GENITICALLY ENGINEERED FOODS—GOOD OR BAD?

Introduction

Today, about 70 percent of the processed foods in the United States contain genetically engineered material. In spite of the fact that the U.S. Department of Agriculture and many researchers claim that these foods are safe for humans, not everyone feels reassured.

Some people are concerned that genetically engineered plants and animals may cause allergic reactions or other health problems. They wonder if the food made from these plants and animals is as nutritious as food made from conventional materials or if it will taste as good. The Flavr Savr tomato is one example. Sold in California and parts of the Midwest in the mid-1990s, it was a failure, in part, because it lacked flavor.

Also of concern is that pollen or seeds from genetically engineered plants might escape into the wild and change other plants. For example, corn, soybean, and cotton plants have been engineered to produce their own pesticides (poisons that kill insects). Researchers claimed that farmers would need to spray fewer pesticides on plants as a result. In fact, just the opposite happened. Farmers now need to use more pesticides on the engineered crops than on conventional crops.

Many farmers approve of genetic engineering because it is designed to improve crops and yield more profits. Many scientists believe it can be used to improve people’s health. How does the American consumer feel about genetically engineered foods? Consumers tend to let their pocketbooks speak for them. If they object to a product, they do not buy it. This was the case with the Flavr Savr. While that tomato was clearly advertised as being genetically modified, the Food and Drug Administration does not require such labeling. Many consumers probably do not know the facts about many of the things they eat. Do you think most people would change their buying habits if they did? Perhaps some change is already taking place. Organic foods, which are grown using only natural materials and methods, are becoming increasingly popular.

Where do you stand on this controversy? Going on this WebQuest may help you decide.

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Your Task

For this WebQuest, your job is to investigate the controversy over genetically engineered foods. To demonstrate what you have learned, you will answer the questions included here. You will also complete one of the activities described at the end of this WebQuest.

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Process

Read through the following questions. Then research the Internet resources that are provided for you.. As you explore the sites, look for answers to the questions. Keep a record of any sites where you find answers by noting the title and URL (Internet address). For example:

            (title) Technology Student Association
            (URL) www.tsaweb.org

1. What is the FDA’s stance on regulating genetically engineered foods?
   
   
2. Which genetically engineered crops do farmers accept most readily?
   
   
3. In addition to better flavor, what advantage was the Flavr Savr supposed to have? Did it have it?
   
   
4. What about the Flavr Savr tomato caused health concerns?
   
   
5. About how many million acres of crops were genetically engineered by 1999?
   
   
6. About what percentage of the food supply is grown organically?
   
   
7. What has been the percentage of growth in sales of organic products in recent years?
   
   

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Internet Resources

Visit the Web sites listed here to find information that will enable you to answer the questions. You may use additional sites if you wish. Be sure to keep a record of any sites you use.

• Soil Association: Flavr Savr tomato and GM tomato puree is a British article about a genetically engineered food that failed.
  
  
• Union of Concerned Scientists: Genetically Engineered Crops Use More Pesticide is an article about a recent investigation into pesticide use.
  
  
• Biotechnology Project: Lessen the Fear of Genetically Engineered Crops is an article from The Center for Science in the Public Interest.
  
  
• “Impacts of adopting genetically engineered crops in the United States” discusses the issues.
  
  
• Economic Research Service/USDA: agricultural biotechnology—marketing, labeling and trade includes several reports on consumers and marketing.
  
  
• PBS: Harvest of Fear offers both viewpoints on the controversy.
  
  
• Organic Consumers Association: Latest Organic News Briefs & Trends discusses market trends and benefits.
  
  
• Organic Consumers Association: Market Research Shows Rapid Growth of Organic Food shows that the popularity of organic food continues.
  
  
• Organic Food Sales See Healthy Growth is an article on grocery sales.
  
  
• Science Museum of the National Academy of Sciences: Putting DNA to Work is the Web site version of a large museum exhibit on DNA. It covers improving crops.
  
  
• PBS: DNA explores some of the controversy involving genetic manipulation. The site includes videos of DNA subjects in the news.
  
  

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Activities

Several activities are described below. Complete one of these activities (your choice) to demonstrate the understandings you’ve gained by going on this WebQuest.

• Research the growth rate in sales for organic foods over the past ten years. Graph the results and estimate the percentage in growth.
  
  
• Take part in a panel discussion about the pros and cons of genetically engineered foods.
  
  
• All candy manufactured in the U.S. contains genetically modified ingredients. Survey at least 20 teens and/or adults to determine if knowing this information will affect their buying decisions. Graph the results.
  
  
• “Golden” rice is a new genetically engineered product. Do some research to find out more about it. How has it been changed and why? Is it being sold yet and, if so, where? Is it winning acceptance from consumers?
  
  

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