CAPT EMBEDDED TASK Bioengineered Foods

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CAPT EMBEDDED TASKBioengineered Foods
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Bioengineered Foods Friend or Foe?

• Your task was to design a persuasive pamphlet in
  support of or in opposition to the mandatory
  labeling of genetically altered food based on
  scientific evidence.
• You used various sources to support your stance,
  carefully considering the credibility of those
  sources.

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What are genetically modified foods?

• They are foods that look altogether normal in
  all respects, yet they are genetically different.
• Inside their DNA the genetic code that
  determines the way they look, feel, and taste is
  an extra gene.
• Bioengineers are using gene-splicing technology
  to add this gene to developing crops and foods.

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Why have bioengineers developed genetically
modified foods (GMF)?

• ..as a means to solve world hunger and poverty.
• Foods are nutritionally enhanced
• Longer lasting shelf life
• Resistant to drought, frost, and pests
• Hopefully will relieve famine and improve
  economies of many developing countries.

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What types of foods are genetically modified?
Corn and tomatoes
Rice and soybeans
Cotton and canola
Alfalfa and sweet potatoes
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What are the benefits of GMF?

• CROPS
• Enhanced taste and quality
• Reduced maturation time
• Increased nutrients and yields
• Improved resistance to disease, pests, and
  herbicides

• ANIMALS
• Increased resistance to disease
• Better yields of meat, eggs, and milk

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What are the cons of GMF?

• Potential human health impact such as production
  of new allergens.
• Domination or monopolization of worlds food
  supply by only a few nations.
• The ethical issue surrounds the tampering of
  nature by mixing genes among species.

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How are GMF labeled?

• Agribusiness industries believe labeling should
  be voluntary.
• Consumer interest groups are demanding mandatory
  labeling.
• Do people have the right to know what they are
  eating?
• Are consumers willing to absorb the cost of that
  labeling?

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In Conclusion

• GMF have the potential to
• Solve world hunger
• Protect and preserve the environment by
  increasing crop yield
• Reduce dependence on pesticides and herbicides
• HOWEVER
• We must proceed with caution to avoid causing
  harm to human health and environment.