Make Entry -- Become an Editor -- Most Popular: (10, 25, 50, 75, 100)

   Help

Genetically Modified Foods

A food item, whether plant or animal, is defined as genetically modified when any part of its genetic makeup has been artificially manipulated by man. There are a number of reasons why scientists make use of recombinant DNA technology to create hybrids of existing organisms. The desire to create plants and animals that are resistant to disease and/or that facilitate man in resisting disease is one of the primary driving forces in the production of transgenic food (food with combined DNAs). For example, there are certain types of rice that have been “boosted”, in that they have been endowed with additional vitamins and irons to alleviate malnutrition in impoverished countries. There are even bananas currently being developed with the hope of increasing hepatitis or measles immunity.

Considering that genetically modifying food (also referred to as GMF) is a relatively new science, there are concerns about the long-term and potentially unforeseen effects related to the consumption of transgenic crops. There is controversy surrounding the potential allergenic qualities of such foods. Beyond health, there is also apprehension regarding the dependence that countries might develop on the companies or nations providing the food. There are concerns regarding the potential to destabalize whole ecosystems or even the nature of specific species, as well as worry about the political, economic and social agendas that might taint the alteration process.

Web Resources On Genetically Modified Foods

GMF Questions
HGP: Genetically Modified Foods

Book Resources On Genetically Modified Foods

Genetically Modified Foods: Debating Biotechnology by Michael Ruse (Editor), David Castle (Editor)
Eat Your Genes: How Genetically Modified Food is Entering Our Diet by Stephen Nottingham

Site Maps: Most Recent | Clusters | Browse
New: Graduate Student Job Opportunity