Should Genetically Modified Foods Be Included As a Part of The Human Diet and Food Industries in Australia?

A Review of Possible Benefits and Health Risks

Term Paper , 2010 , 14 Pages , Grade: 1,3

Biology - Diseases, Health, Nutrition

The development of genetically modified (GM) or transgenic foods promises another agricultural revolution, producing more and high-quality food to feed the growing world population (Uzogara 2000). Within a rather short period of time genetic modifying has evolved from basic science to commercial applications (Engel, Frenzel & Miller 2002). According to recent statistics (ISAAA 2009), transgenic crops are cultivated in 25 countries on a hectarage of approximately 134 million hectares, an 80-fold increase compared to 1999. However, their introduction into the human food supply activated an apparently never ending debate about safety, potential risk and ethical concerns (FSANZ 2005; Better Health Channel 1999).

According to Trojanowicz, Latoszek and Poboźy (2010) the sources of these controversies can be related to consumer suspicions regarding the true intentions of biotechnological producers and mistrust in government bureaucracies.
The aim of this literature review is to analyse current scientific research about GM foods with regard to the question whether GM food should be introduced in Australia or not. Part 1 includes a definition of GM foods and a description of current commercialized GM crops worldwide. The second part provides an overview of possible advantages and disadvantages concerning GM foods. Therefore, it identifies the main groups which profits from GM crops. This review ends with a conclusion and a definition of the author’s position concerning the controversial issue of including GM foods as part of the Australian diet and food industries.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Definition and current availability of GM foods.
• 3. Benefits of introducing GM foods into Australia.
• 4. Potential Problems associated with eating GM foods.
• 5. Main profiteers of GM crops.
• 6. Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This literature review aims to examine the current scientific research on genetically modified (GM) foods to determine whether they should be introduced into Australia. The review will analyze the potential benefits and risks of GM foods, considering the perspectives of both proponents and opponents. It will also explore the economic and societal implications of GM food production and consumption.

• The definition and current availability of GM foods globally and in Australia
• Potential benefits of GM foods, including increased food production, reduced pesticide use, and enhanced nutritional value.
• Potential risks associated with GM foods, such as potential health effects, environmental impacts, and ethical concerns.
• The economic implications of GM food production and the role of different stakeholders.
• The ethical considerations surrounding GM foods, including consumer choice, intellectual property rights, and the potential for unintended consequences.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the topic of genetically modified foods, outlining the historical context, global trends, and the ongoing debate surrounding their safety and ethical implications.
• Chapter 2 defines genetically modified foods and describes the current availability of GM crops worldwide, including a breakdown of production by country and the main types of GM crops grown. It also examines existing labelling regulations in Australia and their limitations.
• Chapter 3 explores the potential benefits of introducing GM foods into Australia, focusing on their potential to increase food production, reduce pesticide use, and enhance nutritional value. The chapter also considers the environmental impact of GM crops, drawing on research findings from various studies.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The main keywords and focus topics of this literature review include genetically modified foods (GM foods), transgenic crops, food safety, environmental impact, ethical considerations, consumer choice, economic implications, and the Australian food industry.

• College: University of the Sunshine Coast Queensland
• Grade: 1,3
• Author: Viola Kress (Author)
• Publication Year: 2010
• Pages: 14
• Catalog Number: V299987
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656973584
• ISBN (Book): 9783656973591
• Language: English
• Tags: should, genetically, modified, foods, included, part, human, diet, food, industries, australia, review, possible, benefits, health, risks