1. ET I CA LLY
G EN OD
IE D FO
MO D IF
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2. Genetically Modified Food is Created
By:
• Using biotechnology
• Genes inserted into food sources
• Altered DNA produces new proteins that lead
to new characteristics
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3. Reasons For Creating Genetically
Modified Food:
• To produce chemical compounds such as
vitamins and other nutrients that are not
normally present to make for a more efficient
source of nutrition
• To have a herbicide tolerance and insect
resistance
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/11/carrots.jpg?w=363&h=363

4. Issues Against Creating Genetically
Modified Food:
• Tend to increase allergic reactions because of
allergens from one food can be transferred to
another
• Crops can threaten centers of crop diversity
because the varieties of seeds can become
extinct
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5. Arguments FOR Labeling
• Consumers have a right to know what’s in their food
• Will allow consumers to identify and not choose the food
products that cause them problems
• For religious or cultural reasons, many Americans want
to avoid eating animal products
• Food companies regularly reprint labels, so it would not
increase food-packaging costs.
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6. Arguments AGAINST Labeling
• any individual allowed to sue family farmers and grocers without
any proof of harm, potentially costing courts, businesses and
taxpayers millions.
• Farmers and food companies would be forced to switch to higher-
priced, non-genetically modified organic ingredients, potentially
increasing food cost for families by hundreds of dollars per year
• If a nutritional or allergenic difference were found, current FDA
regulations require a label to that effect.
• Labeling to fulfill desires of some consumers would impose a cost
on all consumers
• Consumers who want to buy non-Genetically modified food already
have an option: to purchase certified organic foods
• Facilities could not currently accommodate the need for
segregation of Genetically modified food and non-Genetically
modified products.

7. Genetically Modified Foods should be
labeled!
I believe that labeling should be mandatory because it presents many health
and cultural issues. If products are not labeled, they can effect one’s health
leading to bad results or upsetting one’s culture. The first reason for
genetically modified foods being labeled is that allergens can be transferred
to one food to another. If there is no label one will think that its safe to eat
the food and end up with an allergic reaction. People should be able to know
what is in their foods. The second reason is that if in one cultural or religion
that can not eat one food, and it is in their genetically modified food, they
will be going against what they are doing. They have a right to know what
they’re eating for their purposes. The third reason is that food companies
regularly reprint labels, so it would not increase food-packaging costs. It
would not be that much of a big deal to add something in for our people. It is
only fair if we know what we are eating. This should be treated equal like
other foods are and be labeled. As said in the text book, “zero risk is probably
unattainable”(240). It’s better to be safe than sorry in the end.

8. Bibliography
• Taylor, Martha, Eric Simon, Jean Dickey, and Jane Reece. "Chapter 12
Gene Coloning."Biology Concepts and Connections. By Neil Campbell. San
Fransisco: Pearson, 2009. N. pag. Print.
• "Labeling of Genetically Engineered Foods." Labeling of Genetically
Engineered Foods. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2013.
• "Genetically Engineered Foods: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia." U.S
National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web.
06 Jan. 2013.
• "Debate and Policies on Labeling GM Foods." Debate and Policies on
Labeling GM Foods. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2013.
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