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Marketplace

The genetically modified foods debate

Biotechnology or genetically modified (GM) foods is a contentious food technology issue. It is one of the most widely debated innovations in the Australian food industry. From your studies of the option strand, Contemporary food issues: Marketplace, you should be familiar with a range of food innovations including GM foods.

Outcomes
This material addresses aspects of the following syllabus outcome:
H3.2 The student independently investigates contemporary food issues.

Source: Board of Studies NSW, Stage 6 Food Technology Syllabus, Preliminary and HSC Courses (1999)

Activity

To explore the issue of genetically modified foods:

using the recommended resources below formulate your own point of view about the safety of biotechnology or genetically modified foods.
write your own article for a local newspaper outlining your point of view.
A scaffold of an exposition has been provided to guide your writing. The purpose of an exposition is to persuade by arguing one side of an issue. The structure features: thesis; arguments; and reinforcement of the issue. National Professional Development Program (1996) Literacy across the key learning areas. Module 2. 16.

Recommended web sites

Genetically modified or GM foods: the government view:
http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/foodmatters/gmfoods/

GM foods and the consumer: Food Standards Australia New Zealand, Occasional paper No. 1: http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/newsroom/publications/index.cfm - _indexG Select The letter 'G' to find the paper. It is a PDF.

GM foods: the concerns: http://www.greenpeace.org/international/campaigns/genetic-engineering/food