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Genetically Engineered Foods: Overview

What is genetic engineering (GE) and how does it differ from traditional (classical) breeding?

How predominant are GE crops & foods?

How does the govt. regulate these crops & foods?

FDA, USDA & EPA

Video: Harvest of Fear GMO (genetically modified organism) synonymous with GE (genetically engineered) Discussion questions

GE Challenge Question

What is genetic engineering?

What have you heard about genetically engineered (or GMO) food?

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Traditional (Classical) Breeding vs Genetic Engineering

Traditional (Classical) Breeding vs. Genetic Engineering

Traditional Breeding Technique has been occurring for hundreds of years. Cross genes between related plants (2 types of apples)

Genetic Engineering A technique in which genes can be moved between different life forms. Gene is taken from one organism (virus, bacteria, animal) & transferred to a plant or animal (that we eat).

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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, granola bars, salad dressing, etc.)

At least 70% of processed foods contain GE ingredients.

Most Common GE Foods: 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.

Monsanto“Round-Up Ready” seeds

Corn has a gene from Bt bacteria incorporated into corn to make the plant resistant to caterpillars.

Bt is a natural bacteria in the soil that is a poison for moth and butterfly larva (caterpillars).

Newest GE Approved: Salmon

First GE animal in the food supply

Growth hormone from a Chinook salmon & gene from an ocean pout (eel like fish) keep the growth gene active all year.

Salmon grows twice as fast

Will be available stores in ~2-3 years.

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Government Regulators

Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Monitors GE foods when they are sold as food Makes decisions on food labeling

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA): Oversees GE crops when they are in the field

Environmental Protection Agency (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.

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Substantial Equivalence

Indicates that two foods (example corn & Bt corn) have similar chemical profiles.

Substantial Equivalence is the reason the FDA does not label genetically engineered foods.

NEW Food Labeling law

National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Law requires USDA to create standards by July 2018. PENDING! Food producers will have 1-3 years to comply to GE labeling requirements. 3 options for disclosure: (1) words (“this product contains ingredients from GE crops”), (2) symbol or (3) smartlabel.

Smartlabel option for GE labeling

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To limit GE foods:

Minimize processed foods Buy organic

Organic farmers DO NOTuse GE seeds

Look for labels with“not genetically engineered”: Products that contain soy, corn, canola oil.

Choose Trader Joe’s brand products Shop at farmer’s markets Buy food verified as “Non GMO Project Verified”: An independent, non-profit, voluntary certification

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