Genetically Modified Foods Food Safety
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Transcript of Genetically Modified Foods Food Safety
Genetically Modified FoodsWhat are genetically modified foods?
“crop plants created for human or animal consumption using the latest molecular biology techniques.” (Whitman, 2000)
Used since late 1980’s Rapidly expanding around the world.
Most common crops in the U.S. Soybean, corn, cotton, canola
GMO BenefitsEnhanced plant growthDecreased pesticide and fertilizer useIncreased nutrient potentialIncreased crop yields
GMO RisksEmerging allergensHerbicide-resistant weeds / “superbugs”Ethical / moral concernsDecreased biodiversity
GMO Regulation & LabelingU.S. FDA “currently requires labeling of GE
foods if the food has a significantly different nutritional property; if a new food includes an allergen that consumers would not expect to be present; or if a food contains a toxicant beyond acceptable limits.” (Byrne, 2007)
FDA proposed voluntary guidelines for labels in 2001
Mandatory labeling?Pros
Consumer rightsIdentification of
food issuesAmericans support
mandatory labelsAt least 22 other
countries require labels
Ethical concerns
ConsLabel may imply
warningIncrease costs to
consumersGE-Free food
already an option for consumers
Difficult to separate
Food SafetyWhat is food safety?
Prevention of foodborne illnessesProtection of food supplySafe handling
Foodborne Illnesses“caused by consuming contaminated foods or
beverages” (CDC, 2005)
There are over 250 different foodborne illnessesBacteria, viruses, parasitesDifficult to diagnosisVague symptoms
Common foodborne illnessesCampylobacter (cdc.gov)
Salmonella Science.nasa.gov
E. coli (foodpoisonjournal.com)
Calicivirus
http://nabc.ksu.edu/images/uploads/norovirus.jpg
Foodborne illnessesSigns & Symptoms
Fever, vomiting, diarrheaDiagnosis
TreatmentFluidsMay need to see your doctor
Foodborne Illness OutbreaksHow are outbreaks detected and tracked?
Illnesses happen in a group of peopleReports go to health departmentCDC starts investigationOutbreak ends
Contaminated food is gone, food product is recalled, restaurant is closed or food processing plant is closed
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/default.htm
Keeping Food Safe: Consumer
CleanSeparateCookChill
Illustration courtesy of Partnership for Food Safety Education
Food Safetyhttp://www.5min.com/Video/Learn-About-Foo
d-Safety-97702374