GM FOODS

Genetic modification of crops began in 1997.

injecting genes from one plant to another give the resulting plant some desirable characteristics.

since then a whole series of GM plants have been produced.

Common modification have been:

• resistance to disease
• resistance to pest
• resistance to herbicides

• Vitamin A boosted rice
• protein enriched potatoes
• drought and salt resistant crops
• insect repelling crops- reduced pesticide use
• improved flavour
• increased shelf life
• increased hardiness

GM crops = rare in Europe.

strict labelling policies.

public opinion is largely negative.

they have been accepted in:

• The USA
• CHINE
• CANADA
• ARGENTINA
• AUSTRALIA

CRITICS FEAR THAT GM FOODS HAVE ADVERSE HEALTH AFFECTS. such as producing toxic proteins.

This had LITTLE evidence and is yet to be proven.

MODIFIED CROPS BECOME 'SUPER WEEDS' OR ACCIDENTLY BREED WITH OTHER CROPS. could be a serious problem is crops designed to produce pharmaceuticals cross-breed with food varieties.