GMO Q$A FULLY ANSWERED
What is a GMO ? - (CORRECT ANSWER)Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods
derived from organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been modified in a way
that does not occur naturally, e.g. through the introduction of a gene from a different
organism. Currently available GM foods stem mostly from plants, but in the future,
foods derived from GM microorganisms or GM animals are likely to be introduced on
the market ( WHO, 2014).
Genetic Engineering - (CORRECT ANSWER)Genetic Engineering is the deliberate ,
controlled manipulation of the genes in an organism through the use of
biotechnological procedures.
What are the benefits of genetic engineering ? - (CORRECT ANSWER)-Enhance
quality and taste
-Increase nutrients
-Improve resistance to pest and disease
-Conservation of natural resources (less water and energy to process).
Popular Genentically modified crops and percentages - (CORRECT ANSWER)Soy
beans 81%
cotton 81%
Maize 35%
Canola 30%
What are some popular traits that are being engineered ? - (CORRECT ANSWER)-
Herbicide tolerance
-insect resistance
-"Stacked traits" (combination of both)
Top 10 GM foods ? - (CORRECT ANSWER)corn
soy
cottonseed
papaya
Rice
Canola
Potatoes
Tomatoes
Dairy products
peas
Is organic always GMO free? - (CORRECT ANSWER)-In 2008, the USDA was
putting 15 out of 30 federally accredited organic certifiers they audited on probation,
allowing them 12 months to make correction or lose their accreditation.
-At the heart of the audit for several certifiers were imported foods and ingredients
from other countries including China.
-Certified organic ginger was found to be contaminated with levels of a pesticide
called "aldicarb"
- Sold under the "365" label at Whole Foods Market.
, -Inadequate funding for enforcement, including for organic imports from countries
like China, guarantees it will be easy for unscrupulous farmers to cheat.
History of GMO - (CORRECT ANSWER)1980
The U.S. Supreme Court in Diamond v. Chakrabarty rules that genetically altered life
forms can be patented. The decision allows the Exxon Oil Company to patent an oil-
eating microorganism.
1982
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves the first genetically engineered
drug, Genentech's Humulin, a form of human insulin produced by bacteria. This is
the first consumer product developed through modern bioengineering.
1986
The first field tests of genetically engineered plants (tobacco) are conducted in
Belgium.
1987
The first field tests of genetically engineered crops (tobacco and tomato) are
conducted in the United States.
1992
•The FDA declares that genetically engineered foods are "not inherently dangerous"
and do not require special regulation.
•Calgene's Flavr Savr tomato, is approved for commercial production by the US
Department of Agriculture.
1994
•The European Union's first genetically engineered crop, tobacco, is approved and
labeled in France.
1996
•A total of 35 approvals had been granted to commercially grow transgenic crops.
2000's
As of 2004, genetically modified crops were being grown by 8.25 million farmers in
17 countries (James, 2004).
Soybeans , maize , cotton , and canola are 4 genetically modified crops that
dominate biotech agriculture.
Country with GMO food Labeling Law - (CORRECT ANSWER)Europe
How are GMO's made - (CORRECT ANSWER)A gene from another organism is
inserted into the crop of interest
Refer back to Slide 15
What are GMO's Used for? - (CORRECT ANSWER)Crops and plants
-Blue rose
-Algea / Duckweed
Biopharmaceuticals
-resistance to herbicides and pest
-increase nutritional value
Mammals
-research for human diseases
What is a GMO ? - (CORRECT ANSWER)Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods
derived from organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been modified in a way
that does not occur naturally, e.g. through the introduction of a gene from a different
organism. Currently available GM foods stem mostly from plants, but in the future,
foods derived from GM microorganisms or GM animals are likely to be introduced on
the market ( WHO, 2014).
Genetic Engineering - (CORRECT ANSWER)Genetic Engineering is the deliberate ,
controlled manipulation of the genes in an organism through the use of
biotechnological procedures.
What are the benefits of genetic engineering ? - (CORRECT ANSWER)-Enhance
quality and taste
-Increase nutrients
-Improve resistance to pest and disease
-Conservation of natural resources (less water and energy to process).
Popular Genentically modified crops and percentages - (CORRECT ANSWER)Soy
beans 81%
cotton 81%
Maize 35%
Canola 30%
What are some popular traits that are being engineered ? - (CORRECT ANSWER)-
Herbicide tolerance
-insect resistance
-"Stacked traits" (combination of both)
Top 10 GM foods ? - (CORRECT ANSWER)corn
soy
cottonseed
papaya
Rice
Canola
Potatoes
Tomatoes
Dairy products
peas
Is organic always GMO free? - (CORRECT ANSWER)-In 2008, the USDA was
putting 15 out of 30 federally accredited organic certifiers they audited on probation,
allowing them 12 months to make correction or lose their accreditation.
-At the heart of the audit for several certifiers were imported foods and ingredients
from other countries including China.
-Certified organic ginger was found to be contaminated with levels of a pesticide
called "aldicarb"
- Sold under the "365" label at Whole Foods Market.
, -Inadequate funding for enforcement, including for organic imports from countries
like China, guarantees it will be easy for unscrupulous farmers to cheat.
History of GMO - (CORRECT ANSWER)1980
The U.S. Supreme Court in Diamond v. Chakrabarty rules that genetically altered life
forms can be patented. The decision allows the Exxon Oil Company to patent an oil-
eating microorganism.
1982
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves the first genetically engineered
drug, Genentech's Humulin, a form of human insulin produced by bacteria. This is
the first consumer product developed through modern bioengineering.
1986
The first field tests of genetically engineered plants (tobacco) are conducted in
Belgium.
1987
The first field tests of genetically engineered crops (tobacco and tomato) are
conducted in the United States.
1992
•The FDA declares that genetically engineered foods are "not inherently dangerous"
and do not require special regulation.
•Calgene's Flavr Savr tomato, is approved for commercial production by the US
Department of Agriculture.
1994
•The European Union's first genetically engineered crop, tobacco, is approved and
labeled in France.
1996
•A total of 35 approvals had been granted to commercially grow transgenic crops.
2000's
As of 2004, genetically modified crops were being grown by 8.25 million farmers in
17 countries (James, 2004).
Soybeans , maize , cotton , and canola are 4 genetically modified crops that
dominate biotech agriculture.
Country with GMO food Labeling Law - (CORRECT ANSWER)Europe
How are GMO's made - (CORRECT ANSWER)A gene from another organism is
inserted into the crop of interest
Refer back to Slide 15
What are GMO's Used for? - (CORRECT ANSWER)Crops and plants
-Blue rose
-Algea / Duckweed
Biopharmaceuticals
-resistance to herbicides and pest
-increase nutritional value
Mammals
-research for human diseases
