FDA
The FDA is an agency within the United States Department of Health and Human Services responsible for protecting and promoting the nation's public health. The agency is responsible for regulating and supervising the safety of foods, tobacco products, dietary supplements, prescription and non-prescription medications., medical devices, etc.
As a group representing the FDA (and related consumer health and protection agencies), your primary concern is the health and welfare of the public. Because the FDA must place health and safety above all other concerns, the agency’s policies are often at odds with what may seem to be economically or logistically efficient. The science of genetically modifying crops and organisms is relatively new, and there is a great deal of uncertainty and disagreement regarding the long-term health consequences of GMO’s in the human diet. The FDA and other consumer agencies are under a great deal of pressure to develop a policy that serves the best interest of public health. As a group representing the FDA, you must learn as much as you can to make an informed policy, and to decide on your position regarding the proposed No GMO Bill.
“Any scientist who tells you they know that GMOs are safe and not to worry about it, is either ignorant of the history of science or is deliberately lying. Nobody knows what the long-term effect will be.”
– Geneticist, David Suzuki,
during the 2008 Commonwealth
Lecture in London
Questions you must address in your presentation:
1. What are GM foods and what makes them different from other foods?
2. What are the advantages of genetically modified foods?
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3.What are the known and potential health risks involved with GMO’s? Are GM foods safe?
4. What is the current FDA policy regarding labeling of foods containing GMOs?
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5.Explain the how importing and exporting of foods has been affected by the introduction of GM products.
LINKS TO CHECK OUT FOR INFORMATION:
FDA Regulations for GMO Animals
