Food choices

Question 1

what is genetically modified food?

Answer 1

these are foods which have had there genes altered by taken a desirable trait from another plant or animal and placing it into that plant. Therefore it has this desirable characteristic.

Question 2

what are the advantages of GMO foods?

Answer 2

• they have faster or stronger growing rates
• a more intense flavour or colour
• can contain extra nutrients
• they can be more pest or disease resistance

Question 3

what are the disadvantages of GMO foods?

Answer 3

• possible effects on the natural ecology and environment where the crops are grown
• some people may have an allergic reaction to them
• it interferes with the natural process within plant and animal reproduction
• consumers may not trust GMO foods due to them being scientifically produced

Question 4

what is organic food?

Answer 4

Organic food is the product of farming without artificial chemical fertilisers and instead using manure and compost and natural methods like crop rotation.

Question 5

what are the advantages of organic farming?

Answer 5

• they are safer to eat because they do not have any chemical fertilisers or pesticides used
• taste preferences as people believe that sensory properties are improved by not using chemicals
• there has been an increase in availability of organic produce
• animal welfare is better as organic animals are not pumped with growth hormones which makes them grow unnaturally large and thus become lame
• organic farming is better to support the environment as the techniques used are more sustainable and less damaging.