Biotechnology Ethics

Lori PeckOklahoma State University

Animal Science Junior

Who am I?

10 year 4-H’er of Washita County

Animal Science Junior at OSU

Volunteer 4-H LeaderLove working with kids

The Basics

Should genetic engineering be pursued?Does it enhance or endanger the safety of the

food supply?Will it contribute to meeting future needs for

food & nutritional improvements in diets?Could it affect species or habitats?Is it moral-the right thing to do?

Food Safety

Genetic engineering has people thinking twice.Should foods be labeled? FDA, USDA, EPA & state agencies monitor

development & testing.FDA only requires labels for foods containing

allergenic proteins or if a new major ingredient is present.

Food Safety continued . . .

Do Consumers favor labeling?– Yes, they do!– They want to make informed buying decisions.

Does labeling cost more?– Yes!– It takes more man hours to get everything in line to

label effectively.

Environmental Impact

What impact does genetic engineering have on the environment?

Does it help?Does it hurt?

Hurt or Help

Hurt– Insects may overcome

resistance to pesticides.– Increasing yields on

established farms still will not help poor people.

Help– Higher yields = less

disturbance of land.– Insect resistance = less

water pollution.– More food produced more

efficiently = lower long-term cost.

Religious & Ethical Issues

People believe that humans should not alter forms of life.

Forbidden food in some culturesDo vegetarians remain vegetarians if an animal

gene is used in fruits?

Who Benefits?

Researchers & Businesses?– To an extent but NO!

Consumers Benefit– Variety, availability, healthfulness, taste of food.

Producers Benefit– Higher yields, reduce total cost, pest resisting plants

provide reliable harvest in developing countries.

The End!

What are your views?