GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM

• Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be defined as organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally.

• The technology is often called “modern biotechnology” or “gene technology”, sometimes also “recombinant DNA technology” or “genetic engineering”.

• The initial objective for developing plants based on GM organisms was to improve crop protection.

• GM foods are developed – and marketed – because there is some perceived advantage either to the producer or consumer of these foods.

WHY GMOS ?

• Many people believe that it is their right to know what is in their food.

• Other nutritional facts are already labeled on products.

• Consuming GM foods could be a health risk because we don’t know exactly what is done to the product.

ARGUMENTS FOR LABELING GM FOODS

• Would make it easy for people that want to steer clear of GM products to do so.

• For religious and/or ethical reasons, people do not want to eat animals/animal DNA.

• At least 21 countries including the European Union already have some sort of mandatory labeling law in place.

ARGUMENTS FOR LABELING GM FOODS

• Labeling is not necessary because if the food contains a nutritional/allergenic difference, the FDA* is already required to label this.

• Labeling would make GM goods more expensive.• Retailers in other countries with labeling had to

take GM foods off shelves because customers wouldn’t buy them.

• *Food and Drug Assistance -A federal agency in the department of health and human services established to regulate the release of new foods and health related products.

ARGUMENTS AGAINST LABELING GM FOODS

• People who want all natural, not GM food already have the option to do so.

• There isn’t enough room in food supply units to separate GM foods from non-GM foods.

• We would have to start educating people on how to read the GM label which would take time and money.

ARGUMENTS AGAINST LABELING GM FOODS

• I believe that genetically modified foods should be labeled because:

• It’s consumers’ right to know what’s in their food.

• Opponents of labelling point out the expense and logistical difficulties of labelling, and the fact is that no significant differences have been found between GM and conventional foods.

My opinion

• Mandatory labelling will allow consumers to identify and steer clear of food products that cause them problems.

• Another reason is that if in one cultural or religion that can not eat one food, and it is in their genetically modified food, they will be going against what they are doing.

• “Zero risk is probably unattainable so It’s better to be safe than sorry in the end.”

My opinion

Conclusion

• Since I was supposed to give my my opinion on whether I am in favour of GMO or not so for that I am giving my opinion in accordance with what I have just talked about i.e.

• I am in favour of GMO provides they are labelled.

Thank You