2. Hello my name is Radhika S Ragothaman
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I am doing my Educational Support program at Sheridan
college. I have a passion for learning new concepts in
Biological Science as I have a science degree from back
home. I always get inclined toward science concepts that
especially deal with mankind.
4. Genetically modified foods
(GMOs/GMFs )
I have chosen this topic because I am more
passionate about learning biological science. I
was interested in researching GMFs and getting
to know what world countries are into bringing
the hunger-free zone around the globe.
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Genetically Modified Food Gmo Foods Concepts Stock Illustration 209546998. Shutterstock.
Retrieved on August 11, 2022, from https://www.shutterstock.com/image-
illustration/genetically-modified-food-gmo-foods-concepts-209546998.
5. Background
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Many issues are concerned with accepting the food that is derived from genetically
modified organisms and its related products. Genetic Engineers and scientists have come a long way
in bringing the GMFs to the public by undergoing several screening processes to assess the safety
and quality of the products both for humans and the environment. The main idea of this research is
to find out the origin of GMFs, understand the risks and benefits of consuming them, and how they
could be adopted to achieve sustainability in the world. There is a dilemma in accepting the GMFs
for various concerns such as religious and ethical, health and safety, and also philosophical and
political too.
6. Research Question & Thesis
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My thesis statement would be: Is the future could be made sustainable
by adopting the usage of GMFs and whether the policymakers and global
marketers would make it possible by passing the regulations and legislation?
7. Topics of Investigation
History of GMFs
The concept of genetic alteration is not new as
there is a natural alteration that was happening through
traditional breeding over a longer period of time and it is
been in the field of agriculture and farming since the
1900s. During those times European scientists started
doing alterations at the genetic level in an organism or a
crop to produce novel traits in a short period of time that
can withstand the harsh climate, poor quality of soil, and
also resistance to viruses and other forms of insects.
Importance of GMFs
The emergence of GMFs is important
for various reasons such as to feed the growing
human population, combat hunger issues and
environmental stress, improve the quality of the
end products, and finally address consumer needs.
It has been predicted by United Nations that the
population would increase by 9.8 billion by 2050.
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8. Topics of Investigation (Cont’d)
Labeling of GMFs
There are varied opinions among the world
countries when it comes to the labeling of GMFs.
European Union has declared the policy of mandatory
labeling of GMFs and their related products whereas
Canada has adopted the policy of voluntary labeling of
GMFs. Both policies have created additional consumer
choices in the market. Several studies have been
conducted and surprisingly 85 to 90% of Canadians insist
on mandatory labeling of GMFs.
Advances in GMOs/GMFs
Two main protocols are formed
Cartagena which deals with safe handling and
transportation of GMOs without affecting
biodiversity and Nagoya which deals with
accessing genetic resources fairly that leads to
conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity
for the well-being of mankind.
World Health Organization plays a vital role in
assessing both the positive and negative effects
of GMOs on both humans and the environment.
These are effective and being in practice.
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9. Counterpoints
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The alternative perspective of Genetically modified food would be the usage of
traditional breeding concepts of both plants and animals. It is a time-consuming process.
We cannot expect the yield that we need to feed the population. Even though natural
breeding is much safer for both humans and the environment, considering the
overgrowing population and to meet the demands there is a necessity to adopt to GMFs
by following the safety protocols.
10. Sources
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Elliot, C. (2006). Commentary unlabelled: Law, language, and genetically modified foods in Canada.
Canadian Journal of Communication, 31(1), 247-254. Retrieved from https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-
journals/commentary-unlabelled-law-language-genetically/docview/219616539/se-2
Miles, S., Ueland, Y., & Frewer, L.J. (2005) Public attitudes towards genetically-modified food. British Food
Journal (1966) 107(4), 246-262. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1108/00070700510589521
Munusamy, U. (2019) Genetically Modified Organisms in Food Production. Delve Publishing.
.
11. Sources
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Raza, S.H., Zaman, U., Ferreira, P., Farías, P. (2021). An Experimental Evidence on Public Acceptance of
Genetically Modified Food through Advertisement Framing on Health and Environmental Benefits, Objective
Knowledge, and Risk Reduction. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 18, 5264. https://doi.org/10.3390/
ijerph18105264. Retrieved from https://www-proquest-com.library.sheridanc.on.ca/docview/2532507505?pq-
origsite=summon
Vega Rodríguez, A., Rodríguez-Oramas, C., Sanjuán Velázquez, E., Hardisson de la Torre, A., Rubio
Armendáriz, C., Carrascosa Iruzubieta, C. (2022) Myths and Realities about Genetically Modified Food: A
Risk-Benefit Analysis. Appl. Sci. 12, 2861. DOI: 10.3390/app12062861. Retrieved from https://www-proquest-
com.library.sheridanc.on.ca/docview/2642350682/fulltextPDF/52D6879751AF4EA3PQ/1?accountid=3455
12. Research Spotlight
One of the sources that I have chosen for the spotlight is Munusamy. U who has
written the book about GMOs in food production. I felt this book is a complete handbook
to know all about GMOs and the author has collected and researched many of the
concepts to make the content understandable and reach the readers. This adds value to my
essay as it discusses the natural breeding process which is supposed to be an alternative
perspective for GMOs in food production. It concludes by saying sustainability is
achieved through GMFs by considering different criteria that would encompass the safety
of the future generation also.
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