GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD (GM FOOD)

2000 BIOLOGY PROJECT

QUESTIONNAIREQUESTIONNAIRE

Do people think that GM food is more expensive?

13%

30% 57%

YES NO DON'T KNOW

We have been carried out a survey, which interviewed 50 people about GM foods. The following are the results of our interviews.

Do people agree that GM food should be labelledto identify?

100%

YES NO

Do people think GM food should be kept on developing?

32%68%YES

NO

What is the meaning of transgenic food ?

The process normally involves transferring DNA (genes) between the species.

Nowadays, scientists are learning to identify and modify genes controlling specific characteristics through the development of modern biotechnology. With the help of biotechnology, genes can be more be selectively and precisely inactivated, or transferred from one organism to another to produce so-called genetically modified organisms (GMOs) Any food derived from this way is put under the umbrella of the name ‘GM food’.

Without knowing the exact mechanism, farmers centuries ago made use of various breeding methods to produce grains and plants which were bigger, tastier or easier to grow.

Genes are made of DNA ( Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid ). A gene is a unit of hereditary material, which carries the information to produce protein that determine the characteristics of an organism. Plant and animals, from which foods are derived, have thousands of genes in their cells.

The application of modern biotechnology on food production was started in the 90s. The first GM whole food, FLAVR SAVRTM tomato, was marketed in the United States in 1994.

In 1998, 44% of soybeans and 36% of corn in the USA were GM crops.

At present, the variety of GM crops is still limited, with soybeans, maize and tomatoes as the major GM crops. However, many existing food products are currently being modified through biotechnology.

(A)DEVELOPMENT( )Ⅰ History History

(Ⅱ) Food productsFood products

As corn and soya are used widely, the types of foods that may contain GM ingredients are extensive.

Soybeans may be further processed into soy oil and soy flour to make pastries, edible oil and other soy products.

Corn may be further processed into corn oil, flour or syrup to make bakery and soft drinks.

These also include : chips and dips, sweets, mayonnaise, pizzas, tofu, chocolate, sauces and pastes, biscuits and cakes.

( )Ⅲ Major countries for production of GM foodsMajor countries for production of GM foods The biggest producer of GM crops/foods is the United

States, followed by Argentina and Canada.

(B)(B)PROCESSPROCESS

There are distinct technologies,namely gene addition, gene subtraction,and metabolic engineering, had been developed to produce GM crops. GM foods currently on market are developed and produced through the use of these three methods.

1. Gene Addition Transgenic technology developed in the early 1980s permits the

transfer of single genes for crop improvement. The approach is straightforward: to identify, transfer, and express a specific gene that would confer a desirable trait in the target transgenic plant-gene addition.Examples of gene addition are many, including plants that are resistant to insect, herbicide, virus,or other pathogens, and plants with improved product properties.

2. Gene subtraction

Using transgenic technology, it is also possible to reduce or eliminate the product of a gene, i.e. mRNA or protein, leading to a desirable crop performance or trait. This subtraction could be accomplished by using the antisense technology. For example, in order to alter the ripening of tomatoes, antisense technology was used to suppress the synthesis of ethylene, the hormone involved in the ripening process. As a result, the ripening of the transformed fruits took longer time and the shelf life of the fruit was extended.

3. Metabolic engineering

By manipulating the gene(s) controlling the key enzyme(s) in a specific pathway, through gene addition and/or subtraction, a target product can be produced with desirable quantity, composition, and functional property. In essence, this is a technology that re-directs metabolic pathways.

(C(C)WHY ARE GM CROPS RELATED TO)WHY ARE GM CROPS RELATED TO FOOD DEMAND FOOD DEMAND

To help keep pace with world population growth and the depletion of land and water resources,it is expected that the demand for GM foods will increase to meet our needs. With greater research efforts and further developments in biotechnology, it is likely that a second generation of GM products with more direct benefits to consumers will be developed, receiving a wider public acceptance.

Future Demand : World Population Growth

0

2

4

6

8

10

World Population(billions of people)

1960 1970 1980 1990 2015E 2050E

Years

1960

1970

1980

1990

2015E

2050E

Future Demand : Changing Consumption PatternsFuture Demand : Changing Consumption Patterns

010203040506070

Animal ProteinConsumption per Capita

(Grams per day)

Chi

na

Mal

aysi

a

Chi

le

Mex

ia

Sin

gapo

re

Hon

g K

ong

Japa

n

Can

ada

Aus

tral

ia

US

A

China

Malaysia

Chile

Mexia

Singapore

Hong Kong

Japan

Canada

Australia

USA

WHY GM FOODS BECOME MORE POPULARBoth genetic modification and traditional breeding involve altering the genetic make-up of living

organisms so as to produce the desired traits. However,the two techniques have the following differences-

Desired changes can be achieved in one generation

More time consuming in the process of observation and natural selection to achieve the desired characteristics

Faster and less costly

Crossing of thousands of genes at onetimeIsolation and transfer of well-defined genes

Gene transfer usually within speciesIntroduction of desired genes across the species barrier

TRADITIONAL BREEDINGGENETIC MODIFICATION

(D)(D)EFFECTSEFFECTS

1. POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF GM FOODS

Why did scientists start research and development of GM foods?

Increase crop yields Increase the tolerance of crops to adverse growing conditions, e.g. droug

ht Improve the nutrient composition of crops, e.g. Increase the protein cont

ent of rice Provide resistance to crop pests ad reduce the use of pesticides Improve sensory attributes of food, e.g. flavor, texture Improve processing characteristics so as to reduce wastage and costs Eliminate allergy-causing properties in some foods

2. ARE GM FOODS HARMFUL TO HUMAN HEALTH

There is no scientific proof that GM foods pose any risk to human health. However, because the technology is relatively new, scientific circles do believe that research needs to continue to remove any doubt, and that consumers should learn more about GM foods. Further study is required to confirm the direct benefits of GM foods.

Some facts about GM foods: Nothing is inherently harmful about genetic modification. Like conventional breeding, it

is a process for introducing new genes into microbes, plants, and animals. Foodstuffs that we eat everyday contain DNA and proteins are broken down into their

chemical constituents. Our DNA will not be changed by eating conventional of GM foods.

The Diagrams of the Facts The Diagrams of the Facts

about GM Foods :about GM Foods :

Improve processing quality; permit new food uses for healthier oils

Improve weed control

Reduce fungicide use

Reduce insecticide use

Improve shelf life and quality

PURPOSEPURPOSEPURPOSE

Heat stability

Herbicide tolerance

Fungal resistance

Insect resistance

Controlled ripening

GENETICGENETICGENETIC

MODIFICATIONMODIFICATIONMODIFICATION

Oilseed rape (canola), peanuts

Soybeans, corn, wheat

Potatoes.,lettuce, coffee

Peas, tropical fruit, brocooli, raspberries, melons

Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers

FOOD PRODUCTSFOOD PRODUCTSFOOD PRODUCTS

What food products have been or are being developed with bioengineering?

Many existing food products are currently being modified through biotechnology, as illustrated in the following chart:

3.3. CONCERNS OVER GM FOODS/CROPS CONCERNS OVER GM FOODS/CROPS

What are the concerns over GM foods/crops of green and consumer groups?

Unintended modification of similar species in the neighbouring fields due to cross pollination

Disturbing the balance of ecosystems Development of super pests Whether it is acceptable to move genes between plants or animals whi

ch do not normally interbreed Some people may worry about eating food containing genes from som

ething they would not eat for religious, health or other reasons

(E)(E)SAFETY OF GM FOOD AND ITS SAFETY OF GM FOOD AND ITS LABELLING SYSTEMLABELLING SYSTEM

Is Hong Kong adopting a labelling system for GM foods? THE Hong Kong SAR Government will study the feasibility of setting

up a labelling system for GM foods. A task force has been set up within the Food and Environment Hygiene Department to study the practicability and implications of various control options for regulating GM foods.

How can we test foodstuffs for their GM ingredients, if any? Currently, there are two methods of detection: PCR Assay and Immun

o detects modified genes indirectly, it detects protein produced by modified genes. Each PCR Assay and Immuno Assay can detect a specific GM ingredient.

Which countries have/do not have a labelling system for GM foods?

GM FoodsLabelling System

COUNTRIES

Yes Australia, Austria, Belgium, China,Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,The Netherlands, New Zealand,Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,Switzerland, United Kingdom andUSA.

Will implement Brazil, Japan, Russia and South Korea.

(F)(F) FUTURE PROSPECT FUTURE PROSPECT

For the past 50 some years,agricultural production, through conventional plant breeding and with the contributions of green revolution, was able to keep pace with the world population increase. However, the average yield of major grains (wheat, rice ad corn), has been 1.1% for the past several years while the word’s population is growing by about 2% annually. World food security becomes a serious and urgent concern.

The advances in agricultural biotechnology in the past 26 years target crop improvement at the gene level, through gene addition, subtraction, metabolic engineering, and other emerging technologies. The potential of using this technology to generate crops with improved and new traits/products is tremendous and has been demonstrated. There are concerns, however, about the safety of GM foods and the environmental release of GM crops. These concerns certainly should be addressed, with science and evidence. As biotechnology is new and sophisticated, public education regarding the science and environmental and food safety of GM foods/crops is particularly important. With adequate safety measures for the environment and human health, agricultural biotechnology, through the generation of GM crops, will be able to make great contributions to humankind

International acceptance of GM foods varies. These is no scientific evidence to illustrate that GM foods are hazardous to human beings or the environment, therefore companies must make decisions they feel are the most sensible at the time. Some organizations do not consider GM foods to be an issue, while others have adopted very aggressive guidelines relating to the manufacture and scale of GM foods. In addition, there are health, environmental, religious and ethical concerns about apply to foods derived from conventional breeding.

There are many arguments between the public and the GM food producers. The following are the news, which involve the pros and cons

of GM foods.

Press ReleasePress Release

Local Government AgenciesEnvironment and Food Bureauhttp://www.info.gov.hk/efb

Food and Environmental Hygiene Department http://www.fehd.gov.hk

Regional Food Safety Authorities Australia New Zealand Food Authority http:/www.anzfa.gov.au

Canadian Food Inspection Agency http://www.cfia-acia.agr.ca

1. Reference Website

2.2. Members listembers list

Food and Agriculture Organisation http://www.fao.org

Codex Alimentaris Commission http://www.fao.org/WAICENT/FAOINFO/ECONOMIC/ESN/codex /

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Ngan Chun Man 7B (20) Tam Sze Wing 7B (23) Yip Yuk Man 7B (32)

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