Genetically Modified Food in Canada Essay - 1511 Words

A trip to any supermarket in Canada will reveal nothing out of ordinary, just the usual of array of fresh and packaged goods displayed in an inviting manner to attract customers. Everything appear familiar and reassuring, right? Think again. A closer microscopic inspection discloses something novel, a fundamental revolution in food technology. The technology is genetic engineering (GE), also known as biotechnology. Blue prints (DNA) of agricultural crops are altered and â€Å"spliced† with foreign genes to produce transgenic crops. Foods harvested from these agricultural plants are called, genetically modified (GM). Presently, Canada has no consumer notification; GM foods are being slipped to Canada’s foods without any labels or adequate risk†¦show more content†¦There is an abundance of GM foods varieties in Canadian market: assortments of corns, soybeans, canola, potatoes and tomatoes. In addition about sixty percent of processed foods are laced with GM mate rials [2]. The driving factor behind plant biotechnology is â€Å"social constructionism†, in which â€Å"social values and institutional domains and their culture shape technology† [Goyder chapter 10]. Bioengineering companies might declare social needs as the motive behind pursuing this technology. In reality, these capitalist institutions possess the much needed economic surplus to invest serve their own desires. The social needs they â€Å"intend† to solve are: world food shortage, increase agricultural productivity, help the environment by eliminating pesticides, improve nutrition of foods. Opponents of biotechnology, scientists, consumer advocates, environmental protection agencies, do not buy this claim. According to them, these reasons are just the pretence to fulfil â€Å"...capitalist’s profit-making via the deployment of technology, [3 Goyder chapter 5]. Most crop developments so far has been â€Å"profit-driven rather than need driven† [4, ten re asons why biotechnology will not ensure food security]. In a capitalistic society, patent laws under constitution permits ownership of seeds, living organisms; genes. Patents permit company like Monsanto could monopolize seed’sShow MoreRelatedBenefits Of Genetically Modified Foods1354 Words   |  6 PagesGMO’s Genetically Modified Foods is a new contervserasonal topic on the health on agricultural of the world. It is heavily debated for the reason that it can be seen as a health risk or a major advancement in Agriculture. One on hand, it can be used to increase production, as well has have foods that could be altered to be pest-resistant and greater nutritional values (WHAT ARE THEY). While on the other hand, many consider ‘Safety testing of whole foods is difficult. Generally assessment of ‘safety/toxicity’Read MoreGenetically And Genetically Modified Foods1739 Words   |  7 Pagesfor mankind. 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