Genetically Modified Food

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Anna Underwood
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1 Genetically Modified Food Due: Thursday 4th March Authored by: Roydon

2 Genetically Modified Food Due: Thursday 4th March 2010 What is meant by the term genetically modified foods? Genetically engineering or modifying crops and other organisms are now common practice for many foods sources. Produce that are genetically modified tend to have been subject to gene changes in biotechnology laboratories. Such foods are no longer cultivated in traditional circumstances but using new enhancements which reap extras into the crop. Genetic modification can be described as a process of selecting individual genes from one organism is then transferred to another organism. How foods can be genetically modified? Genetic modification can involve the insertion of certain traits, components or enzymes into an organism, especially foods to enrich its outcome. Foods that are genetically modified are generally more tolerant to weeds and have a better appearance. Genetic engineering or gene therapies are different to the traditional ways of growing crops. Organisms can be genetically modified through the unnatural process of genetic engineering which changes its DNA, involving the application of a new gene to enhance the produce s quality, appearance or life span. Plants such as maize, tomato, potato, cotton and tobacco frequently have their DNA modified. Genetically Modified Food Why do scientists want to produce ge netically modified foods? Scientists continue genetic research and production of GM foods mainly because of commercial and economic reasons. The production of GM foods result in longer life spans for foods allowing produce to continue to have a fresh look on shelves at stores which a far away from farms and fields. Genetically modified foods such as strawberries that are enhanced with fish genes are an example of how genetic engineering has allowed strawberries to survive frost and cold environments. Currently most GM research is conducted by major foods suppliers for financial purposes. Canola (rape or rapeseed) Canola or rapeseed is grown as an ingredient for oils and foods such as margarines or dry seed meals. Canola provides disease brakes for cereal crops. The herbicide resistant gene has been added to canola and has allowed it cope with anti-weed chemicals. Farmers constantly are required to use herbicide sprays on fields to protect it from being overrun with weeds and plants. Canola is genetically modified to protect it especially against the Brassicaceae weed. Another method that is used to enhance the genes of canola is called gene-flow which is done using bees and insects which pollinate between canola and other similar crops. The 1

3 introduction of GM rapeseed has allowed for the reduced processing in the manufacturing of margarine. The new characteristics of GM canola are useful to farmers who now do not need to worry about damaging rapeseed crops when conducting weed and pest management. Seed merchants can now trade a higher quality rapeseed, which in turn improves the quality of margarines. Consumers can also benefit from GM canola because farmers do not spend as much money on weed management resulting in lower prices. Genetically modified canola also reduces tiling and soil degradation which benefits the environment. Australian government regulations about a genetically modified foods The Australian Gene Act passed in 2000 and amended in 2002 states that labeling is a requirement for all genetically modified food additives or ingredients to be labeled although some exceptions do exist. Foods sold on shelves are regulated by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand. Most food labels contain notices where some of the ingredients have been genetically modified. Compulsory labeling for foods that have more than 1% GM ingredients allow for the unintentional addition of GM substances. Foreign GM produce imported into Australia are also subject to ANZFS labeling requirements. Advantages and Disadvantages of Genetically Modified Foods Positive Aspects 1. The Australian canola industry was nearly wiped out by a fungus plague which hit canola 10 years ago. The success of the canola industry deepened on genetic engineering. The disease underwent genetic change and now varieties are grown to resist such disease plagues. 2. Genetic modified foods are beneficial to farmers as they can spray pesticides to reduce weeds and pests without affecting the food crop. The crops can also be grown to withstand tough circumstances such as drought and salty grounds. GM foods can improve nutrients in certain foods for third world countries which grow a single source of crop as food. Negative Aspects 1. Many corporations control genetic research and run genetic technology schemes not for scientific knowledge but for commercial gain. There is a lack of public consultation about the differences between organic and GM foods. The big businesses do not understand or tell consumers the full impacts of their GMO crops. 2. Many doubt the information provided by the companies is inaccurate and the risks in the long run the human health are dangerous. The use of GM technology amongst the food companies could result in independent or organic farmers being forced out of the market as a result of a monopoly on the food market. It is impossible to regulate GM technologies effectively. Should we deliberately modify genes in foods or should we leave God in control? We as human beings should not alter the genes or components regardless of size or importance in any plant. The plants of this world are created by God. The Bible tells us that God created all things. Genesis 1:11 Then God said, Let the land sprout with vegetation every sort of seed-bearing plant, and trees that grow seed-bearing fruit. These seeds will then produce the kinds of plants and trees from which they came. The Bible tells us that the next generation of plants or crops should reproduce from the original seeds in the form that God created them in. I do not believe that we as only caretakers of the earth should be tampering with the wondrous creations of God. Genetically Modified Food 2/21/2010 2

5 BIBLIOGHRAPHY Books Author Year Title Publisher Place Haire 2005 CS4 Jacaranda Australia Internet Article Author Title Year Date URL Wikipedia Genetically modified food /10 en.wikipedia.org/genetically_modified_food US Dep. Energy Office of Science Genetically Modified Foods and Organisms /10 Dep. Primary Industry NSW GM questions and answers /10 CSIRO Is GM canola good or bad? - 2/10 Dep. Agriculture & Fisheries GM Canola: An Information /10 Package Video Title Year Media Production Publisher Bioethics 2005 Clickview video Australia VEA

Increasing Human Population

Increasing Human Population Learning Outcomes To describe the changes in the human population over the last 200 years. To state the need for increasing quantities of food in the world To explain the methods