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Old 24-02-2011, 07:28 PM posted to rec.gardens.edible,rec.gardens
[email protected] despen@verizon.net is offline
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First recorded activity by GardenBanter: Jul 2009
Posts: 174
Default Why Aren't G.M.O. Foods Labeled?

Billy writes:

In article , wrote:

"Steve Peek" writes:

"Big Country" wrote in message
...
On Feb 20, 1:11 am, Billy wrote:
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com...g-m-o-foods-la
beled/?partner=rss&emc=rss

Still not sure what a GMO is but thank you for the information

GMO= genetically modified organism


Just continue the point I was trying to make,
when plant breeders select one plant because it has a desirable
trait, for example, it grows faster, what they are really doing
is genetically modifying the plant. The offspring will contain
the desirable gene.

This has been going on for thousands of years with plants and
animals.

GMO speeds up the process because scientists use recombinant DNA
technology which actually extracts genes from one species and
inserts those genes into another species.

So "normal" breeding relies on randomly occurring change and
GMO speeds up the process by picking specific changes.

The way the public reacts to this is that they see a Frankenstein
in the making. Fortunately, scientists recognize the danger
and take steps to minimize the problem. The same danger is present
with "normal" breeding. It's just a matter of degree.


The problems with GMOs are multiple.

There is no relationship to normal breeding. No matter how many
times that lie is told, it won't make it the truth.

Breeding for size is simply preferentially cultivating the larger
organism. On the other hand, giving people composite eyes
from a fly, or giving tomatoes protein from fish is beyond normal.

Despen has not responded to the first four points below.


I think you need to re-read the thread where I agreed that these
are all legitimate issues.

I don't want to look now but I think you commented that you were
happy I agreed.

Any alteration in genes is dangerous.
In many cases they lead to the previous occupier of the ecological
niche being removed. Ie, they go extinct.

It's a matter of opinion as to whether that's a good thing.