Health Updates
Biotechnology: Miracle or Monster
Earl Morgenstern's farm has been in his family for generations.
Recently, the farm has grown more profitable than ever. Earl
now grows corn that resists insects and the damage they cause.
His crop yield is higher, which means more food to feed hungry
people.
Does this sound too good to be true? It may be. Earl's new
agricultural bounty is not the result of a "green thumb."
Rather, it is an example of a new science at work, known as
biotechnology.
The Basics of Biotech
That word, like the gorgeous ears of corn Earl Morgenstern
has been producing, is a mouthful. Biotechnology—or "biotech"
for short—refers to a variety of scientific methods for
genetically engineered or modified life forms such as food-bearing
plants. The underlying principles of biotechnology are nothing
new. Pesticides, or chemicals that kill crop-eating insects,
for example, have been around for hundreds of years.
The difference with biotechnology is that it allows scientists
actually to manipulate the genetic structure of living things.
Scientists are, thus, able to create more desirable traits
that include better appearance and taste, or higher yields
due to disease resistance. Enter Farmer Earl's ears of plump,
sweet, and pest-resistant corn.
Biotech or Not
Although the final tally is not in, the views on biotechnology
so far are mixed. Opponents of the method include a company
down the road from Earl's farm that produces organic foods.
The company was forced to destroy thousands of bags of food
that found to be altered by genetically modified organisms,
or GMOs. The contamination was traced to Earl's farm. Pollen
from his genetically modified corn had been carried by the
wind onto the company grounds.
Other opponents argue that foods produced through biotech
methods are themselves a potential health hazard. The U.S.
government is listening carefully to the debate. The U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has for the time asked
manufacturers to voluntarily label any foods that are made
with genetically engineered ingredients.
The Center for Consumer Research, a non-profit private group,
would like to take precautions a step further. They want stricter,
thorough testing of GE foods. They would also like to see
the labels "GMO-free" or "Biotech-free"
on products, with supporting documentation to back up the
claim.
The Pro's
Despite all these concerns, the new technology does have
its benefits. Supporters are quick to point these out.
- Improved nutritional value. Foods such as tomatoes
can be engineered to have increased nutritional value to
reduce cancer risks.
- A weapon against malnutrition. Biotech can help
solve the problem of malnutrition by creating nutrient-rich
foods. For instance, through genetic manipulation, researchers
have created a rice rich in beta-carotene. This will be
donated to poor countries suffering from vitamin deficiencies.
- Increases in crop yields. Larger crops can help
in the fight against worldwide hunger.
- A plus for the environment. Arguments have been
raging for years over the dangers of pesticides. These are
said to pollute the environment and endanger animal and
human life. Biotechnology promises to change all that. Biotech
cotton, for example, has been genetically engineered in
such a way as to be poisonous to insects that feed on cotton.
The Cons
Those in the anti-biotech camp have their share of concerns.
- Long-term effects on the environment. Opponents
believe that cross-pollination of GMO crops could result
in "superweeds" that are resistant to pesticides.
They also express a fear of a technology whose long-term
impact has yet to be seen.
- Introduction of allergens and toxins. Allergens—substances
such as pollen that can cause an allergic reaction—could
be transferred from one food to another. For example, splicing
a gene from a Brazil nut into soybeans can trigger a reaction
in a person allergic to Brazil nuts.
- Potential effects on human health. Unlike sprayed
pesticides which can be washed off by the consumer, biotechnology
permanently alters food. The toxins, if any, reside within
the produce itself. This may be ingested by humans.
- Potential impact on wildlife. Environmental groups
point to laboratory studies in which pollen from biotech
corn was found to be poisonous to the monarch butterfly.
In addition, these groups are concerned that the very pests
being targeted will develop a resistance to the biotech
crops intended to stop them.
Just the Facts
- What is biotechnology, and how is it being used in agriculture?
- How has the FDA responded to the controversy over biotech?
Beyond the Facts
- Do you believe GMO labeling should be required? Why or
why not?
- Compare and contrast arguments in favor of genetically
engineered foods and those against these foods. State in
your own words which side makes a stronger case, and why.
Applying the Facts
A number of companies, including a well-known seller of fast
food and a snack maker, have taken strong positions on the
use of biotech foods. The positions have been widely publicized.
Working in teams, find out about these views. Use print or
online resources. You may alternatively contact fast-food
establishments in your community to see whether they are providing
literature on this subject. Share your findings with classmates.
