3. I can see the benefits to GMO, however, I still believe I would be more comfortable eating foods that have not been genetically modified. I would like to see more research done on specific GMO's before they are introduced into the food we eat. Sometimes side effects are not found until many many years after a substance has been introduced into the populations. It is very important to keep food supplies coming, but also important to make sure all of that food is safe.

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  4. I do not mind GMO based food. As long as the products are labeled and give the consumer the choice of consuming that product. Allergies could be a big issue when it comes to GMO's and human consumption

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  5. Although GMO's offer a lot in immediate benefits, their long term benefits are still up for discussion. We do not know the long term effects of eating something that has been genetically modified. Before GMO's are placed out on the market they need to make sure the product is safe, more testing needs to be done. If and when these food are out on store shelves, I think that they have to be labeled, so ultimately it is the consumers choice to consume a genetically modified product.

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