FOOD2010 hot topic 1

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School

University of Guelph *

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2010

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Health Science

Date

Oct 30, 2023

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docx

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Uploaded by JudgeFlamingoMaster571

Hot Topic 1 Discussion and Summary Food biotechnology refers to the processes involved in processing food, from living organisms, such as plants, livestock, and microorganisms, to finished products (FMI, 2013). Through genetic modification, food technologies have improved many aspects of the food industry, including availability and nutritional value. However, these techniques may negatively impact the environment and consumers. One of the most successful food biotechnology developments was herbicide-resistant crops (Magin, 2007). Commercially introduced in the 1990s, these crops, such as tomato, soybean, and canola, allowed farmers to use one broad-spectrum herbicide to control almost all their weed species, thus reducing pesticide use and increasing crop yield. Additionally, this technique can alter the traits of crops to increase their nutritional value, such as lowering trans fatty acids in soybeans. Due to extensive use of the same herbicide, weeds have become resistant to it (Superweeds, Secondary Pests, & Lack of Biodiversity Are Frequent GMO Concerns, 2018). Consequently, farmers may have to change herbicides and use harsher ones which could harm the environment. Moreover, despite the controversy surrounding this topic, consumers are concerned about genetically modified crops causing antibiotic resistance (FMI, 2013). Food biotechnology has been beneficial to the food industry by increasing farm yields and nutritional content. Despite food biotechnology's potential for the future, it does have some drawbacks. Consequently, it is our responsibility as consumers to be aware of its effects on the environment and on our long-term health.

Reference: FMI | Food Biotechnology. (2013, April 1). https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/food-safety- backgrounders/2013/04/01/food-biotechnology-general-scientific-principles-safety-and- regulations Magin, K. (2007, September 1). Improving Foods and Feed Through Biotechnology. https://www.ift.org. Retrieved February 3, 2023, from https://www.ift.org/news-and- publications/food-technology-magazine/issues/2006/september/features/improving-foods-and- feed-through-biotechnology Superweeds, secondary pests & lack of biodiversity are frequent GMO concerns. (2018b, August 15). AgBioResearch. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/superweeds-secondary-pests-lack-of- biodiversity-are-frequent-gmo-concerns

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