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BIO 220 RS Manvs Nature Online TRAD
Environmental Science (BIO-220)
Grand Canyon University
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Man vs. Nature
This week we are discussing Genetically Modified Foods and just like any product available there are pros and cons. This will be a hands-on assignment that will require you visit a grocery store to compare and contrast Genetically Modified and Organic produce. Be sure to select the same type of fruit or vegetable to compare and contrast. You are not required to buy the product!
Note: You may ask a store employee for help to identify which produce is organic and which is a GM (conventional).
Student name: Gianna Rule
What fruit or vegetable are you comparing? Strawberries
Genetically Modified Organic Price $4 $3. Availability (quantity) Characteristics: Color Size Smell Weight
Color: red Size: Smell: Weight: 32 oz
Some of the information is not available because I am making my observations from an online grocery store.
Color: red Size: Smell: Weight: 16 oz
Some of the information is not available because I am making my observations from an online grocery store.
Where was it grown/imported from (country, state, etc.)?
The information is not available because I am making my observations from an online grocery store.
The information is not available because I am making my observations from an online grocery store.
Where were observations made (farmers market, Walmart, etc.)?
I am making my observations from an online grocery store called Fred Meyers in Washington state (similar to a Fry’s in Arizona).
I am making my observations from an online grocery store called Fred Meyers in Washington state (similar to a Fry’s in Arizona).
Short Answer Questions (Minimum of 250 words each)
- What are the some of the arguments for labeling GM foods? What are some of the arguments against it? What side do you feel is more valid, why? Provide at least one source per argument (one for and one against) to support your claims.
© 2016. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
There are many arguments that are for and against labeling GM foods. Starting with why there should be labeling on GM foods is purely for the consumer. It was stated that, “Many consumers want to support this environmentally beneficial food production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems, and people” (Smith, 2014, pg. 70). This quote exemplifies someone who is looking for non-GM foods. By having the label on there and provided, the consumer themselves feel they have a better understanding of what is in their foods. In regard to not labelling GM foods, “.. argue that mandatory labeling arbitrarily singles out GMO technology for specific attention and misleads consumers into thinking that they should be concerned about consuming GM foods (Sunstein 2016)” (Kim et al., 2022, pg. 21). By labeling the foods that are GM, people may tend to stray away from these products. There then becomes this notion that GM foods are bad for you and should not be consumed at all. The reality of most food products nowadays is that they are GM unless otherwise stated. The side of labeling GM feels more valid. While I feel that people consume many GM foods that they may not know, it is the right of the consumer who is concerned to have that validation. Some people place high priority on consuming non-GM foods and want to buy products that do not or mostly do not have GM in them. By labeling GM foods, people are made aware and from their it is their choice whether or not to buy and consume the product. Labeling provides full transparency and disclosure to the consumer, leaving everything in the hands of who chooses to buy the products.
- What are some ethical concerns or benefits of using GMOs based on the Christian Worldview? (Refer to “Here’s What Religious Experts Have to Say About Faith and GMOs” for help answering this question.)
According to the Christian Worldview there are many concerns with GMOs. A couple of concerns were pertaining to who would be consuming these products, as well as the unknown of how it may affect someone. In regard to who would be consuming these products, the Christian Worldview is concerned for those who are considered to be on the edge of society. This would include those who are homeless, going through poverty, and are hungry. Due to these people typically residing in rural areas, agriculture is something that is vital and important to sustain on. It was stated that, “‘.. farming is done is critical to their health and to their survival and prosperity’” (Smith, 2015, para. 15). This goes along with the second concern of how it may affect someone. There have not been necessarily any long- term effects associated with GMO foods, so the unknown is still there. Due to not fully knowing what GMOs can cause, the use of it should be limited according to the Christian Worldview in order to protect people from potential harm. The main concern is just for the people as a whole. While there is a focus and emphasis on those that may be experiencing poverty and homelessness, GMOs in the perspective of a Christian Worldview needs to be taken lightly as the unknown is still being explored. There are cautions more than anything that the Christian Worldview has with GMOs, but they are not completely saying no to them and not fully accepting them either.
© 2016. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
BIO 220 RS Manvs Nature Online TRAD
Course: Environmental Science (BIO-220)
University: Grand Canyon University
