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?