Essay topic: Genetically Modified Food

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 6

GM Food

Health threat or solution?

What is Genetically Modified Food?  (GM Food)

Genetically modified foods (GM foods), also known as genetically engineered foods (GE foods), or bioengineered foods are foods produced from organisms that have had changes introduced into their DNA using the methods of genetic engineering. Genetic engineering techniques allow for the introduction of new traits as well as greater control over traits when compared to previous methods, such as selective breeding and mutation breeding.

Commercial sale of genetically modified foods began in 1994, when Calgene first marketed its unsuccessful Flavr Savr delayed-ripening tomato. Most food modifications have primarily focused on cash crops in high demand by farmers such as soybean, maize/corn, canola, and cotton. Genetically modified crops have been engineered for resistance to pathogens and herbicides and for better nutrient profiles. GM livestock have been developed, although, as of 2015, none were on the market. As of 2015, the AquAdvantage salmon was the only animal approved for commercial production, sale and consumption by the FDA. It is the first genetically modified animal to be approved for human consumption.

                                                                                                                                                                                          

Status quo

There is a scientific consensus that currently available food derived from GM crops poses no greater risk to human health than conventional food, but that each GM food needs to be tested on a case-by-case basis before introduction. Nonetheless, members of the public are much less likely than scientists to perceive GM foods as safe. The legal and regulatory status of GM foods varies by country, with some nations banning or restricting them, and others permitting them with widely differing degrees of regulation.

However, there are ongoing public concerns related to food safety, regulation, labelling, environmental impact, research methods, and the fact that some GM seeds, along with all new plant varieties, are subject to plant breeders' rights owned by corporations.

Are the concerns regarding GM Food justified?

Watch the video and read the articles on the next slides and note the pros and cons of nuclear power.

sitn.hms.harvard.edu

www.organicitsworthit.org

If you would be pro GM Food what would be your two main arguments?
Which two counterarguments would you use and how would you refute them?

If you would be against GM Food what would be your two main arguments?
Which two counterarguments would you use and how would you refute them?