Genetically Engineered Foods:
Overview
What is genetic engineering (GE) and how does it
differ from traditional breeding?
How prevalent are GE foods in the grocery store?
How does the govt. regulate these crops & foods?
FDA, USDA & EPA
Video: Harvest of Fear
GMO synonymous with genetic engineering
Discussion questions
1
Traditional Breeding vs
Genetic Engineering
2
Genetic Engineering
A technique in which genes can be moved
between different life forms.
Genetically Engineered (GE) Food:
Gene is taken from one organism (virus,
bacteria, animal) and transferred to a plant or
animal (that we eat).
3
How Common are GE Foods?
1996, FDA approved genetically engineered crops mixed
with non-genetically engineered crops. They became a
part of our food supply (soda, cereal, chips, mayo, etc)
At least 70% of processed foods contain GE ingredients.
Where are most GE crops grown? Top 5 countries are:
U.S.
Brazil
Argentina
India
Canada
4
Corn, Soy & Canola
Soy, corn and canola have a herbicide tolerant
(HT) gene in seed so field can be sprayed with
herbicide (Round-Up) and not kill the crop.
“Round-Up Ready” seeds
Corn has a Bt gene incorporated into the plant to
resist caterpillars.
Bt is a natural bacteria in the soil that is a poison for
moth and butterfly larva (caterpillars).
Government Regulators
FDA:
Monitors GE foods when they are sold as food
Makes decisions on food labeling
USDA:
Oversees GE crops when they are in the field
EPA:
Determines the environmental aspects of GE crops.
Interest is in the effects that the GE crop has on the
environment. They monitor Bt corn.
7
Substantial Equivalence
Indicates that two substances or foods have
identical molecular profiles, so they are
chemically similar to each other.
Substantial Equivalence is the reason the FDA
does not label genetically engineered foods.
8
To limit GE foods:
Minimize processed foods
Buy organic
Look for labels with“not genetically engineered”:
Products with soy, corn, canola oil.
Whole Foods Market is requiring all GE foods in store be
labeled by 2018.
Buy food verified as “Non GMO Project Verified”: An
independent, non-profit, voluntary certification
Choose Trader Joe’s brand products
Shop at farmer’s markets
9
10