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weird science.(genetic engineering and food safety)
what you need to know about genetic engineering
Pig genes in your potato chips? Human genes in your flounder? It's possible, in the weird world of genetic engineering. Shuffling genes between species raises plenty of scary health and environmental worries, and a slew of ethical questions.
No long-term tests have been conducted, so no one really knows what we're getting into. And because they aren't labeled, you have no way of knowing if you're eating genetically modified foods (unless you stick to organic). Here, we look at the most-often asked questions about genetic engineering, with answers from experts in the field.
what is genetic engineering?
According to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), genetic engineering involves "techniques that alter the molecular or cell biology of an organism by means that are not possible under natural conditions." The idea: to make food crops grow bigger, better and faster. Genetic engineering of crops/plants is designed to allow foreign genes, bacteria, viruses and antibiotic marker systems (which render resistance in plant cells against antibiotics and herbicides) to be engineered into food.
What's the difference between cross-breeding and genetic engineering?
In nature, the distinct boundaries between species are observed. So a squash can cross with a different variety of squash, but never with a pig. Genetic engineering, however, allows the mingling of genes from different species. So fish genes can be inserted into tomatoes, insect genes into potatoes -- and worse.
- Resistance to genetic engineering in Africa.(Biodevastation 7)
- Magazine article from: Synthesis/Regeneration Bokor, Raymond K. March 22, 2004 700+ words
...continue to flood it with genetic engineering technology. This uptake...seed for their survival. Genetic engineering in its present form cannot...of fact, resistance to genetic engineering and genetically modified...no choice but to accept GE foods. About 250,000 ...
- Genetic engineering -- into law and into the environment?(Brief Article)
- Magazine article from: Habitat Australia Phelps, Bob February 1, 2001 700+ words
GENETIC ENGINEERING is being used to turn all living...proposals bypass the OGTR. Human genetic engineering, animals bred for organ transplant...year freeze on the release of GEOs, GE foods, and life patents until strong...
- Gender matters omitted? The genetic engineering debate reeks of a patriarchal...
- Magazine article from: Natural Life Forsey, Helen May 1, 2000 700+ words
...the current debate over genetically engineered (GE) foods, one element has remained almost invisible. Through...demonstrate a fundamentally patriarchal mind-set. For genetic engineering represents the culmination of men's perverse quest...
- Genetic engineering news: both pro- and anti-GE activists are becoming more...
- Magazine article from: Natural Life Priesnitz, Wendy March 1, 2000 700+ words
...risks." Canadians Want Control Over GE Foods A national poll conducted for The Council...three-quarters of those familiar with GE foods are worried about their safety and that...Canada should be able to refuse to import GE foods if there are concerns about health or...
- Genetic engineering news.
- Magazine article from: Natural Life Priesnitz, Wendy March 1, 2001 700+ words
...trials. Government Not Protecting Us From GE Foods Canadians aren't being adequately protected by government from the risks of GE foods and other biotech products, according...assessing new technologies, including GE foods. The report also recommends more openness...
- Food fight: genetic engineering vs. organics: the good, the bad and the ugly....
- Magazine article from: E Deneen, Sally July 1, 2003 700+ words
...While the industry makes assurances that GE foods are safe for people and the environment...other." Treter absolutely believes GE foods should be labeled and confirms industry...often times unwittingly--in favor of GE foods at the checkout line. It is that disconnect...
- Genetic Engineering Update.(Brief Article)
- Magazine article from: Synthesis/Regeneration Cummins, Ronnie September 22, 2001 700+ words
...and Asia 70--80% of consumers remain firmly opposed to GE foods. Reports of genetic pollution and genetic drift continue to...the ballot all across the US. State ballot initiatives on GE foods are also underway in Washington (www.washingtonrighttoknow...
- GE (genetic engineering) continues to lose favour around the world.
- Magazine article from: Natural Life Priesnitz, Wendy July 1, 2000 700+ words
...enter the marketplace; and provide mandatory labelling of GE foods. The government must respond to the Petition by September...weeks prior to admitting it publicly. Prior to legalizing GE foods, the government has undertaken a trials program. Canadian...