Genetically Modified Foods

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Genetically Modified Foods
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The Future of Food

• http//www.hulu.com/watch/67878/the-future-of-food
  

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Genetically Modified Foods

• What are genetically modified foods?
• crop plants created for human or animal
  consumption using the latest molecular biology
  techniques. (Whitman, 2000)
• Used since late 1980s
• Rapidly expanding around the world.
• Most common crops in the U.S.
• Soybean, corn, cotton, canola

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GMO Benefits

• Enhanced plant growth
• Decreased pesticide and fertilizer use
• Increased nutrient potential
• Increased crop yields

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GMO Risks

• Emerging allergens
• Herbicide-resistant weeds / superbugs
• Ethical / moral concerns
• Decreased biodiversity

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GMO Regulation Labeling

• 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

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Mandatory labeling?

• Pros
• Consumer rights
• Identification of food issues
• Americans support mandatory labels
• At least 22 other countries require labels
• Ethical concerns

• Cons
• Label may imply warning
• Increase costs to consumers
• GE-Free food already an option for consumers
• Difficult to separate