1. Manuel/Sheppard GGS 12

2. How do you know? Food labels in Canada do not have to identify ingredients that have been genetically modified.

4.  Any food product that has had its genetic make-up (DNA) altered to exhibit traits that are not natural.  A food product is also considered genetically modified if it contains any GM food ingredients.  Why?  To obtain new crops/products with desirable characteristics.

5.  Concerns about GM seeds:

6.  ‘Flavr Savr’ Tomato  First Approved GM Food (1994)  Altered the genes responsible for producing the ripening enzyme.  Super Salmon  Genes from flounder to increase growth rate and lower fat content.  Golden Rice  Insertion of genes to create beta-carotene which produces vitamin A in the body.

7.  ‘Round Up Ready’ Soybean, Canola, Corn, Sugar Beet  Insertion of a gene to make the crop resistance to weed killer, ‘round up.’  Round Up Ready crops produced by Monsanto, the same company that produces Round Up.  Bt Corn, Cabbage, Cotton  Insertion of bacterium, Bt, that makes a toxin that kills many insects.

8. Genetically Modified Genetically Modified Grown Naturally Grown Naturally

9.  Mandatory GM Labelling:  Australia  New Zealand  Japan  China  Europe  Voluntary GM Labelling:  Canada and the USA Canada

10.  The US and Canadian governments do not allow manufacturers to label something organic if that food has been genetically modified or been fed genetically modified feed.

11.  GM foods (seeds and/or gene construct) can be patented by the companies who create them.  Patents give them the legal right to control their use. Monsanto produces 91% of all GM seeds.

12. PROS (Benefits)CONS (Risks)

13.  Resistant to insects & disease  Hardiness or adaptability to different climates (drought resistant, cold resistant)  Bigger, resulting in higher yield  Better taste, smell, and appearance  Higher nutrient content  Grows faster & lasts longer  Cost efficient & beneficial

14.  Allergies  Outcrossing  Alter Ecosystems  Endanger Species  Increased Use of Chemicals on Crops  Patenting Crops  Ethical Implications  Creates Surplus  Lack of Labeling Laws