Man vs. Nature
This week we are discussing G enetically 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: Amber Lisciarelli
What fruit or vegetable are you comparing?Lemons
Genetically Modified Organic
Price $1.96/lb. $2.49/lb.
Availability (quantity)
Characteristics:
·Color
·Size
·Smell
·Weight-Pale yellow
-Medium to larger
-Many were bitter and had a
chemical taste
-2 lemons per pound-Bright yellow, minimal scuffs
-Medium
-Citrusy, sweet, fresh
-3 lemons per pound
Where was it
grown/imported from
(country, state, etc.)?It was grown in the United
States. Specificity on which
state was not given.Sourced from Arizona and
California
Where were
observations made
(farmers market,
Walmart, etc.)?Walmart Fry’s, I could not find Organic at
my local Walmart
Short Answer Questions (Minimum of 250 words each)
1.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.
The argument being raised about the labeling of GM foods is people want to know what
they are eating. When creating GM food, scientists are quite literally altering the DNA and
genetics of that food item to make it more desirable. Today, the general public is fixated on what
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they consume. “They want transparency with what they are eating” (Sumtho, 2017). The
argument for these GM labels is that when a person picks up a produce item at the store, they
should know what is in it. Various activist groups believe these labels do not do enough to
protect the public (Institute, 2013). They believe GMOs are going to inevitably kill people.
Those disagreeing with these labels think GM foods are not a threat. Gm foods have
created a reputation for being harmful to humans (Institute, 2013). GMO foods are viewed as
bad, so there must be an alternative food (Sumtho, 2017). Organic foods are foods that have no
genetic alteration or have been affected by harmful chemicals. When a consumer sees a GM
food label, they instinctively want the healthier option, organic (Sumtho, 2017). This has created
a large market for organic farmers. There is not as strong of an argument against GM labels. It is
more just of alternative foods.
I believe there is some harm in Genetically Modifying Foods, however, it is not as big of
an issue as it is being made. Yes, the consumer should know what they are eating. However, the
arguments being made for the labels are not only extreme, but they are also harming businesses. I
think more information should be provided on the GM label that gives clarity to the buyer. This
will help alleviate the confusions they may have (Sumtho, 2017).
2.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.)
The article “Here is What Religious Experts Have to Say About Faith and GMOs” by
Matt Smith (2015) does not specifically define a conflict between Christian beliefs and
Genetically Modified Organisms. The article outlines the concerns from various religions andPowered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
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This week we are discussing G enetically 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: Amber Lisciarelli
What fruit or vegetable are you comparing?Lemons
Genetically Modified Organic
Price $1.96/lb. $2.49/lb.
Availability (quantity)
Characteristics:
·Color
·Size
·Smell
·Weight-Pale yellow
-Medium to larger
-Many were bitter and had a
chemical taste
-2 lemons per pound-Bright yellow, minimal scuffs
-Medium
-Citrusy, sweet, fresh
-3 lemons per pound
Where was it
grown/imported from
(country, state, etc.)?It was grown in the United
States. Specificity on which
state was not given.Sourced from Arizona and
California
Where were
observations made
(farmers market,
Walmart, etc.)?Walmart Fry’s, I could not find Organic at
my local Walmart
Short Answer Questions (Minimum of 250 words each)
1.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.
The argument being raised about the labeling of GM foods is people want to know what
they are eating. When creating GM food, scientists are quite literally altering the DNA and
genetics of that food item to make it more desirable. Today, the general public is fixated on what
1 / 2
they consume. “They want transparency with what they are eating” (Sumtho, 2017). The
argument for these GM labels is that when a person picks up a produce item at the store, they
should know what is in it. Various activist groups believe these labels do not do enough to
protect the public (Institute, 2013). They believe GMOs are going to inevitably kill people.
Those disagreeing with these labels think GM foods are not a threat. Gm foods have
created a reputation for being harmful to humans (Institute, 2013). GMO foods are viewed as
bad, so there must be an alternative food (Sumtho, 2017). Organic foods are foods that have no
genetic alteration or have been affected by harmful chemicals. When a consumer sees a GM
food label, they instinctively want the healthier option, organic (Sumtho, 2017). This has created
a large market for organic farmers. There is not as strong of an argument against GM labels. It is
more just of alternative foods.
I believe there is some harm in Genetically Modifying Foods, however, it is not as big of
an issue as it is being made. Yes, the consumer should know what they are eating. However, the
arguments being made for the labels are not only extreme, but they are also harming businesses. I
think more information should be provided on the GM label that gives clarity to the buyer. This
will help alleviate the confusions they may have (Sumtho, 2017).
2.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.)
The article “Here is What Religious Experts Have to Say About Faith and GMOs” by
Matt Smith (2015) does not specifically define a conflict between Christian beliefs and
Genetically Modified Organisms. The article outlines the concerns from various religions andPowered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
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