Describe and evaluate 3 objections to the use of genetically modified foods.

What will be an ideal response?

Production of new allergens or toxins in GM foods

Can increase in GM plants, just as they can with traditional plant breeding. Again, there is no evidence that this has occurred, but new GM plants should be scrutinized.

•	Development of glyphosate-resistant "superweeds." These superweeds have been

found in different areas of the U.S. as well as several other countries. These weeds can reduce crop yields, and killing them requires larger applications of pesticides, raising concerns about environmental damage and higher costs for farmers.

•	Crossed species lines, such as inserting a gene from a fish into a grain. Consumers may

find it unnatural to introduce the genes from an unrelated species into another, especially the transfer of animal genes into plants.

•	"Gene flow" from GM crops to plants not intended to be modified.

•	Development of Bt-resistant insects. This is of particular concern to organic farmers

who, although they do not grow GM crops, apply Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria to crops as a biological pest management method. Bt resistance also may lead to increased pesticide use by nonorganic farmers.

•	Loss of genetic diversity. If GM crops are widely adopted, the use of local,

indigenous, conventional seeds may decline and these plants may disappear.

•	Loss of cultural heritage with older, native foods. For example, in Mexico, traditional

maize (corn) has a spiritual and cultural significance that is not fulfilled with GM corn.

•	Insufficient regulation and oversight of GM plants and animals. Some argue that more

rigorous regulation, testing, and oversight are needed to assure safety and benefits for consumers.

•	Development of trade barriers. Regulations about GM foods vary around the world;

thus, limitations of both imports and exports of foodstuffs can arise.

Nutritional Science

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