Genetically Modified Foods and the Labeling Debate Essay Example for Free

Genetically Modified Foods and the Labeling Debate Essay There has been an ongoing debate between consumers and the government regarding the use of Genetically Modified Foods in the market today. â€Å"Since the introduction of the Flavr Savr tomato, biotechnology companies continue to introduce genetically engineered agricultural products to consumers† (Whittaker). The â€Å"Flavr Savor† tomato was the first food available to consumers that was produced using technology involving the recombinant DNA techniques in 1993. This was the dawn of a new generation in food production, and thus a whole new world of genetically engineered foods. At the present time the government, more specifically, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not regulated labeling products that contain genetically engineered foods. Currently the policy for labeling all consumer products must meet the standards of the safety and nutritional assessment. The evaluations of genetically engineered foods by legal authority require that bioengineered foods must meet the same standards set forth for all imported and exported foods marked for human and animal consumption and according to the US FDA genetically modified (GM) foods meet these guidelines. Since the early 1990’s scientists has been researching new and improved techniques to bring plumper, juicer and insecticide resistant agricultural products to all consumers. But research such as this is nothing new to the scientific community and for over 50 years techniques have been used to create strains of wheat, rice, pears and many more crop species to create high yielding products that are capable of growing anywhere and anytime of the year. Currently, only one tenth of the world actually uses GM plants with the countries of Canada, US, Brazil and Argentina growing 90 percent of the GM crops (Freedman). With the majority of these crops being produced in North America, the US is seeing GM foods everywhere and this is drawing attention to different agencies and groups pushing to educate the public by labeling any products that contain genetically engineered foods. The US Food and Drug Administration has been dealing with the battle against labeling products with genetically modified organisms (GMO) for years, but regardless of the consistent scrutiny the FDA sticks firmly to the current regulations that govern the labeling of all foods for human and animal consumption. Under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic (FDC) Act, which drives the FDA’s safety regulations for food and food ingredients, â€Å"unless a significant safety risk exists or there is a sincere need for consumers to distinguish between food products before purchase, the FDA hesitates to mandate labeling of food products† (Leggio). Joseph A. Levitt, Director of the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition with the US Food and Drug Administration states in his â€Å"Should the FDA Adopt a Stricter Policy on Genetically Engineered Foods? † testimony that â€Å"bioengineered foods and food ingredients must adhere to the same standards of safety under the FDC act that apply to their conventionally bred counterparts† (Levitt, 81). With the strict laws set forth, the FDA remains consistent with its decision to maintain their current labeling program as it adheres to all safety standards of any food for consumption. The US FDA also assures the public that they have done significant research for decades on biotechnology foods to ensure it is safe for consumers, and additional testing is conducted years prior to the release of a GM product to the shelves. Scientists address all of the potential concerns to include the potential to adding new allergy causing proteins, removing vital nutrients and the possibility of introducing toxins, in these studies to ensure that unexpected results do not occur, â€Å"this testing provides a way to detect such changes at the development stage† (Levitt, 79) and it will also delay any release of products until they are able to find a solution. The FDA takes such precautions and studying all aspects of this technology to be confident that the risks are non-existent. Although the government has provided the public with research, publications, testimonies and scientific proof that the current law governing the labeling of food and animal products is appropriate and doesn’t require change, there is still much concern of the risks that the technology poses to humans. Barbara Boxer, a US Senator from California, introduced the Genetically Engineered Food Right-To-Know Act in 2001 in her testimony in â€Å"Should the FDA Adopt a Stricter Policy on Genetically Engineered Foods? † which states â€Å"all foods containing or produced with genetically engineered material bear a neutral label† (Boxer, 76). This act was created based on the lack of data and concerns that GM products are introducing risks of exposure to many health issues to include food allergens, lack of nutrition and toxic ailments. These claims are legitimate, however, the US FDA does take precautions as stated by Joseph A. Levitt, specifically with these risks while conducting trials during the developing stages of the product. In 2011 there was a petition filed against the FDA which warranted the need for labeling of GM products. According to this petition â€Å"consumers are misled when food labels do not differentiate foods with known health properties from novel foods with unknown health consequences† (Burgaard). An example of such health concerns come from a study performed in Scotland at the Rowett Institute in 1998. A plant biochemist named Arpad Pusztai conducted an experiment on rats who consumed a genetically engineered potato and his experiment concluded that the rats that were fed the modified potato â€Å"suffered growth and immune system-related changes† (Freedman). Ironically, the genetically modified potato used in this study â€Å"was not intended for human consumption it was, in fact, designed to be toxic for research purposes,† (Freedman) discrediting the research altogether. Additionally, â€Å"American Medical Association, the National Academy of Sciences, the World Health Organization, and more than twenty-five Nobel Prize-winning scientists have concluded that there is no scientific evidence that GM food carries any risk to human health and that genetically engineered crops are safe,† (Burgaard) which ties into the overall nutrition and safety assessment that genetically engineered foods meet the same standards that imported and exported foods at held too. In the end, the US Food and Drug Administration stands by the current law governing the policy on labeling genetically modified foods. They maintain their standing on mandated labeling even under the microscope of doubters, but most importantly the â€Å"FDAs process for evaluating bioengineered foods is one in which the public can have confidence that food biotechnology products must meet the laws safety standards† (Maryanski). The FDA cares deeply of the health and wellbeing of the consumers in America and strive to meet the needs of the public in both food and nutrition education. Until the studies show significant risks or changes in the GM products warranting the need to readdress the process, the government and the US Food and Drug Administration believe their approach is relevant and remain firm to the present policies. Annotated Bibliography Whittaker, Michael A. Reevaluating The Food And Drug Administrations Stand On Labeling Genetically Engineered Foods. San Diego Law Review 35. 4 (1998): 1215. Academic Search Premier. Web. 2 Jan. 2014. This journal review argues that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must reconsider its position on the labeling of genetically engineered food as well as consumer perceptions of the threat posed by genetically engineered foods. Freedman, David H. Are Engineered Foods Evil?. Scientific American 309. 3 (2013): 80-85. Environment Complete. Web. 2 Jan. 2014. This article discusses the debate over the safety of genetically modified (GM) crops. It covers comments from agricultural and environmental economist at the University of California, Berkeley, David Zilberman, on the benefits of GM foods compared to their health risks, a ban on GM crops by the European Union (EU), and the difference between selective plant breeding and mutagenic techniques. Leggio, Kelly A. Limitations On The Consumers Right To Know: Settling The Debate Over Labeling Of Genetically Modified Foods In The United States. San Diego Law Review 38. 3 (2001): 893. Academic Search Premier. Web. 3 Jan. 2014. This journal review supports the decision of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reject mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods as a solution to accommodate consumer fears. There is a description of an approach designed to evaluate whether mandatory initiatives are appropriate to protect consumers right to know and the importance for states to follow guidelines established by the FDA. Should The FDA Adopt A Stricter Policy On Genetically Engineered Foods? PRO/CON. Congressional Digest 80. 3 (2001): Pages 76-95. Academic Search Premier. Web. 2 Jan. 2014. This is a two part article that discusses genetically engineered foods and the potential need to adopt a more strict policy. The articles provided information from the perspective of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Joseph A. Levitt, the director of the Center of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and US Senator, Barbara Boxer who speaks on behalf of the Genetically Engineered Food Right-to-Know Act and additional interviews that were conducted to give the audience an overall understanding of both sides of the debate. Burgaard, Sudhir. The Labeling Of Genetically Modified Foods Debate. Natural Resources Environment 28. 1 (2013): 55-57. Environment Complete. Web. 2 Jan. 2014. This article focuses on the debate on labeling of genetically modified (GM) food which reflects food safety concerns in the U. S. It highlights various legal issues related to use of GM foods which includes increased risk of antibiotic resistant bacteria, increased use of pesticides, and environmental effects. It briefs the audience about the Center for Food Safety filing a legal petition with the U. S. Food and Drug Administration regarding labeling of genetically engineered food. Maryanski, . James H. , Ph D. News Events. Genetically Engineered Foods. US Food and Drug Administration, 19 Oct. 1999. Web. 2 Jan. 2014. This testimony is from the perspective of the Biotechnology Coordinator with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that discusses the current regulations governing genetically engineered foods and the process that dictates what and how determines what a DNA derived food is labeled. It includes a variety of examples that justifies the current labeling regulations and why GM Foods may not require additional information for the consumers.

Lord of the flies :: essays research papers

I am writing in response to the â€Å"spring cleaning† of Library that is coming up soon. I have heard that the English Department is currently deciding which videos they should keep in the library. For the videos of Lord of the Flies, I would prefer the school to keep the 1963 version instead of the 1990 version. The 1963 version of the Lord of the Flies would be a worthier choice for the Grade 11 students who study this novel. It follows the novel that William Golding wrote as opposed to the 1990 version which it emphasizes entertainment rather than the actual story. Furthermore, the 1990 version would confuse students who are currently studying this story. The director has appended in many scenes that were not in the book. At the same time, he has left out many important episodes that should have been portrayed onto the screen to facilitate Golding’s salient message to his audiences. Moreover, the additional scenes of the new version contribute to a contradiction that would tangle up the audience if they had read his work. For example, the boys on the island built the camp and shelter first instead of the fire. There was no voting section for the choosing of leaders in the first assembly. It has no choir members among the group of boys. The boys even ate lizards in this video and had story telling during the nights. There was also an existence of a man that has got hurt seriously that had been surviving with them all along. As for the 1963 version, the director had tried to follow the original theme of the novel itself. It started off how the novel did. It goes on with scenes that are much the same as the novel. For the characters, the 1990 version gave the audience some contrastive characteristics of them. In it, Jack was extremely evil and cruel. He cut his fingers, used his blood to paint his face and his hunters faces. As for Piggy, he has no asthma at all. He had been unusually kind and caring to the younger children as well, and also being the one who tells them stories. Ralph had also been particularly virtuous in the beginning of the movie. He had been exceptionally patient with the boys. As I have told you, the older version of Lord of the Flies depict the book version to a greater degree.

Drivers: the Most Dangerous Types Essay

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 6,800,000 car crashes occur in the United States each year (â€Å"Talking Points-Aggressive Driving Prosecutor’s Planner†). Of the 6,800,000 crashes, substantial amounts are contributed by certain types of drivers. Becoming more educated about driving and all the dangers that come along with it can be beneficial in preventing someone else from becoming one of these statistics. Of vehicular crashes, three types of drivers contribute to the numbers the most: aggressive, distracted, and teenage. First, aggressive drivers are one of the most dangerous drivers. According to the NHTSA, almost 13,000 people have been injured or killed since 1990 in car crashes caused by aggressive driving (â€Å"Talking Points-Aggressive Driving Prosecutor’s Planner†). There are a number of causes that provoke road rage. According to one survey, the number one thing that irked road raging drive rs the most was when other drivers were talking on their cell phones (â€Å"A Statistical Look into Road Rage†). Additionally, of those surveyed, 55 percent were annoyed by drivers who cut across traffic without paying attention (â€Å"A Statistical Look into Road Rage†). Other factors that provoke aggressive drivers are texting while driving, driving too fast, driving too slowly, and tailgating. Second, distracted drivers are also very dangerous on the roadways. According to the NHTSA, an estimated 448,000 people were injured in accidents where distracted driving was reported (â€Å"Traffic Safety Facts†). Further, the NHTSA reported that sixteen percent of fatal car accidents in 2009 involved a distracted driver (â€Å"Traffic Safety Facts†). Drivers under the age of 20 compile the group of most distracted drivers. A lot of factors play into distracted driving. According to the General Estimates System (GES) database from the NHTSA (â€Å"Traffic Safet y Facts†), some of the things that distract drivers most are other occupants in the car, talking on or listening to a cellular device, adjusting the climate controls and/or radio, and eating/drinking (â€Å"Traffic Safety Facts†). As reported by the NHTSA, at any given daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using their cell phones or other electronic devices while driving (â€Å"What is Distracted Driving†). Finally, the teenage driver can be quite dangerous. This includes drivers from ages 15 to 19. The risk of motor vehicle accidents is highest among   this age group, more than any other age group, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (â€Å"Teen Drivers: Fact Sheet†). According to the NHTSA, this group accounts for almost 282,000 of the injured people involved in motor vehicle accidents (â€Å"Teen Drivers: Fact Sheet†). Among teen drivers, the death rate for male drivers is almost two times higher than that of their female counterpart. Unsafe speeds are the leading contributor in accidents among teen drivers. Another contributing factor is the fact that teens have poor hazard detection. Their lack of experience and skill contribu tes to this. As can be seen, there are several types of dangerous drivers. Aggressive drivers take out their frustration on other drivers, resulting in many accidents. Distracted drivers allow themselves to become unfocused when their full attention should be on the road. Teenage drivers cause the majority of roadway accidents, mainly due to inexperience and lack of skill. Becoming more educated about one’s own driving style and that of those around an individual can help someone to become a better, more cautious driver. Works Cited â€Å"A Statistical Look into Road Rage.† The Auto Insurance. The Auto Insurance, 2010. Web. 31 Aug. 2013. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). â€Å"Teen Drivers: Fact Sheet.† Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). USA.gov, n.d. Web. 31 Aug. 2013. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). â€Å"Talking Points-Aggressive Driving Prosecutor’s Planner.† National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). USA.gov, n.d. Web. 31 Aug. 2013. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). â€Å"Traffic Safety Facts.† National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). USA.gov, n.d. Web. 31 Aug. 2013. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). â€Å"What is Distracted Driving?† National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). USA.gov, n.d. Web. 31 Aug. 2013.

Oil Spills Is An Insoluble And Non Renewable Sources Of...

Oil, also known as petroleum, is an insoluble and non-renewable sources of energy used by a significant amount of people all around the world. According to the Energy Information Administration, U.S. Petroleum Consumption in 2001 mostly consist of gasoline (used to fuel cars), heating oil (used to heat buildings), diesel fuel, propane, residual fuel oil (powering factories, fueling large ships, and making electricity), and items that we come across every day (such as clothing, furnitures, kitchen items, cars, and even food). Although oil plays an important role in the human society, that does not prevent it from not causing problems. The environmental issue we will be discussing relates to oil spills, which is the release of a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into the environment as a result of human activity. Every year, an innumerable number of spills occur and cause a massive ecological harm. America’s oil and gas industry averaged at least 20 spills per day in 2013. I believe that the prevention of such spills is essential for the wellbeing of all living specie on Earth. Companies must care for our environment and protect all living animals, plants, and human, since the petroleum’s chemical constituents are poisonous. The main reason why I chose to talk about oil spills is because both the immediate and long-term damage costs us lives, properties, and public natural resources; and that will have an economic impact all around the world. Many oil spills cover the land andShow MoreRelatedThe Environmental Problem Of Oil Spill1393 Words   |  6 Pages Oil Spill A B S T R A C T Oil spill pollution, a severe environmental problem which arouses in a marine environment or in the water bodies, has grown into an alarming scale with the increase in oil production and transportation. Causes are either accidental or due to operational failure. Henceforth, it is almost impossible for marine life not to be a victim of this vulnerable zone. Our planet has the largest oil reserves, occasionally it cracks and rarely causes a major accident. However, humanRead MoreEthanol : A Renewable Resource2106 Words   |  9 Pages ETHANOL â€Å"A Renewable Resource† Written By: Aaron Tay Contents †¦. 1 Abstract †¦. 2 Introduction †¦. 3 Methodology †¦. 4 Results †¦. 5 Conclusion †¦. 6 Bibliography †¦. Abstract This report extensively analyses the production and breakdown of Ethanols, to assess its properties and their relation to being a fuel. The use of Ethanol as reliable source of renewable energy and its current effects onRead MoreArticle : Article On Human And Natural Activities1932 Words   |  8 Pagesbe: Water pollution: is the water of impurities, such as microorganisms, chemicals, industrial wastes, and other types or waste water. These materials deteriorate the quality of the water and make it useless for the intended uses. Pure water is a renewable resource, however it can get so polluted by human activities that is no longer useful, but rather harmful. What pollutes the water? ïÆ'Ëœ Pathogens - bacteria, viruses, protozoa, parasites that enter the water from organic wastes. ïÆ'Ëœ Wastes requiringRead MoreSexually Transmitted Diseases35655 Words   |  143 Pages(Compiled) Table of Contents Unit 1 Measurement 5-10 Unit 2 Matter 11-48 Unit 3 Basic materials for maintaining life Air 49-54 Water 55-68 Food 69-71 Other biomolecules of life 72-76 Unit 4 Energy in the Community Electricity 77-78 Heat 78-81 Light 82-91 Sound 92 Simple Machines 93-99 Unit 5 The Physical Environment Weather and Climate 100-113 Soils 114-128 Unit 6 Living things in