8.

03 – Essay Discussing the Process of Food Cloning and Issues

Revolving around the idea –
When the simple idea of cloning may seem controversial, the idea of food cloning could be
seen as shameful. Food cloning is defined as “the process of producing individuals with
identical or virtually identical DNA”. In the matter of food, meat and milk from cloned cattle
can prove to be ‘better’ for human society. In this mini-essay, I aim to display the
controversy around food cloning, the main disadvantages of the process and finally, what I
believe in the whole idea of food cloning.

As people strive to live a purer and healthier lifestyle, many have discovered the secrets
behind the simple carrot. Hundreds of people argue nowadays that meat and general foods
no longer retain their purity and so do not serve the purpose they are meant to. Thousands
have also proved strong links between modern diseases causing further backlash.

The feedback to this has been mixed – many governing authorities in this sector have
assured their customers there is no problem. According to The Advisory Committee on
Novel Foods and Processes, cloned products are ‘unlikely to present any risk’ to humans and
the FSA chief scientist, Andrew Wage confirmed, “The Advisory Committee on Novel Foods
and Processes has confirmed that meat and milk from cloned cattle and their offspring
shows no substantial difference to conventionally produced meat and milk, and therefore is
unlikely to present a food safety risk”. In addition, some European farmers believe they are
being put at a disadvantage by being denied the option of using technology.

Many a people are also against the idea of food cloning. A spokeswoman for Soil Association
quoted that “Not only does cloning have a negative impact on animal welfare, but we also
have no long-term evidence for the impacts on health” and many critics argue that there are
strong ethical and animal welfare reasons to ban the usage of food cloning in European
agriculture.

Different countries have had different responses to feedback provided by authorities. The
USA, countries in South America and Asia have authorised cows, sheep and pigs to be
cloned – this is in order to increase milk and meat production. In opposition, many countries
in Europe have introduced a specific authorisation programme as the uproar was mainly
concentrated in European countries. In addition, any breach of the specific authorisation
programme and of the Novel Food Regulations can attract a fine of up to £5,000.

Techniques carried out by countries have not proved to be enough – three cases had
emerged of meat linked to a cloned cow being sold in the UK and two further cases were
reported in the US, one of the cases finding its way into a London Butcher’s shop.

After the exposure of the illegal cloning cases in 2010, the European Commission proposed
to ban meat and milk from clones and subsequently their offspring. In the December of
2010, the FSA also discussed the outcome of influencing Britain’s negotiations on the issue
in Europe.
In conclusion, the wider population condemn the idea of food cloning. Despite the advice of
many governing food authorities, many believe that food cloning has a negative impact on
animal welfare. Different countries have had different responses to this issue, but many are
now contemplating on issuing a ban on the whole food cloning idea. I disagree with the idea
of food cloning as I believe it is ‘playing god’ and the idea challenges nature.

Reference:
 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11844141