Genetically modified food
July 2008
Genetic engineering studies the applications of recombinant deoxyribonucleic (rDNA) technology to the genetic alteration of microorganisms, plants and animals. This advanced molecular technology, developed in 1973, allows for effective and efficient transfer of genetic material from one organism to another.
Genetically modified food can be defined as food plants that have been genetically altered by the addition of foreign genes to enhance a desired characteristic.
The BMA's board of science has published a report :
Impact of genetic modification of agriculture, food and health: an interim statement. British Medical Association, 1999
BMA location: BMA 1482
The term genetically modified (GM) is a development of another concept: biotechnology - a word that has been used for about 30 years and describes the process of modifying the genetic material (DNA) in living cells.
Print resources
The BMA library does not stock any journals which specifically deal with GM foods however the library holds some books which are related to this topic. These can be borrowed by BMA members.
Chapman AR. Designing our descendants : the promises and perils of genetic modifications. Johns Hopkins Univ. P., 2003.
BMA location: W 51
Health and Safety Commission. Guide to the genetically modified organisms (contained use) Regulations 2000 4th ed. HSE Books, 2000
BMA location: R 8742 - go to the catalogue now
Rasko JEJ. Ethics of inheritable genetic modification : a dividing line?. Cambridge Univ. P., 2006.
BMA location: W50
Videos
Videos related to this subject available for loan to BMA members are:
Attack of the killer tomatoes. Channel 4 TV, 1999. 43 mins.
Is whether the recent outcry against genetically modified food is justified?
BMA location; TV 739
Dispatches: genetically modified food. Granada TV, 1999. 27 mins.
Issues surrounding use including lack of clear labelling on products and lack of knowledge about the long term effects of eating GM food.
BMA location: TV 710
Is GM safe? BBC, 2000. 49 mins.
Arguments for and against genetically modified food. It focuses on the argument that it is a possible answer to world hunger.
BMA location: TV 798
Database resources
Some specialist databases which contain materials on GM are given below. Some of these can be searched free of charge on the internet: some databases are chargeable and searches can be conducted for BMA members by library staff for a charge.
AgBiotechNet
Service for agricultural biotechnology that delivers plant and animal biotechnology. Up-to-date information on cloning, genomics, genetic engineering, in vitro culture, biosafety, intellectual property rights and all key issues in agricultural biotechnology:
http://www.agbiotechnet.com/links/database.asp
AgBiotech Infonet
It covers biotechnology and genetic engineering in agricultural production. Features scientific reports and technical analysis, as well as emerging issues of widespread interest, developments in the policy arena and major media coverage:
http://www.biotech-info.net
Agrifor
Offers free access to searchable catalogue of internet sites covering agriculture, food and forestry:
http://agrifor.ac.uk
Biotechnology Industry Organization
Large collection of databases, maps and tools related to biotechnology science:
http://www.bio.org/foodag/
European Bioinformatics Institute
EBI manages this database of biological data:
http://www.ebi.ac.uk
GeneWatch UK
This database contains information about GM crops and food:
http://www.genewatch.org/
World Health Organization
Section related to foods derived from Modern Technology:
http://www.who.int/fsf/GMfood/index.htm
Web resources
AG Care
Agricultural Groups concerned about resources and the environment.
http://www.agcare.org
Council for Biotechnology Information
The Council for Biotechnology is concerned with the promise of biotechnology.
http://www.whybiotech.com
Electronic Journal of Biotechnology
EJB is an international, scientific peer-reviewed journal edited exclusively in electronic format. EJB publishes review and research articles related to all areas of biotechnology:
http://www.ejbiotechnology.info/
Food and Agriculture Organisation
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN) has many information resources and links on agriculture topics with a special section on Biotechnology and Food Safety.
http://www.fao.org/
Food Ethics Council
It was established as a result of widespread public concern over recent developments in the agricultural and food industries, some of which appear to infringe widely held ethical principles:
http://www.foodethicscouncil.org/
Institute of Food Research
UK centre for research of international quality, sponsored by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council:
http://www.ifr.ac.uk/default.html
Nature Biotechnology
Summaries from the prestigious international weekly journal of science, section specialised on Biotechnology
http://www.nature.com/nbt
Organic Consumers Association
Advocates to protect the organic labeling standard, promote sustainable farming techniques, and support consumer choice. Find membership details:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/
Other organisations and libraries
Food Standards Agency
Aviation House
125 Kingsway
London
WC2B 6NH
tel: 020 7276 8000
email to: helpline@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
http://www.foodstandards.gov.uk
Government agency that deals with food safety and standards. It aims to make sure that the food you eat is safe, and to offer independent, balanced advice.
National Centre for Biotechnology Education
School of Food Biosciences
The University of Reading
Whiteknights
PO Box 226
READING
RG6 6AP
tel: 0118 9873 743
fax: 0118 9750 140
email to: ncbe@reading.ac.uk
http://www.ncbe.reading.ac.uk/NCBE/GMFOOD/menu.html
Independently funded centre which aims to encourage biotechnology education.