Transcript GMO-wady i zalety

GMO
What are GMOs?
GMOs are plants or animals whose cells
have been inserted with a gene from an
unrelated species in order to take on
specific characteristics. For example, plants
might be genetically engineered to develop
a resistance against insects or to increase
nutrients. GMOs have been part of our food
for the past 20 years.
Which foods contain GMOs?
More than 40 types of plants have been genetically
modified worldwide. A much smaller number are
commercially grown. The most common genetically
modified plants are corn, canola, soybean and cotton.
Others include papayas, chrysanthemums, poplars,
spruce. GMOs have also been used in tobacco, rice,
cranberries, raspberries and walnuts.
Are genetically modified foods
safe to eat?
GMO critics say genetically engineering a
food could affect its nutritional value or
create allergens or toxins in the food,
although these claims are disputed by
federal regulators, including the Food and
Drug Administration.
Why are some people concerned
about GMOs?
Critics say there are potential health effects (see
next question) and environmental concerns
surrounding GMOs. One of the supposed benefits
of GMOs is that they should result in less
herbicide spraying, since some plants have been
modified to be herbicide resistant. However,
over-reliance on these crops has led to the
emergence of "super weeds" that are also more
resistant to herbicides
GMO in Poland
The Polish position on GMO is sceptical. According to
the government’s policy, Poland intends to be a GMOfree country - it was stipulated in the government’s
position on GMO in 2008. At the moment, the EU law
does not provide a possibility to say a decisive ”NO to
GMO”, but it allows using so-called exemptions, if
human and animal health or life or natural
environment is at risk - the Polish Ministry of
Agriculture is currently taking advantage of this
possibility. As far as maize is concerned, the ministry
will introduce a regulation forbidding cultivation of
genetically modified maize throughout Poland (MON
810 maize) - the draft version of March 15th has been
sent to the public consultation.
Poland has now officially imposed a ban on Monsanto’s
MON810 GMO maize. Recent protests by beekeepers
and anti-GMO activists have resulted in a successful
conclusion. [...] Minister of Agriculture in the Polish
Government, Marek Sawicki says that as well as being
linked to range of health ailments, the pollen
originating from this GM strain might actually be
devastating to the already reduced bee population in
the country. “The decree is in the works. It introduces a
complete ban on the MON810 strain of maize in
Poland,” Sawicki told the press.