GMO Food: A Reference Handbook(Contemporary World Issues)

Providing an exhaustive background on the history of genetically modified organism (GMO) crops and foods as well as the controversies surrounding these products, this book allows readers to develop their own particular viewpoint on the production and use of GMO substances. Genetic engineering has long been used to impart desirable characteristics to food plants in order to improve crop yield, pest resistance, and herbicide tolerance. Genetic modification of foods, however, has created a storm of controversy everywhere in the world—including the United States. What are the benefits of and risks involved with genetically modified organisms (GMO) and crops? What powerful industry pressures have extended the sale and use of GMO foods and crops globally? And how should consumer food products that involve GM ingredients be labeled? GMO Food: A Reference Handbook addresses these questions and the complex issues involved, allowing readers to fully understand why genetically modified organisms represent one of the most important issues in the 21st century. The book provides clear, factual information and background on the history of genetically modified crops and foods, covering topics such as the historic methods of plant and animal modification (such as cross-breeding) and important discoveries in genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetic engineering, and related fields; the social, political, philosophical, and economic issues that have arisen with these scientific advances; and the laws and regulations that have resulted from the range of attitudes about GMO foods. The book also supplies additional resources for readers performing extensive research in an annotated bibliography of books, articles, reports, and web pages.

Table of Contents:
Preface 1 Background and History Hybridization The Birth of Genetics The Gene The Process of Genetic Engineering Concerns about rDNA Research History of rDNA Regulation Breakthroughs in rDNA Research Types of Genetically Modified Plants Genetically Modified Animals Conclusion References 2 Problems, Controversies, and Solutions Opposition to Genetically Modified Foods Public Opinion on Genetically Modified Foods in the United States Public Opinion about Genetically Modified Foods in Europe Regulation of Genetically Modified Crops and Foods in the European Union The Cartagena Protocol A Shift in Emphasis Current Status of Regulation of Genetically Modified Organisms in Europe A Shift in Emphasis: European Regulations on Labeling Regulation of Genetically Modified Products throughout the World Genetically Modified Crops and Foods: Pro and Con Potential Benefits to the Agricultural System Potential Benefits to Human Health Potential Benefits to the Natural Environment Potential Harm to Human Health Potential Harm to the Natural Environment Potential Social and Economic Harm Labeling of Genetically Modified Foods in the United States Pros and Cons of Labeling Conclusion References 3 Perspectives Introduction A Sledgehammer or a Dart?: Sandy Becker Genetic Engineering in Agriculture: Uncertainties and Risks: Debal Deb Uncertainties in Genetic Engineering The Precautionary Principle Conclusions References The U.S. Government Should Not Require Genetically Modified Food Labels: Phill Jones Mandatory Genetically Modified Food Labels Would Incorrectly Indicate a Risk Mandatory Genetically Modified Food Labels Would Increase the Cost of Food References Health Problems Linked to Genetically Modified Crops: Rashmi Nemade Herbicides, Pesticides (human-cides?) References Genetically Modified Organisms: Tony Owen Genetically Modified Foods in Developing Countries: Santosh Pandey References Genetically Modified Crops in Africa: Fear of the Unknown?: Elizabeth Shoo References Accepting Genetically Modified Crops in India: Sweta Genetically Modified Crops: Possible Risks A Growing World Demands New Food Technology: Susan Young References 4 Profiles Introduction American Academy of Environmental Medicine Biological Regulatory Services Biotechnology Industry Organization José Bové (1953–) Herbert Boyer (1936–) Canadian Biotechnology Action Network Center for Food Safety Mary-Dell Chilton (1939–) Stanley N. Cohen (1935–) Council for Biotechnology Information CropGen Food & Water Watch Robert T. Fraley (1953–) John E. Franz (1929–) Dennis Gonsalves (1943–) Greenpeace International Greenpeace United States Institute for Responsible Technology International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications John D. Kemp (1940–) Steve Lindow (1951–) Mark Lynas (1973–) Monsanto Non-GMO Project Organic Consumers Association Ingo Potrykus (1933–) Maxine Singer (1931–) Marc van Montagu (1933–) World Health Organization 5 Data and Documents Introduction Data Table 5.1 Genetically Engineered Crops in the United States, 2000–2013 Table 5.2 Laws and Regulations on Genetically Modified Crops and Foods Table 5.3 Characteristics of Permits on Genetically Modified Crops Issued by Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Table 5.4 Trends in Approved Phenotype Releases in the United States, 1987–2012 Table 5.5 Global Farm Income Benefits from Growing Genetically Modified Crops, 1996–2011 Table 5.6 Genetically Modified Crop Farm Income Benefits of 1996–2011: Selected Countries Table 5.7 Genetically Modified Crop Farm Income Benefits of 2011: Developing versus Developed Countries Documents Plant Patent Act of 1930 Diamond v. Chakrabarty, 447 U.S. 303 (1980) Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology (1986) Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (2000) Guidance for Industry: Voluntary Labeling Indicating Whether Foods Have or Have Not Been Developed Using Bioengineering (2001) Regulation of Genetically Modified Foods by the European Union (2003) Mendocino County (California) Ban on Genetically Modified Crops (2004) The Safety of Genetically Modified Foods, GAO Report (2002) Invoking of Preemption (North Dakota, SB2277; 2005) Monsanto Co. v. Geertson Seed Farms, 561 U.S. ___ (2010) Proposition 37. Genetically Engineered Foods. Labeling. Initiative Statute (2012) Bowman v. Monsanto, et al. 569 U.S. 11-796 (2013) H. R. 1699 (2013) Raised Bill No. 6519, State of Connecticut (2013) 6 Resources for Further Research Books Articles Reports Internet Sources 7 Chronology Glossary Index About the Author

About the Author :
David E. Newton has been a freelance writer of non-fiction books and ancillary materials for young adults for nearly 55 years.

Review :
This installment in the Contemporary World Issues series is a well-researched and balanced reference that provides the reader with an invaluable, expertly compiled resource impartially documenting the controversial topic of genetically modified foods. . . . This valuable reference is recommended for high-school, academic, and public libraries. With ample access to data and documents such as court cases and government protocols, in addition to an annotated bibliography, helpful glossary, and a detailed timeline, this book is a go-to resource on the globally vital subject of GMOs.