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