Post on 20-Dec-2015
A Risky Business
Kiersten Isgriggkisgrigg@umich.edu
Sam Giraud samlily@umich.edu
Background Information• Controversy over the production, trade
and labeling of GMOs has been growing for several decades.
• Gene manipulation is becoming more complex and widespread.
• Increasing global production and trade of GMOs in an already unstable international atmosphere has lead us to ask...
We think the answer is yes! Stay tuned to find out why...
The what, how and “uh-oh!” of the situation
• An organism with altered genetic material, often incorporating DNA from a foreign source
• Two types of GMOs▪First generation▪Second generation
• Reduction in time to produce new crop varieties
• Pest and disease control• Herbicide resistance• Increased vitamin content• Increased production
• Threats to biodiversity• Release before safety assessment• Increase herbicide use• Allergic reactions • Foreign proteins• International safety threats-
biological warfare• Ethics
Controversies
• US labeling policy and public opinion not in sync
• Conflicting trade interests and ethical concerns
• Inconsistencies in production and regulation
Conflicting international viewpoints
▪ Food-based heritage
▪ Lower trust in authorities
▪ Disease scares▪ International bio-
safety regulations necessary
▪ Precautionary based policy
▪ Economic growth▪ High confidence in
authorities▪ Food-based
diseases haven’t reached US shores
▪ Favors domestic policy making
▪ Science based policy
The peak of the conflict
• US, Canada and Argentina sue Europe for moratorium ▪1998-2004▪Not scientifically justified
• World Trade Organization preliminary ruling in favor of US
Our ConclusionsDue to...• The lack of standardization,
production and labeling• The recent lawsuit against the
EU
Something to think about…
These factors can teach us a lesson about the importance of
avoiding conflict:
Coming to a consensus about standardized GMO regulation and production will lead to a happier and healthier global community!
keep the views of others in mind