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Argument Essay
Genetically Modified Foods are Hazardous
Many people around the world argue that genetically modified foods are hazardous or
that they are not. After doing research on both sides, I have come to the conclusion that
genetically modified foods are in fact hazardous to not only people but also to the environment. I
will be splitting this essay up into three parts for each of my sources. Although some might claim
that some evidence suggest genetically modified foods are not hazardous I argue that, on the
contrary, most evidence suggest they are. Genetically modified foods are hazardous for the
environment, human health, and can cause allergic reactions in people.
Genetic engineering (GE) allows global biotechnology companies to create and legally
own new forms of plants and animals. These new GE products are unpredictable and could be a
threat to humans, animals, and the environment (Cummings, Ronnie). In this source the author
talks about the toxins and poisons that are created through genetically modified foods and how
they threaten human health. In the1980's a commonly used dietary supplement called LTryptophan killed 37 American citizens. This dietary supplement was genetically engineered.
Not only did 37 people die but more than 5,000 others were disabled or diagnosed with a blood
disorder called eosinophilia myalgia syndrome or EMS for short. This drug was later recalled by
the food and drug administration (FDA). Genetically engineered foods are not only hazardous
but they are also not as nutritious as a normal strand would be. For instance, researchers
conclude spinach contains high amounts of vitamin C, if spinach were to be GE it would not
only loose this healthy element but possibly gain poisons or toxins making it a completely
different food.

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My next source focuses primarily on the health risks genetically modified foods could
cause. The author gives examples of animal studies that resulted in health problems. By the third
generation, most hamsters fed GM soy were unable to have babies and suffered high infant
mortality; some had hair growing in their mouths (Genetically Modified Foods Could Pose
Numerous Health Risks). In the evidence I give, the hamsters were in their third generation, the
health problems started out being slight but increased as the GE foods were in their system for
longer. This goes to show that genetically engineered foods are hazardous. The FDA released a
policy on genetically modified organisms in 1992. The policy claims that "the agency had no
information showing that GM foods are substantially different." A lawsuit later reveled
thousands of information that showed otherwise. FDA scientists repeatedly warned of possible
allergies, toxins, new diseases, and nutritional problems; they urged long-term safety studies
(Genetically Modified Foods Could Pose Numerous Health Risks). This evidence only further
supports my claim that GE foods are detrimental to people and to their health.
The next source I have decided to use explains the allergic responses people can have
from consuming genetically engineered foods. Being that it is hard to obtain allergy information
on people, this author had to look deep into information to give a good argument. The United
Kingdom (UK) is one of the only countries that is able to conduct evaluations of food allergies.
They conducted a study in March 1999, at the York Laboratory. The researchers who conducted
the study came to the conclusion that allergic reactions to soy had increased by 50 percent since
the previous year. Genetically modified soy had recently entered the UK from US [United
States] imports and the soy used in the study was largely GM. John Graham, spokesman for the
York laboratory, said, "We believe this raises serious new questions about the safety of GM
foods" (Smith, Jeffery M). This evidence concluded that GE foods can cause allergic reactions in

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people after eating them over a long period of time. It also further shows the hazards GE foods
can cause.
In conclusion, my evidence supports my claim that genetically modified foods are in fact
hazardous. They are not only hazardous for the environment and human health but can also cause
allergic responses in people. It is important for people to read the labels of any foods to be sure
they have not been genetically engineered.

Works Cited
Cummins, Ronnie. "Genetically Engineered Foods Are Hazardous." Genetically Engineered
Foods. Ed. Debra A. Miller. Detroit: Green haven Press, 2012. At Issue. Rpt. from
"Hazards of Genetically Engineered Foods and Crops: Why We Need A Global
Moratorium." Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 12 Oct. 2014

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"Genetically Modified Foods Could Pose Numerous Health Risks." Genetic Engineering. Ed.
Nol Merino. Detroit: Green haven Press, 2013. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from
"Doctors' Health Warning: Avoid Genetically Modified Foods." Vol. 1. 2011. Opposing
Viewpoints in Context. Web. 27 Oct. 2014.

Smith, Jeffrey M. "Genetically Modified Foods May Cause Allergic Responses." Food Safety.
Ed. Judeen Bartos. Detroit: Green haven Press, 2011. At Issue. Rpt. from "Genetically
Engineered Foods May Cause Rising Food Allergies." Institute for Responsible
Technology, 2007. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 27 Oct. 2014.