Genetically Modified Foods. Do We Have The RIGHT to Know?

Ms. Dilucchio

*A webquest into the legalities surrounding public knowledge of genetically engineered foods.

 

 

When you go to a grocery store to buy produce, what items would you select from the following pictures?

 

 

FACTS:  If you selected any pictures on the right, you selected a food that has been genetically modified using the process of genetic engineering, a method that allows us to improve the characteristics of certain foods.  We make them last longer, contain more nutrients, grow larger, taste sweeter, etc. This is a relatively new technology that allows us to meet the increasing food demands that the human population has placed on the agricultural community.   Although we can see the short-term benefits immediately, we have more food and better food available; we are not absolute about the possible long-term harmful effects that might occur if we ingest genetically engineered food over long periods of time. 

 

The unknown is the current causes of a debate that centers on whether or not food that has been modified should be stated on its nutritional label and/or packaging.

 

 

Click on this link to hear more about the process of genetic engineering and the first crops that were made using this process.

 

Y O U R   T A S K

Part A: You will use PPA policy to evaluate the specifics regarding the processing and manufacturing of genetically modified food and determine which solution would be best based on effectiveness and feasibility. Part B: Read information on GMO food and its manufacturing and labeling act that is currently being petitioned with congress. Part C: Make a choice about how you feel about the labeling of genetically modified foods. Part D: You will use the information that you have gathered to write an essay that details your solution regarding the current debate that surrounds the content of nutritional labels/packaging of genetically modified food. It must be typed with sources cited using APA format.

 

 

Process & Resources

Part A: 

1. Define a problem  The current problem as stated by numerous public advocacy groups would be the consumer is not being informed about whether the food they choose to buy is genetically modified or grown using these processes.

Why do you think that this might be seen as problematic?

2.  Gather Evidence  How much of our food is grown using this process?  How much of the information is included on the food label/food packaging?

Truth is many of the foods that are most popular contain GMOs. Cereals, snack bars, snack boxes, cookies, processed lunch meats, and crackers all contain large amounts of high risk food ingredients. In North America, over 88% of our food contains GMOs, but there are not federal or state laws that require manufacturers include this information on the label or packaging.

3.  Identify the Causes  Why would companies not want to place this information on their food labels or packaging?

·         Expensive?

·         Time Consuming?

·         Misleading to the public?

·         Lower yearly profits?

·         Competition with Organic companies?

Click on the link below to find out more information as to why companies are hesitating to inform the public about the use of genetic engineering in the making and growing of produce and other food products.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2014/02/06/272514744/food-industry-groups-say-theyll-label-gmos-on-their-terms

4.  Evaluate Current Policy Currently manufacturers and food processors are not required to place this type of information on the nutritional labels or packaging. Click on the link below to learn more about the current policy.

http://justlabelit.org/right-to-know/fda-ge-policy/

5.  Develop Solutions

Current advocates and adversaries would agree that there are only a few solutions that would maintain the integrity of the government in regards to such a highly debatable topic. Please read them below and consider each one as you are reading through the available information.

1.       Solution #1:  Prohibit all selling and production of genetically modified organisms as is the case in many other developed countries

2.      Solution #2:  Require that all companies state GMO products on packaging or nutritional labels at no cost to the consumer.

3.      Solution #3:   Require labeling on packaging containing GMO products while allowing the company to increase price of item for consumer to cover the cost that manufacturers and processors might incur due to the public’s request.

6.  Determine the Best Solution

Part B: 

The following link provides information to the consumer regarding the current act that is being signed by consumers. There are three links at the bottom that provide more information about the GMO’s, labeling and current uses and laws.

 

http://coalitionforsafeaffordablefood.org/action-center

 

*While reading, take notes in your notebook that you will refer back to when you decide on your solution and begin writing your essay. You should keep track of important information including but not limited to facts, dates, policy, expenses etc. 

 

 

Part C:  

Using the chart below, decide which solution is the best choice based on feasibility and effectiveness.  

 

 

How did you decide which solution was best?  How do they compare between their effectiveness and feasibility?

 

Part D: 

Use the information you have gathered to write a 5 paragraph essay explaining your solution and providing supportive information. It must be typed with sources cited in APA format. Please refer to the rubric below and the examples of APA formatting.

 

 

How you will be graded:

 

Cite your sources!!!!  They must be in APA format, refer to the examples below for further instruction.

 

Encyclopedia & Dictionary

Format:
Author's last name, first initial. (Date). Title of Article. Title of Encyclopedia (Volume, pages). City of publication: Publishing company

Website or Webpage

Format:
Online periodical:
Author's name. (Date of publication). Title of article. Title of Periodical, volume number, Retrieved month day, year, from full URL

Online document:
Author's name. (Date of publication). Title of work. Retrieved month day, year, from full URL

Magazine & Newspaper Articles

Format:
Author's last name, first initial. (Publication date). Article title. Periodical title, volume number(issue number if available), inclusive pages.

 

Common Core Standards:

 

 

Now that you have completed this web quest you should feel confident that you:

*Understand what GMO’s are and how they are made

 

*Are able to explain to others the current debate on labeling of GMO

*Have developed a personal opinion regarding the use and labeling of GMO’s

*Will be able to vote on laws having to do with GMO’s knowing that you have an informed view due to the research that you have completed.