By: Logan Sheldon and Cody Jefferys Are Genetically Modified
Foods Safe to Eat?
Slide 2
What are Genetically Modified Foods? Genetically Modified Foods
are foods produced from organisms that have had specific changes
introduced into their DNA using the methods of genetic engineering.
These techniques have allowed for the introduction of new crop
traits as well as a far greater control over a food's genetic
structure than previously afforded by methods such as selective
breeding and mutation breeding. This is why this topic is of more
concern to us than most because the U. S is the Leading Producer
and consumer of GMOs.
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Where Can GM Foods Be Found? Experts say 60% to 70% of
processed foods on U.S. grocery shelves have genetically modified
ingredients. Researchers from the Food Policy Institute at Rutgers'
Cook College found that only 52% of Americans realized that
genetically modified foods are sold in grocery stores and only 26%
believed that they have ever eaten genetically modified foods -- a
modest 6% increase since 2001.
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Are GM Foods Safe to Eat??? Henry I. Miller and Gregory Conko
Say Yes Jeffrey M. Smith (Ecologist) Says No More abundance of
food. Safer to eat. Can make foods cheaper. Prevent Diseases.
Easier to control. Better for the Natural Environment. GM foods
create new bacteria and viruses. Big business in control. Increased
livestock mortality rate. Effects social and natural ecosystems.
Most consumers dont know if foods are GM related.
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Videos : Pros and Cons Pros Video http://www.youtube.com
/watch?v=OW9d9LexUrY (3 min. 37 sec.) http://www.youtube.com
/watch?v=OW9d9LexUrY Notice who created each Video!!! Discuss Cons
Video http://www.youtube.c om/watch?v=1H9WZG KQeYg (3min. 50 sec.)
http://www.youtube.c om/watch?v=1H9WZG KQeYg Noticed who created
each video!!! Discuss
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Bio-Engineered Animal Foods?!?! Human Breast milk from a cow is
a reality: Moo-mmy Im Thirsty. Disembodied meat grown in Petri
dishes is also now being perfected. Tobacco Plants fused with
firefly genes so they would have a light glow at night. Many more
unreal combinations of genes has and still is being experimented
with.
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Saving Millions Of Lives GM foods can be created to resist
natural predators and diseases. They can also be genetically
modified to resist drought and other harsh conditions. Finally they
can be fortified to provide that area with certain qualities of
interest.
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What Side Are You On?!?!? The U.S. government's position:
Genetically engineered crops are safe, resist disease better, and
can provide much-needed food in starving nations. The U.S. is the
largest producer of genetically modified crops, but more than a
dozen countries around the world have latched on to the technology.
Other benefits include: Increased pest and disease resistance
Drought tolerance, Increased food supply. Can make farmers rich.
Easier to Control Better for environment Endless Possibilities. The
EU position: Keep it out. We prefer organic, which is healthier.
The risks outweigh the benefits. Only the multinational biotech
companies will benefit, dominating the world food supply and
squeezing out traditional farmers. 'Frankenfood' Fears (Risks)
include: Introducing allergens and toxins to food, Accidental
contamination between genetically modified and non-genetically
modified foods Antibiotic resistance Adversely changing the
nutrient content of a crop Creation of "super" weeds and other
environmental risks
Slide 9
References / Works Cited Easton. (2013). Are Genetically
Modified Foods Safe to Eat? Current Issues In Health (pp.270-288).
USA: McGraw Hill- Education Pandey, P. P., Kumar, B. B., &
Tiwari, D. K. (2010). Environmental Considerations Concerning the
Release of Genetically Modified Organisms. Proenvironment Promediu,
3(6), 381-384.
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Choose your side (Europe or USA = Against GM foods and For GM
Foods) and we will begin by getting into two half circles facing
each other to create a whole circle. DEBATE Are GM foods Safe to
EatETC.
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Questions/Topics Are GM foods safe to Eat? Why or why not? Are
GM foods safe for the environment? Why or Why not? Do you think
citizens should have the right to know whether or not a food is
genetically modified? Justify your answer. Do you believe that GM
foods can affect a persons development or health? Good or Bad? Why
or Why Not?
Slide 12
Conclusion GM Foods have many benefits, but research should be
regulated more and laws should be created to protect as many people
a possible and not just big business.