Assignment: Critical Summary of the Ethical Dilemma of GM Food

This assignment presents a critical summary of Valeria Jefferson's article, "The Ethical Dilemma of Genetically Modified Food." The summary begins by outlining the conflicting viewpoints surrounding genetically modified (GM) food, highlighting its potential to address global hunger and population growth, while also acknowledging potential risks to the environment and human health. The summary then delves into the article's structure, which provides a brief historical context of GM foods and addresses ethical concerns, including long-term health complications and ecosystem impacts. The article emphasizes the benefits of GM foods, such as increased productivity, resistance to pests, and reduced pesticide use, particularly in developing countries. However, the summary also points out the article's focus on the need for accountability regarding the impacts of GM food, stressing the importance of technological advancement alongside the maintenance of a stable ecosystem. The assignment adheres to the provided format specifications, including a two-paragraph structure, summary and criticism, and appropriate citation using MLA format.

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A Critical Summary: The Ethical Dilemma of Genetically Modified Food
Precisely, the topic ‘genetically modified food’ sparks opposing points of views. While a
section of experts believe that genetically modified food is a solution for hunger in the world,
health risks posed by pesticides, and the ever-growing world population, others list it together
with other severe threats to human civilization. The experts are torn between the benefits of
genetically modified foods and the consequences that the products may pose for the ecosystem,
human life, and animal life. The research article by Valeria Jefferson is centered on the same by
giving a background of genetically modified foods prior the attempt to provide a detailed outline
of the ethical dilemma as a result of the genetically modified foods. Firstly, the article briefly
touches on the never-ending debate with a brief history. It stresses the range of ethical concern
tied to long term health complications as a result of GMF to the effects that the science of gene
manipulation may have on the entire ecosystem. The article then goes forth to address the ethical
dilemma through varied examples of the benefits of GMF and the consequences that come to
play. The usefulness and increased levels of productivity appear to rationalize the genetic
engineering technology. Apart from fast growth, genetically modified foods are also famous for
resistance to heat, cold, and pests thereby reducing herbicide and pesticide use. In that regard, the
foods are deemed helpful in alleviating hunger more so in developing countries. On the flip side,

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it is argued that genetically modified foods may have irreversible effects on the ecosystem, the
plants and the animals (Valeria 1-2).
Valerie Jefferson’s article is not solely bent on shedding light about genetically modified
but also seeks to stress the need for accountability when it comes to the impacts of the same. It
holds the usefulness of genetic engineering and genetically modified foods with high regard. It is
for that reason as to why the author emphasizes the value of GMF, especially at a time when the
world population is on the rise. The piece is also thorough at using examples, facts and figures to
reference the whole idea about the foods. It draws evidence to back up its viewpoints on the
ethical dilemma of genetically modified foods. Some of the examples include the history of
GMF, the world population in the coming twenty years (1.5 billion), the notable importance, and
some of the effects of the same (Valeria 2). The detailed examples, facts and figures are vital in
airing out the author’s point of view on the matter. The author recognizes the need to advance
technologically, but priority should be on development and maintenance of a stable ecosystem.

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Works Cited
Valeria, Jefferson. "The Ethical Dilemma of Genetically Modified Food." Journal of
Environmental Health 69.1 (2006): 1-3. Print.