Grass Fed Beef:
Animal Cloning vs. Grass Fed Beef
by Dr. Patricia Whisnant
American Grass Fed BeefA question posed to us many times at the Get Hooked on Health Expo, was whether or not our beef came from cloned animals, and what our thoughts and feelings are on this issue. The majority of those who spoke to us about this, had serious qualms about animal cloning, ranging from religious concerns, to concerns over animal welfare, to food safety concerns and labeling issues.
The simple fact of the matter is that animal cloning is becoming an enormous industry and has sparked fierce debates. Many groups including scientists are excited because cloning allows the chance to save endangered species from extinction and oblivion. Many other groups have expressed sentiments that cloning is ethically unacceptable.
Regardless which side you agree with, is it ethical and moral to clone animals simply for food? Is the genetic manipulation of a natural process worth the unknown risks in order to produce the biggest and best animals for human consumption? Since the beginning of time animals have found a way to reproduce without human intervention and have done so successfully. So, why do so many find it necessary to clone farm animals?
Researchers say that breeders can produce better and safer food by cloning animals that produce leaner meat. Leaner and safer meat is already being produced today and available to the consumer. 100% grass fed beef is leaner and safer to consume than industrialized beef, leaving cloning completely unnecessary. But the research continues at an enormous cost, and breeders will pay $20,000.00 or more per cloned animal. This only opens the door even wider for corporate factory farms to mass produce while putting the small farmer at more of a disadvantage.
As to date genetically engineered animals have been produced for breeding purposes only and not for food. It is unlikely that cloned animal meat will make it to the market place anytime soon. If and when this does enter the market, will it be safe to consume? The FDA addressed this issue by releasing a statement declaring that cloned animals are safe. As consumers this statement leaves us less than reassured. Just one misstep along the way during the engineering process could produce catastrophic results. With so many diseases such as mad cow, posing threats in globalized agricultural markets, the production of identically engineered animals would pose a serious threat to food safety.
The issues surrounding cloning will continue to be debated as long as research progresses and talk of marketing and selling cloned food items continues. A balance must be kept between science and humanity; ensuring progress does not interrupt the natural order of the universe. Advances in technological development and scientific innovation cannot be defined as true progress. Cloning as well, cannot be defined as progress, progress alone is defined by exercising wisdom and self-restraint.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Reprinted from "American Grass Fed Beef Newsletter," a free ezine published by Dr. Patricia Whisnant. This ezine features health information, recipes and tips about grass fed beef. Click here to subscribe and enter a drawing for free grass fed beef.
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