Transcript Genetically Modified Foods

 http://www.hulu.com/watch/67878/the-
future-of-food
 What
are genetically modified foods?
 “crop
plants created for human or animal
consumption using the latest molecular
biology techniques.”
(Whitman, 2000)

Used since late 1980’s
• Rapidly expanding around the world.
• Most common crops in the U.S.
 Soybean, corn, cotton, canola
 Enhanced
plant growth
 Decreased pesticide and fertilizer use
 Increased nutrient potential
 Increased crop yields
 Emerging
allergens
 Herbicide-resistant weeds / “superbugs”
 Ethical / moral concerns
 Decreased biodiversity
 U.S. FDA “currently
requires labeling of
GE foods if the food has a significantly
different nutritional property; if a new
food includes an allergen that consumers
would not expect to be present; or if a
food contains a toxicant beyond
acceptable limits.” (Byrne, 2007)
 FDA
proposed voluntary guidelines for
labels in 2001
 Pros
 Cons
• Consumer rights
• Label may imply
• Identification of food
warning
• Increase costs to
consumers
• GE-Free food already
an option for
consumers
• Difficult to separate
issues
• Americans support
mandatory labels
• At least 22 other
countries require
labels
• Ethical concerns