Genetically Modified Potato Approved Anna Rychlik P6
Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/08/business/genetically-modified-potato-from-simplot-approved-by-usda.html?_r=0
Date: November 7, 2014
Author: Andrew Pollack
This article is explaining that a new variety of genetically modified potato has been approved by the U.S.D.A. This potato has been altered so that when it is fried, poteientally dangerous amounts of a (cancer causing) chemical called acrylamide, are not created by the potato. In addition, this new type of potato can also resist bruising. Later in the article, it is questioned wether or not these new potatoes will actually sell. It is argued that in the past, GM potatoes have caused great contraversy with consumers in the US, but these GM potatoes could potentially flourish because of the fact that they are genetically modified to not only help the growers, but the people eating them.
This relates to what we have been learning in class in the GMO lab we did and the report we wrote up after. This also relates directly to the video we watched about how GM potatoes were not recived well by the general public.
One case of a product tested in labs and approved by the FDA was a soybean crop genetically modified with a gene from the Brazil nut. Although approved by the FDA, the soybean crop led to spikes in allergic reactions and deaths. So, how will this potato appeal to consumers and be safe if it has yet to undergo real-world testing?
ReplyDeleteWhat are possible positive and/or negative effects that the new genetically modified potatoes have on biodiversity and the food web? Is there a possibility, such as in superweeds, that some potato genes may combine with neighboring plants?
ReplyDeleteto 18xiangr: The potato will honestly probably not appeal to consumers for a while, I think people will not want to buy it until they know it is safe and has been tested on humans.
ReplyDeleteto Amanda Akker: As with all GMO foods, superweeds and pesticide resistence are always negative effects.
ReplyDelete