View
216
Download
0
Category
Tags:
Preview:
Citation preview
Manuel/Sheppard
GGS 12
Have you ever eaten GM foods?
How do you know?
How do you know?
Food labels in Canada do not have to identify ingredients that have been genetically
modified.
Food labels in Canada do not have to identify ingredients that have been genetically
modified.
Any food product that has had its genetic make-up (DNA) altered to exhibit traits that are not natural.
A food product is also considered genetically modified if it contains any GM food ingredients.
Why? To obtain new
crops/products with desirable characteristics.
Food Inc. Video Clip
Concerns about GM seeds:
‘Flavr Savr’ Tomato First Approved GM Food (1994) Altered the genes responsible
for producing the ripening enzyme.
Super Salmon Genes from flounder to
increase growth rate and lower fat content.
Golden Rice Insertion of genes to create
beta-carotene which produces vitamin A in the body.
Examples:
Examples:
‘Round Up Ready’ Soybean, Canola, Corn, Sugar Beet Insertion of a gene to make the
crop resistance to weed killer, ‘round up.’
Round Up Ready crops produced by Monsanto, the same company that produces Round Up.
Bt Corn, Cabbage, Cotton Insertion of bacterium, Bt, that
makes a toxin that kills many insects.
GeneticallyModified
GeneticallyModified
Grown NaturallyGrown
Naturally
Mandatory GM Labelling: Australia New Zealand Japan China Europe
Voluntary GM Labelling: Canada and the USA
The US and Canadian governments do not allow manufacturers to label something organic if that food has been genetically modified or been fed genetically modified feed.
GM foods (seeds and/or gene construct) can be patented by the companies who create them.
Patents give them the legal right to control their use.
Monsanto produces 91%
of all GM seeds.
Monsanto produces 91%
of all GM seeds.
PROS (Benefits) CONS (Risks)
PROS - Benefits
Resistant to insects & disease Hardiness or adaptability to
different climates (drought resistant, cold resistant)
Bigger, resulting in higher yield
Better taste, smell, and appearance
Higher nutrient content Grows faster & lasts longer Cost efficient & beneficial
CONS - Risks
Allergies Outcrossing
Alter Ecosystems Endanger Species
Increased Use of Chemicals on Crops
Patenting Crops Ethical Implications Creates Surplus Lack of Labeling Laws
Recommended