(2019). For starters, many GMO crops have been genetically modified to express a gene that protects them against pests and insects. With numerous studies supporting both sides. The GM crops currently on the market are mainly aimed at an increased level of crop protection through the introduction of resistance against plant diseases caused by insects or viruses or through increased tolerance towards herbicides. The risks will vary depending on local conditions. According to the reading, what is something that GM food can NOT do? If trading partners have the same or similar mechanisms for the safety assessment of GM foods, the possibility that one product is approved in one country but rejected in another becomes smaller. Foods produced from or using GM organisms are often referred to as GM foods. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Worksheets that listen. x[mo8^=@Z_6vn'LK$?d96)E>O?OAO7o(nANXY,X7o`]}EYK} b. There are several genome editing tools, such as CRISPR. 250-472-4747 Simply download . According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), GMO seeds are used to plant over 90% of all maize (corn), cotton, and soy grown in the United States, which means that many of the foods you eat likely contain GMOs (1). Genetic engineering is often used in combination with traditional breeding to produce the genetically engineered plant varieties on the market today. What is genetic modification (GM) of crops and how is it done? There are no genetically engineered wheat varieties for sale or in commercial production in the United States. Many GMO crops are used to make ingredients that Americans eat such as cornstarch, corn syrup, corn oil, soybean oil, canola oil, or granulated sugar. GMO foods undergo strict testing before they can be commercialized. Many concerns about the disadvantages relate to human health. 1. (2018). GMOs introduce "foreign" genes into the mix, genes that would not likely be introduced through . Useful for lessons focused on the growth of GMO agriculture, the video helps students see the complexities of this new approach to agriculture, and sets up a classroom discussion on the costs and benefits that GMOs bring to food and farming. The release of GMOs into the environment and the marketing of GM foods have resulted in a public debate in many parts of the world. Environmental risk assessments cover both the GMO concerned and the potential receiving environment. 1866: Gregor Mendel, an Austrian monk, breeds two different types of peas and identifies the basic process of genetics. WHO, together with FAO, has convened several expert consultations on the evaluation of GM foods and provided technical advice for the Codex Alimentarius Commission which was fed into the Codex Guidelines on safety assessment of GM foods. Science Brian. The use of GMO crops may even reduce the risk of toxicity from some substances, as farmers can avoid using pesticides that have been harmful in the past. Still, this is difficult since most foods in your supermarket are made with ingredients from GMO crops. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), GMO seeds are used to plant over 90% of all maize (corn . GMO foods could help maintain supplies in the face of changing environmental conditions and a growing population. Lastly, we have the word Organism. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn is . These questions and answers have been prepared by WHO in response to questions and concerns from WHO Member State Governments with regard to the nature and safety of genetically modified food. But changing plants and animals through traditional breeding can take a long time, and it is difficult to make very specific changes. The EU and the United States took different approaches to the introduction of genetically modified food crops in the mid-1990s. It comes from a naturally occurring bacteria known as Bacillus thuringiensis. Specific systems have been set up for the rigorous evaluation of GM organisms and GM foods relative to both human health and the environment. They comprise 90% of soy, cotton, and corn grown in the United States and are deemed safe for human consumption. It includes several tasks (reading comprehension + grammar). Read more. Reading comprehension - ensure that you draw the most important information given about genetically modified food from the lesson Making connections - use understanding of the concept of. It includes several tasks (reading comprehension + grammar). In addition to nutritional value, food often has societal and historical connotations, and in some instances may have religious importance. Questions? The tomatoes gained a lot of initial publicity but the company of bioengineers was poorly equipped to handle the business of actually selling their tomatoes, and eventually sold out to Monsanto. This means that animals that eat GMO food do not turn into GMOs. GMO summer squash is resistant to some plant viruses. To be transparent, Calgene made sure packages of Flavr Savr tomatoes were labelled as genetically engineered, with an 800 number to field customer questions. This is because they must meet the same safety standards as other foods, and there should be no need for additional regulation. The DNA in the GMO food does not transfer to the animal that eats it. This is a review of papaya and its health benefits. Learn what the terms cured and uncured bacon actually mean when you see them in the store. The GalSafe pig was developed to be free of detectable alpha-gal sugar on its cell surfaces. In addition, current research suggests that GMO foods are safe for consumption (13). The FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine manages this responsibility. The text is about the pros and cons of GM foods. In 1994, the "Flavr Savr" tomato made its debut on supermarket shelves across the country, opening the door to the continuing dispute over genetically modified food products. Genetic modification significantly accelerates this process by using scientific techniques that give the plant the specific desired trait. These are the same types of proteins that organic farmers use to control insect pests, and they do not harm beneficial insects, such as ladybugs. A GMO papaya, named the Rainbow papaya, was created to resist ringspot virus. Questions include knowledge (direct from the paper), thinking, connecting, application and open-ended varieties. All these factors contribute to lower costs for the consumer and can ensure that more people have access to quality food. &_k2~Bk6{ZdwRy(dBIsK&Q(f F#Y#V9Io7l/:,=Eq_'@BtV& How GMO crops have come to dominate agricultural production and consumption processes. So far, scientists have found no evidence that commercially available GMO foods are dangerous for health. 2 0 obj People can start using GMOs in their farms c. A new law requiring GMO labeling. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Codex developed principles for the human health risk analysis of GM foods in 2003. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. in human medicine) and their consequences for human societies. Scribd is the world's largest social reading and publishing site. See additional information. This test focuses on genetically modified organisms. Food, genetically modified 1 May 2014 | Q&A These questions and answers have been prepared by WHO in response to questions and concerns from WHO Member State Governments with regard to the nature and safety of genetically modified food. This GMO saved papaya farming on the Hawaiian Islands. However, a growing number of weeds have developed resistance to this herbicide over time. Language goals Grammar practice General grammar practice Reading comprehension Reading for detail (deep reading) Writing practice Learn more about the process for creating genetically engineered microbes and genetically engineered animals. The assessment process includes evaluation of the characteristics of the GMO and its effect and stability in the environment, combined with ecological characteristics of the environment in which the introduction will take place. People with Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) may have allergic reactions to alpha-gal sugar found in red meat (e.g., beef, pork, and lamb). What are the main issues of concern for human health? This implies that some change or tweak has been made. This new trait does not change the other existing traits. . What do you think are the greatest potential dangers or unintended consequences of GMO agriculture? For example, early farmers developed cross-breeding methods to grow corn with a range of colors, sizes, and uses. The way governments have regulated GM foods varies. Its also worth noting that any food labeled 100% organic does not contain any GMO ingredients, because U.S. law prohibits this. GMO foods are easier and less costly for farmers to grow, which makes them cheaper for the consumer. The technology is often called modern biotechnology or gene technology, sometimes also recombinant DNA technology or genetic engineering. Codex principles do not have a binding effect on national legislation, but are referred to specifically in the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures of the World Trade Organization (SPS Agreement), and WTO Members are encouraged to harmonize national standards with Codex standards. web animal farm comprehension check questions and answers may 2nd 2018 genetically modified food controversies Email These groups fear a dominant position of the chemical industry in agricultural development, a trend which they do not consider to be sustainable. Golden rice is genetically modified to produce beta-carotene, which is not normally present in rice. What is the main reason we do not know enough about GM foods? OJ L 268, 18.10.2003, p. 1-23. Compared to the new in formation in science, some of the idea Although GMOs are in a lot of the foods we eat, most of the GMO crops grown in the United States are used for animal food. This example uses a type of insect-resistant corn called Bt corn. Keep in mind that the processes for creating a GMO plant, animal, or microorganism may be different. Report abuse. It is also used as ingredients (lecithin, emulsifiers, and proteins) in processed foods. Read the two passages by two different authors. GMOs, short for genetically modified organisms, are subject to a lot of controversy. By 2012, what percentage of corn and soybeans in the United States were genetically modified? While hundreds of published reports have explored the benefits and risks of GMO foods, many people strongly believe GMOs are unsafe for human consumption. Most GMO alfalfa is resistant to herbicides, allowing farmers to spray the crops to protect them against destructive weeds that can reduce alfalfa production and lower the nutritional quality of the hay. Many GMO crops also become ingredients in other foods, for example: Genetic modification is when scientists insert new DNA into the gene pool of an existing plant. Food Science Extended Informational Reading Comprehension Food scientists also work to increase food abundance. For instance, if scientists combine a gene from a Brazil nut with a soybean, there is a slight chance that a person with a nut allergy could have an allergic reaction to products made with the soybean. Here are some of the key concerns around GMO consumption. The written task is about cloning. <> GMO plants go through in-depth review and tests before they are ready to be sold to farmers. For example, the Bt gene is commonly genetically engineered into crops like corn, cotton, and soybeans. Supported by. Consumers frequently ask, what is in it for me?. Although GMO foods appear safe for consumption, some people wish to avoid them. There is a small risk that GMO foods can trigger an allergic reaction, but this will only happen if the genetic change triggers the production of an allergen. As a matter of principle, the transfer of genes from commonly allergenic organisms to non-allergic organisms is discouraged unless it can be demonstrated that the protein product of the transferred gene is not allergenic. If One of the objectives for developing plants based on GM organisms is to improve crop protection. Virus resistance makes plants less susceptible to diseases caused by such viruses, resulting in higher crop yields. Together, these factors help lower the costs for the farmers and consumers because it allows a greater crop yield and growth through harsher conditions. How GMOs Are Regulated in the United States, An official website of the United States government, : Consumers have questioned the validity of risk assessments, both with regard to consumer health and environmental risks, focusing in particular on long-term effects. 2 farmers, 2 views of Genetically Modified Foods Reading Comprehension 1. Small fragments of DNA from food can and do enter the bloodstream and body organs, but there is no evidence that they have any impact on genetic makeup or human health. 2003: The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations develop international guidelines and standards to determine the safety of GMO foods. The Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) is the joint FAO/WHO intergovernmental body responsible for developing the standards, codes of practice, guidelines and recommendations that constitute the Codex Alimentarius, meaning the international food code. 7 However, using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food has been a controversial practice ever. Scientists use genetic rewiring to increase lifespan of cells, Beyond amyloid and tau: New targets in developing dementia treatments, Napping longer than 30 minutes linked to higher risk of obesity and high blood pressure, Activity 'snacks' could lower blood sugar, complication risk in type 1 diabetes, In Conversation: Investigating the power of music for dementia. Most GMO crops are resistant to herbicides, such as Roundup. Tackle literacy and science by having your students read and answer questions from a scientific article. Pro/Con (nonfiction), 2,264 words, Level Z2 (Grade 5+), Lexile 1360L. While browning does not change the quality of the potato, it often leads to food being unnecessarily thrown away because people mistakenly believe browned food is spoiled. Until that time, consumers were generally not very aware of the potential of this research. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. Independent studies show that there is no difference in how GMO and non-GMO foods affect the health and safety of animals. In 2009, some food scientists noted that food DNA can survive as far as the gut, and there have been concerns that this could affect the immune system. The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, an environmental treaty legally binding for its Parties which took effect in 2003, regulates transboundary movements of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs). . Students will learn how a scientific theory of nuclear winter shifted the debate over nuclear weapons in the 1980s, and how that hypothesis connects to the 21st century challenge of climate change. By inserting the Bt gene into the DNA of the corn plant, scientists gave it the insect resistance trait. The text is about the pros and cons of GM foods. Below, we answer some questions people often ask about GMO foods. Only a few types of GMO crops are grown in the United States, but some of these GMOs make up a large percentage of the crop grown (e.g., soybeans, corn, sugar beets, canola, and cotton). Advertise here. GM crops with higher nutrient content (e.g. English Language Centre / Study Zone / Level 200 Upper Beginner / Reading Topics / GM Food: Reading Comprehension, Tel based on the need to examine the potential negative effects on human health of the consumption of food produced through genetic modification in order to protect public health. Genetically refers to genes. The Flavr Savr was the first commercially grown, genetically engineered food approved for sale. Despite the lack of consensus on these topics, the Codex Alimentarius Commission has made significant progress and developed Codex texts relevant to labelling of foods derived from modern biotechnology in 2011 to ensure consistency on any approach on labelling implemented by Codex members with already adopted Codex provisions. Although GMO crops are convenient for farmers, there are environmental concerns. GMOs can be turned into products like cornstarch, corn syrup, soybean oil, canola oil, corn oil, or granulated sugar. Medicines developed through genetic engineering go through an in-depth FDA approval process. Within the past few years scientists have revolutionized genetic engineering techniques so that now, with relative ease, they can precisely edit the genetic coding of animals more-or-less on. (2020). The cornerstone of the Protocol is a requirement that exporters seek consent from importers before the first shipment of LMOs intended for release into the environment. Tips? genetically modified (GM): an organism or crop containing genetic material that has been artificially altered so as to produce a desired characteristic genetically modified organism (GMO): any organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques genotype: the genetic makeup of an organism What further developments can be expected in the area of GMOs? In the space of a few years, Slow Food has become a major lobbying force in the European Union on agriculture and trade policy. In this article, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of GMO crops, including their potential effects on human health and the environment. In addition, some GMO potato varieties have been developed to resist bruising and browning that can occur when potatoes are packaged, stored, and transported, or even cut in your kitchen. tailored to your instructions. 4 0 obj This has also had an impact on discussions about the acceptability of GM foods. Whenever novel varieties of organisms for food use are developed using the traditional breeding methods that had existed before the introduction of gene technology, some of the characteristics of organisms may be altered, either in a positive or a negative way. The assessment also includes unintended effects which could result from the insertion of the new gene. The entire process of bringing a GMO plant to the marketplace takes several years. While a lot of GMO corn goes into processed foods and drinks, most of it is used to feed livestock, like cows, and poultry, like chickens. Due to a lack of long-term human studies, more research is needed. The crops produced in this way are called GMO crops. Countries which have regulatory provisions for GM foods usually also regulate GMOs in general, taking into account health and environmental risks, as well as control- and trade-related issues (such as potential testing and labelling regimes). This means that individual GM foods and their safety should be assessed on a case-by-case basis and that it is not possible to make general statements on the safety of all GM foods. This is meant to translate into a product with a lower price, greater benefit (in terms of durability or nutritional value) or both. Have GM products on the international market passed a safety assessment? GM foods are developed and marketed because there is some perceived advantage either to the producer or consumer of these foods. However, this label is voluntary. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be defined as organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. However, if a product is simply labeled organic, it may contain some GMOs (35, 36). Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Some GMO cotton plants are used to create cotton fiber that is then used to make fabric for clothing and other materials. Multilevel Book also available in level Z2 People have been eating foods grown from genetically engineered seed for only the past two decades. Most GMO plants are used to make ingredients that are then used in other food products.
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