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Hou Tsun Ming
A Critical Evaluation of Genetically Modified food

Introduction
The scientific development of genetic engineering has
revolutionized traditional methods in cultivating and commercializing
agricultural products. One of the common gene transferal techniques
involves the biolistic method (gene gun) where microscopic gold particles
are used to deliver the transgene into the target plants nucleus.
Thousands of gold particles are coated with copies of the transgene, to
which they are shot at a pile of the plants callus cells under high air
pressure. Gold particles that land on the nucleus are incorporated into the
chromosomes by cutting into the DNA strand. Now the genetically
reformed genome is rested to allow for duplication and growth of the new
gene (plastid). The diagram below illustrates the process of the biolistic
method (plastid).

However, such scientific innovation has also invoked a worldwide debate

with regard to its actual implementation. For example, whilst Professor
Johnjoe Mcfadden advocates that the Golden rice is a pragmatic source
of vitamin A as it contains 31 micrograms of -Carotene (a precursor for
vitamin A) per gram of rice, Green party leader Natalie Bennett stresses
the costly socio-political implications of utilizing this forbidden technology
(theguardian). Therefore, by examining and evaluating a plethora of
sources, this essay will articulate the arguments with a consideration to
the nature of sciences, before reaching an overall consensus on the topic
of GM foods.

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Consideration to the Nature of Sciences

Science and technology are undoubtedly becoming increasingly
significant in our society. Whilst advances in medicine have facilitated
much relief, development of GM technologies such as the Golden rice
have contributed to existing contentions. Thusly, it is of principal
importance to increase our understanding of the natural world.
Many characteristics of science can be derived from the Golden
rice controversy. Firstly, it is evident that scientific development is majorly
influenced by political, social and cultural factors. The varying interest
groups reflected in contrasting sources tend to manipulate science for
their own political and economic ends. For example, the depiction of GM
crops within environmentalist groups has been used to reduce public
confidence by undermining synthetic foods (Greenpeace). This is further
reinforced by Natural news, which quotes Vanadana Shiva in claiming that
the Golden rice may be a Trojan horse exploited by Multi-nationals for the
approval of synthetic food culture (Natural news). Leader of the green
party Natalie Bennett also expresses her concern in the promotion of an
industrial monoculture that demotes food variety (theguardian). Thusly,
scientific development is both hindered and exploited by activists that
seek to satisfy their own agendas.
Another prominent nature of science evident is that science,
technology and society mutually reciprocate each other. Our social and
cultural values bring advances to scientific research and technological
innovation, which in turn impacts the way society functions. In the context
of the Golden rice, scientific discoveries of gene transfer have facilitated
the creation of genetic engineering technologies (most notably the gene
gun delivery system), which has in turn offered to improve our standards
of living by tackling vitamin A deficiencies that 6000 people die victim to
daily (Goldenrice). Responsively, societies constant demands are likely to

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encourage greater scientific innovations that will further advance quality
of life.
Moreover, the development of science also evokes many ethical and
moral implications. Ethics being a subjective issue raises disputable
questions in the implementation of genetic engineering. Whilst green
organizations and media advocate their concern regarding the potential
health risks imposed by chemical additives and the possible formation of
industrial monocultures (Greenpeace), pro-GM interest groups commonly
attest to the pragmatic and competent nature of synthetic foods in solving
malnutrition as a basis for measuring ethical conduct (BBC). Therefore,
issues about human and environmental sustainability as well as the
distribution of nutritive foods are essential when considering the
appropriate course of action given prudent regulation.
Evaluation of Media portrayal
Media depiction is critical in molding the publics understanding of
certain scientific issues. Unfortunately, media biases are inherent and
inevitable. Thusly, it is of paramount importance to evaluate the credibility
of our sources in order to be aware of existing misconceptions. To examine
this, we will analyze common media literacies detected throughout the
articles.
Firstly, the articles have pre-existing prejudices that influence their
perspectives. Undoubtedly, most media are often controlled by varying
and sometimes polar incentives. For example, the environmentalist group
Green peace (source 1.1) retains a radical bias against synthetic
elements. Thusly they have an incentive and tendency to overstate the
importance of alternative solutions and undermine the significance of the
Golden rice due to their divergent value systems. This is recurrent in
source 1.2 that also quotes biased individuals (Beth Hoffman and Vandana
Shiva) whom have consistent backgrounds against synthetic foods
(Naturalnews). On the other hand, supporting articles of the Golden rice
also exhibit an inherent bias in endorsing GM products. For example, the
BBC (source 1.4) has also been challenged for possible partiality in its

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coverage for science and the environment despite its prominent status

(BBC). Critics assert that several untrue statements were claimed to be

facts with scientific grounding. But more importantly, both articles only
elaborate on one side of the argument and neglect or marginalize the
other. The media simply portrays favorable evidence and false context to
reach a fallacious, desirable judgment. Recognizing these inherent biases
allows us to be aware of any discriminatory tendencies that may influence
the accuracy of the article.
Whats more, a fallacious sense of logic is also subtly employed to
give false impressions. Evidently, the author Carolanne Wright of source
1.2 utilizes effective diversionary writing (Naturalnews). Whilst restating
the core values of the international rice research institute in reducing
poverty and hunger and improving health of rice farmers and
consumers, Wright implies her attempt to undermine the enforceability of
these intentions by claiming that the institute had employed Monsantos
previous executive, Gerard Barry (Naturalnews). Rather than pointing out
an actual cause, Wright simply draws a speculative correlation. On the
other hand, BBCs article featuring environmental minister Owen Paterson
also demonstrates the ad hominem logical fallacy, by addressing anti-GM
groups to be wicked (BBC). Rather than refuting their arguments,
Paterson subverts their existence. Reflectively, our media system also
reveals the power dynamics in society; figures with power and privilege
have better access in the creation and distribution of media messages.
The media also utilizes emotionally charged expression to evoke
appeal from readers. For example, whilst the attachment of the image
featuring an aphid on article 1.3 is likely to induce a repulsive reaction
amongst readers, the illustration showing organic farming in source 1.1 is
prone to stimulate feelings of being natural and chemical-free
(Naturalnews). Conclusively, it appears that the media can subtly
manipulate images to enhance emotional impact and change perception.
This manipulation of emotion is also evident through the use of language.
For example, the employment of satire in the weasel words apocalyptic
Eco-zealots in article 1.3 undermines the authenticity of environmentalist

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groups (dailymail). Subtly, the media creates the impression that the

eco-zealots are over-passionate and thus lack rationality in their

agenda. Therefore, it appears that emotion is a crucial tool used by
various medias to alter our perception.
Ethical issues with consideration to Stakeholders
Due to the revolutionary potential of GM foods, many ethical
implications and controversies have arisen with conflicting interests
between different groups. By examining the common arguments this
essay will conclude with an overall stance.
First and foremost, advancements in the field of genetic engineering
may contradict the core principles of religious dogma. For example, in
many Judaist societies the act of gene transferal is considered to be the
blatant violation of Kilayim (interbreeding of crops and livestock) that
dishonors the natural distinctions created by God. Likewise, some Islamic
groups also advocate that according to the Quran, GM foods are
unnecessary as Gods creations are perfect and man has little right to
tamper with it. To these communities, GM foods are a direct defiance
against their doctrine that undermines their value systems. As we can
see, there is a continuing conflict between scientific development and
grounded religious values, cultural heritage and sense of identity.
The economic implication of commercializing GM foods also induces an
ethical divide. Due to the profit maximizing incentives of Agri-bio tech
companies such as Monsanto, the utilized genetic engineering processes
and harvested GM products are patented and monopolized. Natalie
Bennett points out currently 53% of the worlds seed input originates from
three industrial giants (theguardian). Whilst this may serve to increase
production efficiency with enhanced levels of specialization and funding in
research and development, there is a high degree of negligence toward
small-scale farmers that are legally constrained to purchasing seeds from
multinational biotech firms. And thus, a high input and high cost
situation is created (theguardian). Therefore, prudent regulation regarding

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the patenting system must be enacted to reach an optimal compromise
between small-scale farmers and large corporations.
In addition, the development of GM foods also raises ethical
questions in regards to the health and environmental costs involved.
Critics claim that genetically engineered crops are susceptible to
unexpected consequences that may pose a risk to food safety and our
environment (Green peace). Furthermore, critics also assert that the
Golden rice may even exacerbate malnutrition and compromise food
security by overemphasizing consumption based on a small variety of
industrial staple foods, as opposed to encouraging a diverse diet with
high nutritional value (Green peace).
The most significant ethical consideration must be attributed to the
problem of malnourishment, and the growing wealth gap between
developing and developed countries. The world health organization
reports that hunger and related malnutrition are the greatest single threat
to the worlds public health on a global scale (Wikipedia). In alleviating
such life-threatening microdeficiencies, GM foods may be the optimal
solution. In this context, the Golden rice offers a viable solution in
reducing the prevalence of vitamin A- a severe malnutrition that 250
million pre-school children are diagnosed with (goldenrice). Moreover, it is
also important to note that the development of GM foods may also assists
farmers with limited supplies by increasing economic and agricultural
efficiency. This will undoubtedly raise yields and thus profit levels amongst
small-scale farmers. Thusly, as it appears that the costs of this
development are most substantial within poorer regions, the ethical
concern here is the opportunity costs in not promoting such technologies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it appears that the benefits of promoting GM foods
outweigh the potential costs. Whilst many organizations reflected in the
sources display a radicalized viewpoint on the issue, we may have to
discredit them for their bold discriminatory tendencies. This reflects again
that science is not purely objective, but tainted by vested interests and

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manipulations of our perception. It is undeniable that GM foods are an

economic innovation especially to developing countries that require such

productive enhancements. Despite the inherent ethical contradictions that
arise, they are comparatively insignificant to the thriving issues of
malnutrition and starvation within poorer regions. However, whilst
acknowledging the importance of malnutrition and such health problems
to be the primary ethical consideration, we must not neglect oppositional
views. Therefore, GM foods must only be administered under prudent
government regulation both economically and legally, in order to prevent
excessive exploitation by Agri-bio tech monopolies that may perturb
potential economic advances.
Word count: 1796

Works cited
Bennett, Natalie, Johnjoe McFadden, Phil Maynard, and Josh Strauss.
"Should We Embrace GM Food? - Five-minute Video Debate."
Theguardian.com. Guardian News and Media, 06 Aug. 2013. Web. 06 Dec.
2013.

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<http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/video/2013/aug/06/gmfood-video-debate>.
"Golden Rice." Greenpeace International. Greenpeace, 22 Oct. 2013.
Web. 04 Dec. 2013.
<http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/agriculture/pr
oblem/genetic-engineering/Greenpeace-and-Golden-Rice/>.
"GM 'golden Rice' Opponents Wicked, Says Minister Owen Paterson."
BBC News. BBC, 14 Oct. 2013. Web. 06 Dec. 2013.
<http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24515938>.
Rose, David. "The Great GM Food Hysteria." Mail Online. Dailymail, 6
July 2013. Web. 06 Dec. 2013.
<http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2357496/The-great-GM-foodhysteria-Do-believe-eating-genetically-modified-crops-like-dining-devil-Nowonder--thats-exactly-apocalyptic-eco-zealots-want-think.html>.
Wright, Carolanne. "GM Golden Rice: Miracle or Menace? Top Activists
Speak out." NaturalNews. Natural News, 19 Sept. 2013. Web. 06 Dec. 2013.
<http://www.naturalnews.com/042124_golden_rice_gmos_activists.html
>.
Others:
(Gene gun)
"Malnutrition." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 24 Nov. 2013. Web. 06 Dec.
2013. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malnutrition>.
"Plastid Trasnformation Technology." Plastid. N.p., 2007. Web. 06 Dec.
2013.
<http://www.plastid.no/tech.html>.
Revoir, Paul. "BBC Probes Bias in Its Coverage of Science and the
Environment." Dailymail. Dailymail, 7 Jan. 2010. Web. 06 Dec. 2013.
<http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1241209/BBC-probes-bias-sciencecoverage.html>.
"Vitamin A Deficiency." Goldenrice.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Dec. 2013.
<http://www.goldenrice.org/Content3-Why/why1_vad.php>.

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