Essay on Global Food Industry

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Abstract

Emergence of Genetic Modified Foods in the grocery stores has met both support and opposition from the consumers due to the unproven suspicion of their long-term impact on health. The citizens, through representations in the federal and state law making bodies have expressed their views on the responsibility of manufacturers of GMOs.

Introduction

The population boom has increased the demand for more food despite the failing soils and unreliable climatic condition. In a bid to amplify the productivity of agricultural resources, scientists have gone to great heights to invent genetic modification so as to influence the productivity of agricultural components. By varying the genetic composition of crops and animals, scientists are able to amplify their productivity so as to satisfy the monstrous demand.

The resulting products and commodities resemble the natural products. The novelty of the venture into genetic modification is characterized by lack of legislation to regulate he proliferation of the technology. Despite the lack of control by quality assurance companies in nations graced by the technology, the products are already on the shelves raising concerns by the consumers on the safety of its consumption. The advantages of genetic modification are without doubt significant owing to the magnification of production per unit of production.

However the proponents of the technology as well as those reaping profits from the ventures are obliged to assure the consumers of safety. Without conclusive research on the long term impact of the genetically modified organisms (GMOs), most individuals have advocated for controlled use of the technology through disclosure to enable consumers make an informed decision. Due to semblance to other natural products, it is not easy to tell the products apart unless disclosure details are present on the packaging.

As outlined in global conventions, the lack of evidence correlating effect of an invention does not rule out the need for further research into the real effects. The basic doctrine is that prevention is better than cure and best describes phenomena with a global reach. The adversity to the environment and the human body is not debatable, only the extend remains to be established.

Regulation of GMOs will take the form of regulation of accepted types and levels of nano-materials involved in transformation of the physical characteristics of the organism.

The debate whether citizens should be made aware of the origin of what they are consuming has taken all forms and shapes. Recent cases of people falling sick and having allergic reaction after consuming these products increases the concerns about the safety of the products.

The cost reduction achieved by the technology increases their demand on reasons of piecing with a possibility of them forcing the organic products out of the market. Without proper labeling the citizens will not appreciate the difference in price and will go for the cheaper product unknowingly. Thus, the citizens, through the law makers have to structure statutes to guide the availability and features of these products for easy identification.

Similarly, legislation to govern and enforce the extend to which the scientist can modify the genetics of the organisms without developing toxic products should also be established. By guiding the process, the citizens will be assured of the safety of the food on the shelves. Similarly, they will be able to make a decision on the opportunity cost of consuming low priced products instead of organic foods.

Since the main reason for GMOs is to reduce levels of hunger world wide, the least developed countries may not be able to effect change in characteristics of the products due to socio-economic powerlessness. Thus, poor nations are prone to dumping of substandard products from unscrupulous multinationals guided by profit generation.

Through regulating the composition of proven toxic nano-materials through sufficient supervision is necessary to restore the faith of citizens in these products. Their mobility defies membranes and body protection system. Shelf life under the influence of the nano-materials is also debatable. Citizens need to know the impact of atmospheric conditions on the toxicity levels of the products. Through labeling, the consumers will be able to appreciate the safety of the food they are consuming.

The gene modification has suspected impact of genetic composition of the consumers resulting to growth abnormalities and emergence of diseases resulting from new strains of microorganisms. The emergence of new strains erodes the steps made in medicine. Possible deterrence of the immunity system in human beings has been put forth since the advent of GMOs.

Control by citizens will also ensure that production levels by each registered manufacturers abides by the stipulated quantity and quality. Since production of GMOs is not bound by availability of natural resources, production level should be regulated so as to assure quality of the output. Disclosure will enable the citizens to be aware of the specific characteristics they require in seeds and products they buy. The preservation of seeds despite the mergence of the GMOs is necessary for maintenance of natural balance as well as availability of a point of reference in terms of organic products.

Conclusion

The emergence of novel ideas calls for intensive and conclusive research on its impact to the consumers. Despite the fact that GMOs came to solve a worldwide plague of hunger, their safety has to be assured before its appropriateness is sanctioned. Through legislation outlining the propagation of the technology, the citizens, through representation in federal and state law making bodies, have the right to voice their concerns over impact of engaging such ideas and phenomena.