Week 5 - Global status of GMOs

Question 1

What are the four most popular GM crops?

Answer 1

1. Soybean
2. Maize
3. Cotton
4. Canola

Question 2

What does “Fiat Panis” mean?

Answer 2

“Let there be bread”

Question 3

Why can’t you put peanut-like proteins in non-peanut food items?

Answer 3

FDA ruled that bio engineered food sold to humans cannot have allergen-like characteristics

Question 4

Explain how StarLink Corn is an example of withdrawing GMO from the market

Answer 4

• Initially approved for animal feed only due to risk of being more allergenic
• accidentally got into human food
• affected foods were pulled and market is continually monitored for signs of StarLink Corn
• No positive samples since 2004

Question 5

Give reasons why GMOs are safer by humans

Answer 5

1 - GMOs reduce presence of Mycotoxins (toxins in crop due to fungi) that cause cancer
2 - Since 1999 sales of pesticides declined due to biotech crops
3 - Supplements such as Golden Rice

Question 6

What methods are put in place to prevent insects from becoming resistant to GM crops

Answer 6

Farms use refuges which are non-BT crops. At least 20% crop must be refuge.

Question 7

What is the plant vs. insect “arms race”?

Answer 7

Plants create chemicals to stop predators, but predators adapt and become resistant which repeats the cycle

Question 8

What actions do the Canadian Food Inspection Agency take with regards to GMO and safety?

Answer 8

1 - Laboratories, etc for research
2 - Data supplied by companies (gene flow, aleergy and toxicity)
3 - Safety and assessment/risk management by AgCanada scientists
4 - Continued field trials
5 - Continual monitoring