Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 48

Essay Example The risks and benefits, the rights and wrongs, or the pros and cons of genetically modified food and science are global concerns in both public and private arenas (Adolphs, Hamilton and Nerlich, 58). In today’s technological world however, GM crops and products play an important role in driving modernization and as such they are here to stay; as long as focus is not placed on future technological advancement instead of today’s risks and disadvantages, and if research, assessment, controls and policies are adequately and stringently evidenced then the benefits, will eventually negate the risks. Martin Teitel, in his article entitled ‘Unsafe at any Seed?’ argues against GM food claiming the argument that GM foods are better for the environment, farmers and consumers â€Å"should be taken with a grain of salt† (1). He further purports that this new technology has grown too quickly with insufficient testing, has entered supermarket shelves too soon, and necessitates further research and an objective commission to verify and validate the safety of such foods prior to entering the market. This paper will argue in agreement of Teitel’s paper in some respects but will not concur with others. Although Teitel has put forward some pertinent points that are significant if biotechnology is to continue and develop, his argument falls short in that he fails to consider the debate from two perspectives – that of the opponent and that of the advocate of GM foods – and has remained steadfast on the side of opponents at the risk of sounding dogmatic and ill informed. The situation is not as black and white as Teitel paints it; within the developed world scientists are at odds in their convictions on measurement of risk, both for health and the environment. Many are convinced that assessments are not necessary or are too harsh, while