Genetically Modified Food

GM Food

• GM food or genetically modified food is derived from organisms whose genetic

material (DNA) has been modified in a way that does not occur naturally.

Selective Breeding

• Genetic modification is not a new concept, people have been selectively breeding food

and animals for thousands of years.

Modern GM Foods

• Current genetic modification is faster and more precise.

The First GM Tomato

• In 1994 the first genetically modified tomato was introduced in the United States. This

tomato has a longer shelf life.

GM Organisms • Nowadays, there are many types of genetically

modified organisms: meat, dairy products, but mostly vegetables.

DebatePros

• Inbuilt resistance to pests, weeds and disease.

• More capable of thriving in regions with poor soil or adverse climates.

• Crops need less water to grow.

• Foods are more resistant and stay ripe for longer so they can be shipped long distances or kept on shop shelves for longer periods.

Cons• Possible risks are still

unknown.

• Unintended effect of gene insertion .

• Cross pollination- difficult to label or know if its organic or not.

• Spread of new, more resistant "super weeds.

• GREED!- GMO technology companies patent their crops .

Gm Foods in the EU

• The European Union has just introduced a new law which allows the different countries

to choose whether they allow their farmers to plant GM foods or not.

GM Foods in Spain

• Spain is the number one producer of genetically modified corn in the European

Union.

Spain

Rest of the countries

GM Foods in Spain

Number of acres

• The number of acres where genetically modified corn is planted in Spain is rapidly

growing.

Production by Autonomous Community

Questions??