The method of cross-breeding to create superior hybrids is known as classical breeding. Classical breeding has been going on for years, and continues to be used by farmers and planters. It is a simple way to help a plant or animal evolve into a more desirable breed. Based on this technology alo

However, despite the benefits of genetically engineered foods, there are many disadvantages. For example, even thought people may be buying the expensive MacGregor tomatoes in California, the tomatoes have failed to grow well in other places, including Florida and Mexico. Even though the new gene was supposed to help make the tomatoes better, it actually keeps it from growing in Florida's climate. Also, because Cal Gene picks its tomatoes closer to ripeness, the tomatoes are softer when being shipped from the farm to the store. Because of this, it's easier for them to get bruised and damaged. Consumers don't want to buy bruised produce, so Cal Gene has been forced to take the tomatoes off the market in all areas except California, where they continue to grow and sell well.

Along with the public view, there are scientific studies showing that genetically engineered foods may not be as safe as the companies say they are. In a 1999 broadcast, CBS News reported on a study published in the medical journal "Lancet". According to this study, laboratory rats that were fed genetically engineered potatoes ended up with thicker intestines than normal rats. Meadows also writes about some medical problems with similar products. In one study at Cornell, monarch butterflies died when they ate food that had been dusted with a genetically engineered pesticide. In another study, scientists found that when people drink milk produced by cows that have been fed growth hormone, there is a higher chance of getting breast cancer or gastrointestinal cancer. Researchers in Iowa spliced soybeans with a gene from Brazil nuts. When they tested these soybeans on people who were allergic to Brazil nuts but not soybeans, it caused an allergic reaction. This shows that genetic engineering can cause harmful reactions if someone is allergic to a single gene used in the food.

Even though people have been studying different ways to breed better plants and animals for centuries, we still aren't experts at it. Genetic engineering can teach us a lot about how we can change living things to be what we want, but we need to learn more about it before we start using it too much (Avery). Genetic engineering could help us, but it also has the potential to hurt us.

These tomatoes aren't alone. In England, another brand of genetically engineered tomatoes are selling well, at prices about 10% below natural tomatoes. In America, cattle are given a genetically engineered growth hormone that makes them grow 10% larger than usual. And in most of the First World, people eat cheese that has been produced with genetically manufactured rettin. Before this advancement, baby calves had to be slaughtered for the rettin in their stomachs (Avery).

Genetic engineering companies also have to deal with consumers who don't trust their products. According to organic farmer Donella H Meadow

Some common words found in the essay are:
Avery Classical, Researchers Iowa, Third World, Flavor Saver, Cal Gene, Cornell University, Basic Research, Donella Meadows, University CBF, Lancet According, genetically engineered, classical breeding, genetic engineering, cal gene, genetically engineered food, engineered food, engineered foods, flavor saver, desired traits, able sell, consumers don't, genetically engineered foods, third world countries, european corn borer, genetically engineered product,
Approximate Word count = 1939
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)