This document summarizes information about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and genetically modified foods. It discusses how GMOs are created through genetic engineering, lists the major GMO crops grown in the US, and outlines both potential risks and benefits of GMOs. It also describes the federal agencies that regulate GMOs and common foods containing GMO ingredients. The document presents perspectives from both sides of the GMO debate and considers possible solutions around GMO labeling laws.
2. GMO stands for “Genetically Modified Organism” and refers to an organism
(plant, animal or bacteria) whose DNA has been alerted from its natural form in a
laboratory. Genetic engineering is used to development GMO foods using one of
two methods. Either specific DNA is injected onto plant cells or a bacterium is
used to introduce genetic material into a plant’s DNA. Both plants and animals
can be genetically engineered, however to date, only genetically modified plants
have been approved from human consumption in the United States.
GMO CROP YIELDS:
oCanola (approx. 90% of U.S. crop)
oCorn (approx. 88% of U.S. crop in 2011)
oCotton (approx. 90% of U.S. crop in 2011)
oPapaya (most of Hawaiian crop; approximately 988 acres)
oSoy (approx. 94% of U.S. crop in 2011)
oSugar Beets (approx. 95% of U.S. crop in 2010)
3.
4. oFood allergies
oMay cause long-term health issues
oInsects and weeds may evolve and develop a tolerance to
the insecticides and herbicides that were genetically
engineered to keep them at bay, making way for a highly
destructive superpest and superweed.
oGMO’s can cause harm to other organisms by reducing the
balance in nature by dramatically decreasing environmental
biodiversity. This can happen when a genetically modified
crop passes on new traits to relatives in the wild during
pollination. Those relatives can be altered in such a way that
they take on a completely new ecological role, causing them
to out-compete other species in the eco-system (Garcia and
Altieri, 2005).
How can they harm us ?
Possible negative consequences of GMO foods on the
environment.
oDamage from chemical pesticides and herbicides. Plants are
genetically engineered to withstand an increased amount of
pesticides and herbicides. The ever-increasing presence of
these chemicalsmay cause damage to natural animal and
plant life.
oInvasive species. Genetically modifying crops may create
invasive plant species that are harmful to the natural
ecosystem and which may be resistant to herbicides.
oLoss of biodiversity. The toxic residues that are produced by
GMO plants and their potential inability to replenish the soil
with essential nutrients may lead to a loss of biodiversity and
degradation of the environment.
5. Benefits
Positive aspects of GMO foods:
oSo far, the health risks associated with GMO food
products are only theoretical and no actual adverse
health affects have been observed.
oOver the past few decades, Americans have
consumed trillions of meals containing GMOs and not
a single adverse health affect has been observed.
oThe use of genetically modified crops has lowered
the price of food worldwide and has directly led to a
reduction in hunger and starvation.
oGenetically modified crops have increased crop
yields, allowing farmers to survive who would have
failed without the use of GMOs.
oWhile a few farmers have increased the use of
pesticides and herbicides on genetically modified
crops, overall genetic modification has actually led to a
reduction in the amount of chemicals used.
Benefits (Lessick, Keithley, Swanson, Lemon,
2002):
oAgricultural Efficiency – Could help prevent
food shortages
oDelayed fruit ripening for extended shelf life
oEnhanced taste and quality of food
6. Possible Solutions
Solutions to some of the risks involved in producing and
consuming GMOs would be to enforce label laws. This can
be beneficial to consumers with allergies, gives
consumers the option to choose between organic and
GMO. This can also be resourceful in tracking any
potential contaminations. However, each country has its
own laws set in place in regards to GMO labeling, as seen
on the chart.
7. Solutions Continued…..
Going further another possible solution to the issue of GMO food products would be to ban the
production and sale of genetically modified foods. Another solution would involve allowing GMO
food products to continue to be produced. In order for our society to make an informed and accurate
decision, extensive research should be conducted to determine the true extent of the environmental
and human impact of GMO food products. Then, the correct course of action should be taken.
However, failure to adequately address the issue of GMO food products may undermine the safety
and stability of society. If in fact further research revels that the production of GMO foods severely
undermines human and environmental health, then society will be faced with widespread health
and environmental issues and perhaps even problems that are presently unforeseen. At the same
time, if GMO products are in fact safe, a failure to embrace the technology may result in a loss of
economic productivity, and perhaps even a failure to produce enough food to sustain a growing
population in the face of worsening climate change.
8. Who has the final say?
There are 3 federal agencies in the U.S. that are responsible for
evaluating new crop varieties developed through genetically modified
engineering:
oThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – evaluate the food and safety
of the GMOs
oThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – evaluate food, safety, and
environmental issues and effects of GMOs
oThe United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – ensures
agricultural and environmental safety
9. Did you know?
Common Genetically Modified Foods and
Their Derivatives
oSoy
1)Margarine
2)Enriched Flours and Pastas
3)Infant Formula
oCorn
1)Bread
2)Chips
3)Alcohol
oCanola
1)Candy
2)Oil
3)Canned Soups
According to an article in the Wall Street
Journal, “Roughly 75% of U.S processed
foods – boxed cereals, other grain
products, frozen dinners, cooking oils, and
more – contain some genetically modified,
or GM, ingredients and more than 80% of
the soy and 40% of the corn raised in this
country is a GM variety.” (Genetically
Modified Foods Are Common, But Little
Noticed, 2005).
Foods that have been created through this process have
been commonly referred to as Frankenfoods, in a
reference to the popular story, Frankenstein, where a
scientist is able to fashion a new human from various
parts
