Background Infomation

1# Food Biotechnology is basically modifying the genes of animals, plants, and microorganisms to create new higher quality species. These new types usually comprise desired effects of faster production, better marketing, or nutrition benefits.
There has been much controversy over wether food biotechnology is a good thing or a bad thing.


2# Genetically Engineered Foods are foods that consist of genetically modified organisms. There has been particular changes made to the organisms' DNA through genetic engineering; usually for a beneficial reason. Corn, soya beans, sugar cane, and cotton, are some example of GMs.


3# Potential Benefits of Genetically Engineered Foods are:
--possibly could eliminate allergy-causing characteristics
--pest/weed resistance 
--disease resistance
--cold resistance
--environmental friendly, lower maintenance 
--capable to be shipped long distances
--nutrition value, better flavor
--a possible answer to feeding the world's growing population


4# Potential Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods are:
--There is no proof that there are no risks of GM foods (no risks have been evaluated)
--There could be unpredictable effects of manipulating genes
--The research may be being handled by big profit hungry corporations
--This could create ecological problems
--The gene manipulating of plants could also affect weeds; causing the growth of super weeds

against genetic food modification

pro-genetic food modification