Collin Free

Contents About genetically modified organisms Uses of genetically modified organisms Pros of genetically modified organisms Cons of genetically modified organisms US regulations on genetically modified organisms Other countries’ regulations on genetically modified organisms Other countries’ regulations on genetically modified organisms Call to action Bibliography

What are Genetically Modified Organisms? Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are organisms that have an artificially changed genetic structure.

Why are Genetically Modified Organisms Used? Genetically modified organisms are used to modify organisms to create plants that will grow more quickly than organic organisms and therefore produce a higher quantity of overall yield. Genetically modified organisms are also engineered to repel pests and use less pesticides.

Pros of Genetically Modified Organisms Higher yield Easy to grow Grow quickly Low cost Decreased need for pesticides

Cons of Genetically Modified Organisms High caloric value Unhealthy to consumers Untested effects on consumers Harmful environmental impacts

What is the United States Department of Agriculture doing to regulate the use of GMOs? The USDA is currently doing very little to limit the use and distribution of genetically modified organisms. Many, but not all organic organisms are labeled. Most organically grown foods are exposed to genetically modified foods during the shipping process. The USDA does not require warning labels for food products that contain ingredients that have undergone genetic modification.

What are other countries doing to regulate the use of GMOs? Most other developed countries, particularly in Europe, are using very small amounts of genetically modified organisms. These countries are also placing warning labels on all foods that have genetically modified ingredients. Most European countries highly discourage the use of genetically modified organisms.

What should be done about the problem of GMOs? Genetically modified organisms are a growing problem that must be regulated. It is the duty of the United States Department of Agriculture to uphold public health within the United States and to abstain from the widespread allowance of poor health practices. I believe that it is therefore necessary for the USDA to follow the example of other countries’ government agencies and place warning labels and restrictions upon food products that contain genetically modified ingredients.

Bibliography McIntosh, Philip. "Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)." Food : In Context. Ed. Brenda Lerner and K. Lerner. Vol. 1. Detroit: Gale, Global Issues In Context. Web. 27 May "Genetically Modified Organisms." Biotechnology: Changing Life Through Science. Detroit: UXL, Science in Context. Web. 27 May 2015.