Keenan Thompson Mr. Shield, Hour 3 English 12 8 April 2015 Genetic Engineering It’s not a secret that more than 90% of the corn and soy grown in the United States today is genetically modified in some way. Modified organisms continue to become more prevalent in our daily lives and it seems it is only a matter of time until genetic modification extends past agriculture. Since the industrial revolution in the mid-nineteenth century, humans have advanced in all realms of science at an exponential rate. Genetic engineering has become a particularly prominent subject of debate because of the many strong and differing views towards genetic enhancement, cloning and other similar practices. As new developments in biotechnology enable humans …show more content…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, just approved the first genetically engineered apple for planting and sale without labels in February, despite polls estimating that more than 90% of Americans support the labeling of genetically engineered foods. Although they require the labeling of thousands of ingredients and processes, the FDA has claimed for years that “these foods were not ‘materially’ different from other foods because the genetic differences could not be recognized by taste, smell or other senses,” (“U.S. Approves First Genetically Engineered Apples”). This stance contrasts that of many other developed nations: 64 countries, including the majority of Europe, Asia and South America, have taken action by requiring the labeling of all genetically modified foods. Though, aside from agriculture, few laws have been put in place restricting genetic …show more content…
How can it harm us? meant federal regulation became necessary for safety and regulation in this new and growing field of research. Works Cited Gallagher, James. "'Designer Baby Debate Should Start'" BBC News. N.p., 19 Jan. 2015. Web. 08 Apr. 2015. <http://www.bbc.com/news/health-30742774>. "History of Cloning, The" Learn Genetics. Genetic Science Learning Center, 01 Dec. 2014. Web. 08 Apr. 2015. <http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/cloning/clonezone/>. Meek, James. "Dolly the Sheep Is Put to Sleep, Aged Only Six." The Guardian. N.p., 15 Feb. 2003. Web. 7 Apr. 2015. <http://www.theguardian.com/science/2003/feb/15/genetics.animalrights>. "Paul Berg, Herbert W. Boyer, and Stanley N. Cohen." Chemical Heritage Foundation. N.p., 02 May 2014. Web. 06 Apr. 2015. <http://www.chemheritage.org/discover/online-resources/chemistry-in-history/themes/ph armaceuticals/preserving-health-with-biotechnology/berg-boyer-cohen.aspx>. ProQuest Staff. "At Issue: Genetic Engineering." ProQuest LLC. 2015: n.pag. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 08 Apr. 2015. "U.S. Approves First Genetically Engineered Apples." Environment News Service. 13 Feb. 2015: n.p. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 08 Apr.