Introduction
Genetically modified foods have become a major concern and have caused controversy regarding both their health and environmental effects (2). 'Using modern techniques of genetic engineering, it is possible to introduce specific genetic material derived from any species of plant, animal, or microorganism, or even a synthetic material, into different species of plant' (Journal 1) This allows a desired trait to be enhanced and reproduced. (3) (4) 'The resulting plants are commonly known as genetically modified (GM) plants; when used as food sources, they are known as GM foods.' (Journal 1)
'It is probable that crop improvement began as soon as farming did' (1) It is thought that improvement to crops and harvesting developed subconsciously with farmers selectively breeding animals and isolating, to then reproduce crops from those with the most desired attributes and from highly variable populations.(1) The first genetically modified crop was the tomato Flavr Savr, produced by a Californian company Calgene, in 1992 whose 'intention was to create a vine-ripened tomato that was both 'long-lasting and tasty'. (6) However the company failed to prevent the skin of the tomato from soften whilst the fruit ripened. It took 10 years for the development of the tomato, (6) but eventually it received FDA approval in 1994 …show more content…
(7) The United States of America produced 68% of the worlds GM crops, and therefore became the largest producer of these crops. In comparison to this, Argentina produced, 23%, Canada, 7% and China only 1%. Statistics from 2007 have shown a substantial increase from 1.7 million hectares being used for growing Gm foods in 1996, to 143 million hectares in 23 countries around the globe, with 90% of GM food produced being in developed or newly-developed countries.(journal
Genetically modified foods have become a major concern and have caused controversy regarding both their health and environmental effects (2). 'Using modern techniques of genetic engineering, it is possible to introduce specific genetic material derived from any species of plant, animal, or microorganism, or even a synthetic material, into different species of plant' (Journal 1) This allows a desired trait to be enhanced and reproduced. (3) (4) 'The resulting plants are commonly known as genetically modified (GM) plants; when used as food sources, they are known as GM foods.' (Journal 1)
'It is probable that crop improvement began as soon as farming did' (1) It is thought that improvement to crops and harvesting developed subconsciously with farmers selectively breeding animals and isolating, to then reproduce crops from those with the most desired attributes and from highly variable populations.(1) The first genetically modified crop was the tomato Flavr Savr, produced by a Californian company Calgene, in 1992 whose 'intention was to create a vine-ripened tomato that was both 'long-lasting and tasty'. (6) However the company failed to prevent the skin of the tomato from soften whilst the fruit ripened. It took 10 years for the development of the tomato, (6) but eventually it received FDA approval in 1994 …show more content…
(7) The United States of America produced 68% of the worlds GM crops, and therefore became the largest producer of these crops. In comparison to this, Argentina produced, 23%, Canada, 7% and China only 1%. Statistics from 2007 have shown a substantial increase from 1.7 million hectares being used for growing Gm foods in 1996, to 143 million hectares in 23 countries around the globe, with 90% of GM food produced being in developed or newly-developed countries.(journal