Define dilemma. Why is it a dilemma?
Genetically modified foods are the foods, genetic material of which has been artificially manipulated under the laboratory conditions through the process of genetic engineering (Rabesandratana, 2014). There is a growing evidence that connects genetically modified foods with environmental damage, health issues and violation of farmers’ rights and consumers’ rights. Countries like Japan, Australia and European Union have banned the production and selling of GM foods (Ho and Sirinathsinghji, 2013).
Two Extreme Viewpoints
The two extreme points about this dilemma reveal that on one hand genetically modified foods offer greater resistance to pests and viruses, have longer shelf life and possess better nutritional values (Freedman, 2013). On the other hand, consumption of genetically modified foods have reportedly given rise to severe kidney and liver issues and cause allergic reactions (Kamle and Ali,2013). Also, these foods have not been found to have added nutrition and taste.
My Extreme Viewpoint
In 80% of the cases, the genetically modified food crops are herbicide tolerance. This has resulted in 15 times more use of harmful herbicides after the introduction of GM food crops. This has also resulted in super bugs and super weeds which can only be killed using much more powerful poison such as 2, 4-D (Kamle, S., & Ali, 2013). These chemicals have disastrous effect on the environment (soil and living organisms). Several researches have proved this detrimental effect on the environment but long term impacts of GM crops are still unknown (Leyser, 2014). This view is much stronger than the pest resistance GM crops offer and greater shelf life. Any advantage is no greater than the social and environmental concerns these GM Foods are associated with.
Influence on My Opinion
Environmental and social concerns have influenced my viewpoint therefore I am against genetically modified food crops. Its threat to environment, the farmers and the people who eat them. No technology can be greater than the society itself.
Its Influence on Stakeholders
If my viewpoint is followed, then the stakeholders will be affected. The companies making lot of profits by manufacturing and selling GM crops will suffer a huge financial setback but they will be forced to go for more research and better ways to develop GM crops (Rabesandratana, 2014). The environment and people will have positive influence as no more harmful chemicals will be used as herbicides and pest controls and people eating GM crops will not be in danger of ingesting harmful chemicals and organisms.
References
Freedman, D. H. (2013). The truth about genetically modified food. Scientific American, 309(3), 107-112.
Ho, M. W., & Sirinathsinghji, E. (2013). Ban GMOs Now. London: ISIS.
Kamle, S., & Ali, S. (2013). Genetically modified crops: detection strategies and biosafety issues. Gene, 522(2), 123-132.
Leyser, O. (2014). Moving beyond the GM debate. PLoS Biol, 12(6), e1001887.
Rabesandratana, T. (2014). EU to let wary members ban genetically modified crops. Science, 346(6215), 1280-1280.
