science
...nology to improve nature. The most famous biotech crop is the Flavr Savr Tomato. Tomatoes have a relatively soft outer skin, which makes them bruise and damage easily. With the Flavr Savr, scientists engineered the new tomato plants in a way that made them have a tougher outer skin. This made them easier to transport and store. Scientists have also worked with other crops to improve them. Corn, rice, and soybeans have become very important biotech crops. Corn that won’t be eaten by pests and can be grown year round would benefit farmers and the public alike. With increased amounts of product and more sales, the price of corn would go down. Rice that can be enriched with vitamins and minerals would help children in third-world countries. The children would eat the rice, but get the benefits of eating a supply of all their necessary nutrients. There are many benefits to biotechnology and genetically modifying foods (these foods are sometimes called GMO). But, there are still many opponents to this new way of growing food. People fear that bio engineered food is not safe, despite claims by the United Stated Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that say they are. The FDA claims that methods of altering crops have been in existence for hundreds of years. They say that farmers have always crossbred and propagated plants to achieve desired results. The FDA says that these foods now are no different and are safe to eat. Still, some people are not convinced. There is strong opposition to these foods, both in the United States and in Europe. Some companies that use GMO products use GMO produce that has been treated with antibiotics. Consumers fear that increased use of antibiotics will cause them to develop antibiotic resistance. Not only that, but the diseases for which the antibiotics are meant might also develop resistance to them. If this were to happen, there could be major problems in the future. Many groups and organizations have formed to inform the public of the risks of GMO foods. Besides the antibiotic resistance, people also fear allergies from GMO foods. Enzymes are proteins, and proteins are what people who have food allergies are usually allergic to. If proteins that trigger allergies are used in products that don’t usually contain them, there could be problems. The FDA has established a law that forces companies that produce such foods to warn the public. They must label their foods an...