Nutrition & Wellness Educator. University of Illinois Extension

Transcription

1 Nutrition & Wellness Educator University of Illinois Extension

2 Overview of genetics and modification techniques Discuss current applications of genetic engineering Learn about development and regulatory processes Effects on human health and environment Labeling legislation and potential outcomes of labeling

3 Any technique that uses living organisms or substances from those organisms to make or modify a product, to improve plants or animals, or to develop microorganisms for specific uses. U.S. Congress Office of Technology Assessment Common Food Biotechnologies How do we go from grapes to wine? chomp chomp chomp chomp

4 DNA (genetic material) works like computer software Changes to the program code Changes to function or appearance

5 Selective breeding English Cocker Spaniel American Cocker Spaniel Crossbreeding Cocker Spaniel Poodle Cockapoo

6 Credit: Genetic Literacy Project

7 Wild cabbage Brussels sprouts Kale Broccoli Bok choy

8 B.C.E 1000 A.D A.D A.D. 1960s 21 st century Domestication Adaptation Genetics

9 Genetic engineering or modification Find a specific gene (set of instructions) that creates a desired trait Transfer the gene to the plant Where do these genes come from?

10 Beneficial genes and traits from any organism may be used. GM targets ONE gene

11 GMO = genetically modified organism GM = genetically modified GE = genetically engineered

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13 Non-GMO crop with corn borer damage Bt corn resistant to Southwestern and European corn borer

14 Sprays containing Bt bacteria have been safely used for 60 years as an organic pesticide Bt bacteria make a protein that is toxic to certain insects

15 Conventional corn not sprayed with pesticide Conventional corn sprayed with pesticide Effects of rootworm beetle on corn Genetically modified corn Source: Mike Gray

16 Weeds Sugarbeets Soybeans Alfalfa

17 Papaya ringspot virus Virus-resistant papaya

18 Genetic improvement can be more efficient and precise compared to breeding Beneficial genes and traits from any organism may be tested for improvements over nature Effective delivery of agricultural solutions via seeds rather than external inputs RESOURCES

19 Fewer pesticide applications $ savings on labor, chemical, and energy costs Decreased chemical exposure for laborers

20 Herbicide-resistant crops Pest/Disease-Resistant crops inputs damage and disease soil erosion resources for crops food quality Bigger and better yields food supply food prices profit for farmers Brookes, G & Barfoot, P. (2013). GM crops: global socioeconomic and environmental impacts

21 Healthier soybean oil Beta-carotene Golden rice

22 Substantial Equivalence Demonstrate that GM variety not significantly different Differences can exist are they biologically meaningful? Process can take 7-10 years!

23 Nutrient content Must be the same or better (e.g., Golden Rice)

24 Toxicity and potential to trigger allergies Proteins Gene source

25 Stomach acid Protein Amino acids DNA = similar to protein in its breakdown Enzymes DNA is broken down to its components similar to how protein is digested to amino acids; ingesting DNA has never been found to be toxic

26 Methods are similar to those used when testing crop chemicals and new drugs Compositional studies compare to a known product Digestibility how fast is protein broken down? Oral toxicity tests purified protein in mice/rat models Animal feeding studies livestock, poultry, fish

27 Must consider Sample size Dosage used in study how does it compare to human dietary intake? Do we have the same metabolic pathways? Are the animals prone to specific health issues?

28 Substantial Equivalence Nutrient content Same or better Potential to trigger allergies Potential to be toxic Proteins DNA ingestion Gene source Proteins Gene source Burden of proof is on the company

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30 Safe to grow? Crop invasiveness Effects on other crops/organisms Safe for environment? Evaluates pesticidal substances made by crops Changes over time

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32 Superpests and superweeds? Some evidence for this why is it happening? Resistance is a concern for ALL crops

33 Over the past 20 years, pesticide applications worldwide have decreased by 37% Studies were included when they build on primary data from farm surveys or field trials anywhere in the world, and when they report impacts of GM soybean, maize, or cotton on crop yields, pesticide use, and/or farmer profits. In total, 147 original studies were included. Klümper W, Qaim M (2014) A Meta-Analysis of the Impacts of Genetically Modified Crops. PLoS ONE 9(11): e doi: /journal.pone Overall herbicide usage has not increased Increased glyphosate use: Wider adoption of Roundup Ready crops Emerging resistance? Brookes, G & Barfoot, P. (2013). GM crops: global socioeconomic and environmental impacts Available at: default/files/report/2013globalim pactstudyfinalreport.pdf

34 Doses of chemicals used in lab experiments Likely exposure in natural setting (fields) No documented impact of GM crops on butterflies and bees Environmental effects can happen when any new crop is introduced USDA/EPA monitoring

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36 Source: Kevin Folta

37 Have GMOs led to higher rates of allergies, cancer, autism, and other health issues? GM foods are not causatively linked to allergies, cancer, infertility, ADHD, or other diseases. 2 events are related 1 event causes another to happen

38 Source: ISAAA

39 Each country has its own certification process Very few countries explicitly ban GMOs May not yet have regulations in place Cultivation vs importing Foreign policy Some have mandatory food labeling Source: ISAAA

40 U.S. system is based on defined food safety risk No evidence to suggest safety concerns Voluntary labeling No (mandatory) need to label

41 Concerns over mandatory labeling Lack of consumer understanding Implies food is different and potentially unsafe Could increase food costs (testing, product replacement)

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43 U.S. House (4/18/14): Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act

44 Life is full of risk Science is always evolving Benefits vs. costs Biotechnology is not a cure-all just one more option in our toolbox

45 Questions Developed by Leia Kedem, Nutrition & Wellness Educator with expert oversight from Stephen Moose, PhD, Professor of Plant Functional Genomics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2015) Reviewed by Caitlin Huth, Lisa Peterson, Mekenzie Riley, Mary Liz Wright, Nutrition & Wellness Educators (2015)

46 References Brookes, G & Barfoot, P. (2013). GM crops: global socio-economic and environmental impacts Available at: Chassy, B (2010). Food safety risks and consumer health. New Biotechnology; 27: Gassmann AJ, Petzold-Maxwell JL, Keweshan RS, Dunbar MW (2011) Field-Evolved Resistance to Bt Maize by Western Corn Rootworm. PLOS ONE 6(7): e Available at Gray ME, Sappington TW, Miller NJ, Moeser J, Bohn MO (2009). Adaptation and invasiveness of Western corn rootworm: Intensifying research on a worsening pest. Annual Review of Entomology; 54: International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA), Klumper, W & Qaim, Matin (2014). A meta-analysis of the impacts of genetically modified crops. PLOS ONE 9(11): e Available at Oklahoma State University (2014). GMO Facts. Available at Owen M, Beckie HJ, Leeson JY, Norsworthy JK, Steckel LE (2014). Integrated pest management and weed management in the United States and Canada. Pest Management Science; 71: Paarlberg, R (2010). GMO foods and crops: Africa s choice. New Biotechnology; 27: National Research Council (2010). Impact of Genetically Engineered Crops on Farm Sustainability in the United States. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. Parrott W, Chassy B, Ligon J, Meyer L, Petrick J, Zhou, J, Herman R, Delaney B, Levine M (2010). Application of food and feed safety assessment principles to evaluate transgenic approaches to gene modulation in crops. Food and Chemical Toxicology; 48: Tabashnik BE, Gassmann AJ, Crowder DW, Carriére Y (2008). Insect resistance to Bt crops: evidence versus theory. Natural Biotechnology; 26: