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Genetically Modified Food:
Golden Rice: Help or Hazard? (continued) |
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Some environmentalists, however, feel that golden rice is a threat to biodiversity because it encourages genetic uniformity. They propose to reintroduce the many vitamin-rich food items (e.g., mangoes) that were once cheap and readily available rather than resort to one type of crop.
There also exist fears among doctors that, given the huge consumption of rice among the poor, changes in the nutrient or toxicant content of rice could have serious consequences. Some persons could be allergic to the modified rice. Additionally, anthropologists wonder how people will react to the yellow color of golden rice. Will they eat rice if it is not white?
Finally, criticism has been raised by farmers of the Rural Advancement Foundation International who say that offering free golden rice to developing countries is only a move by the genetic enhancement giants to solidify their market share. |
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References: |
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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations http://www.fao.org/fmfh/level3/lesson1/vitamins.htm This organization, which is concerned with the health and agricultural welfare of the world, provides information on the important qualities of various vitamins.
Syngenta
Rural Advancement Foundation International
Greenovation |
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