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