Genetically engineered food can
be a complicated topic. Luckily for you, we've
taken all the hard work out of it! Just sit back
in your easy chair, click on the topics below
and let us guide you through this strange, new
biotech world. Feel free to print out this information
for your friends and family.
The
simple ABC's of genetic engineering
Fortunately, you don't have to be a Nobel scientist
to understand the basics of genetic engineering.
Biotech
corporations: Big promises, but can they deliver?
The proponents of genetically engineered crops
promise safe crops that will improve the environment
and feed the world. But their actions sometimes
betray their promises.
Pesticidal
potatoes, terminator seeds and genetically mutated
trees, oh my!
Grim tales from the frightening world of genetic
engineering.
Meteoric
growth: Genetically engineered foods now are almost
everywhere you look
Just a few years ago, genetically engineered foods
were still a vision on a boardroom bulletin board.
Today, genetically mutated crops are being grown
on millions of acres of American farmland.
Allergic
reactions and other possible health risks
Genetic engineering is such a new technology that
no one's sure what the health consequences might
be, and it may take years to find out. Of course,
in one of the other great food revolutions of
the 20th century, scientists didn't realize the
health consequences of heavy agricultural pesticide
usage until years after pesticides were introduced.
Threats
to the environment
In 1999, Cornell scientists discovered that genetically
engineered corn may be deadly to the monarch butterfly.
That's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes
to environmental concerns.
Organic
foods at risk
The meteoric rise or genetically engineered crops
is causing major headaches for the organic food
industry.
Isn't
the government supposed to protect us?
Government agencies have come under heavy criticism
from environmental groups for advocating biotech
instead of cautiously contemplating its consequences.
Up
in arms: The world reacts to "frankenfoods"
In countries throughout Europe and other parts
of the globe, citizens are pulling up crops from
genetically engineered fields, demanding labeling
and urging supermarkets to pull GE foods from
their shelves. How does America fit in?
Why
labeling?
The government requires food manufacturers to
label juice made from concentrate. So why doesn't
it demand labeling for pesticide-producing potatoes?
What
you can do
It's a big battle, but fortunately you have a
wide range of tools at your disposal.
Helpful
resources
So now that you've gone through our course, you're
an expert on genetically engineered foods. But
for the ambitious, there's always more to learn.
We point you to the best books, links and other
resources to help keep you up-to-date on the latest
information.
Additional
articles
ABC
News poll: 93 of Americans percent support labeling
New
York Times exposes major league biotech industry
bungling
rBGH
milk sweeping the nation, despite health concerns
270-group
Consumer Federation calls for labeling
Genetically
engineered trees could mean forest-full of problems
StarLink
fiasco increases pressure for regulation
Genetically
engineered bugs under development
"Blue
revolution" coming as scientists develop
genetically engineered fish
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