Genetically Modified Foods

Informative Speech Outline

Genetically Modified Foods

Specific Purpose: To inform the audience about genetically modified foods in Canada.

INTRODUCTION
Did you know that most of the food and fibre that we consume on a daily basis is in some way genetically modified? Are we really getting the nutritional value that is promised to us on the labels of these foods? The percentage of our daily consumption that is modified seems incredibly high, so today I would like to explain what genetically modified foods like plants and animals are (the history behind it), other countries and their take on genetically modified foods and what could happen if we continue to consume these genetically modified foods.

BODY I. First, I 'd like to explain how genetically modified foods came into being or its history. A. In the 1800s an Austrian Monk, Gregor Mendel started to experiment with peas. 1. Genes combined to produce a better end result. 2. Genetically modified were first introduced in Canada in 1990s. B. Genetically Modified Plants
Tomato plants resistant to caterpillars and takes longer to decompose (stayed fresh longer).
Corn crops modified to produce big kernels and resistant to pesticides and herbicides. C. Genetically Modified Animals 1. Growth hormones injected in cows to produce more milk. 2. Bigger sheep that can produce larger quantities of wool.

II. Second, I would like to talk about other countries and their take on genetically modified foods. A. In Europe it is mandatory for farmers to label each product that has been modified 1. Canada not required to label its genetically modified foods as of yet. B. India refuses to grow any crops that have been genetically modified 1. Might be the only choice for India to feed its growing population 2. India is pro-transgenic plants but still researching C. Brazil is completely against genetically modified foods and has placed a ban 1. Brazilian Institute for the Defence of Consumers, in collaboration with Greenpeace has filed suit to prevent the importation of genetically modified crops. 2. However, some Brazilian farmers have resorted to smuggling genetically modified soybean seeds into the country because they fear economic harm if they are unable to compete in the global marketplace with other grain-exporting countries.

III. Third, I would like to bring forth to your attention some of the risks involving modified foods. A. Due to consuming genetically modified foods some children in North America and Europe have developed severe life threatening allergies to foods 1. Allergies to peanuts B. No evidence that genetically modified cause diseases in humans. 1. Studies done on rats that were fed genetically modified foods and the results showed that these rats developed cancers in their digestive tract.

C. Economic concerns related to genetically modified foods. 1. Bringing genetically modified foods to the market is a very lengthy and costly process 2. New varieties of plants can raise the price of seeds really high

CONCLUSION
Today, I shared with you what genetically modified foods are, its history, some of the other countries in the world and their take on these foods, and some of the risks involved with genetically modified foods. Margaret Wertheim, in a 2002 article in LA Weekly, expressed fears that "Quietly and stealthily, our fields are being turned into industrial factories. This is potentially the most dangerous technology since nuclear power, yet we have no way of finding out what is being done."

REFERENCES

Chapman, J. (2006). "History of genetically modified food". Mail online news. Retrieved date: June 19, 2010 from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-419985/History-genetically-modified-food.html

Schroeder, J. (2004). "The history of genetically engineered food". Food and Agriculture. Retrieved date: June 20, 2010 from http://www.helium.com/items/277805-the-history-of-genetically-engineered-food-gef

Whitman, B.D. (2000). "Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful?". ProQuest. Retrieved date: June 20, 2010 from http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php

References: Chapman, J. (2006). "History of genetically modified food". Mail online news. Retrieved date: June 19, 2010 from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-419985/History-genetically-modified-food.html Schroeder, J. (2004). "The history of genetically engineered food". Food and Agriculture. Retrieved date: June 20, 2010 from http://www.helium.com/items/277805-the-history-of-genetically-engineered-food-gef Whitman, B.D. (2000). "Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful?". ProQuest. Retrieved date: June 20, 2010 from http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php