Transcript Document
Biotechnology Ethics
Lori Peck
Oklahoma State University
Animal Science Junior
Who am I?
10 year 4-H’er of Washita
County
Animal Science Junior
at OSU
Volunteer 4-H Leader
Love working with kids
The Basics
Should genetic engineering be pursued?
Does it enhance or endanger the safety of the
food supply?
Will it contribute to meeting future needs for
food & nutritional improvements in diets?
Could it affect species or habitats?
Is it moral-the right thing to do?
Food Safety
Genetic engineering has people thinking twice.
Should foods be labeled?
FDA, USDA, EPA & state agencies monitor
development & testing.
FDA only requires labels for foods containing
allergenic proteins or if a new major ingredient
is present.
Food Safety continued . . .
Do Consumers favor labeling?
– Yes, they do!
– They want to make informed buying decisions.
Does labeling cost more?
– Yes!
– It takes more man hours to get everything in line to
label effectively.
Environmental Impact
What impact does genetic engineering have on
the environment?
Does it help?
Does it hurt?
Hurt or Help
Hurt
– Insects may overcome
resistance to pesticides.
– Increasing yields on
established farms still will
not help poor people.
Help
– Higher yields = less
disturbance of land.
– Insect resistance = less
water pollution.
– More food produced more
efficiently = lower longterm cost.
Religious & Ethical Issues
People believe that humans should not alter
forms of life.
Forbidden food in some cultures
Do vegetarians remain vegetarians if an animal
gene is used in fruits?
Who Benefits?
Researchers & Businesses?
– To an extent but NO!
Consumers Benefit
– Variety, availability, healthfulness, taste of food.
Producers Benefit
– Higher yields, reduce total cost, pest resisting plants
provide reliable harvest in developing countries.
The End!
What are
your views?