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Genetically Engineered Foods: Overview

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

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Genetically Engineered Foods: Overview

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  1. 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

  2. Traditional Breeding vs Genetic Engineering

  3. 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).

  4. 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

  5. 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).

  6. 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

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