This document discusses genetically modified (GM) foods and outlines an interactive workshop to help teachers explore the complex issues around GM foods. It presents examples of real GM crops like vitamin-enriched rice, pest-resistant cotton, and drought-tolerant wheat. The workshop asks participants to evaluate each crop on a scale from acceptable to unacceptable and discuss their views. Common concerns about GM crops' safety and long-term effects are addressed. Regulators that approve GM research and foods in Australia are also outlined.

1. GM foods: beyond the media
GM foods is a complex issue and one that is hard to untangle even for the aware and
interested. This interactive workshop will get teachers to explore the ethics of GM foods
and give them the basis of a SAC and other class activities to give students the tools to
critically analyse information they will be exposed to on this topic and to think beyond
just the technical aspects of the science
Polarised debate
The media unfortunately, has often presented, as they do, a balanced view on the topic of
GM foods. That is, you get the pro GM side of the debate promoting crops with higher
yields and better nutrition and the anti-GM side saying the foods are unwanted, untested
and dangerous to our health and the environment. It presents an all or nothing, for or
against the technology as a whole. The reality is a lot different. The class activity should
show this.
What is DNA?
The DNA of all living things is made up of the same four chemical compounds. We
share many of our genes with all living things – from bacteria to fellow humans.
How many GM foods can be found in Australian supermarket or fruit shop shelves at the
moment?
How many food items list one or more of their ingredients as GM?
Regulators
All research involving genetically modified organisms need to be approved by OGTR –
their web site contains a list of all research trials and applications for research with
GMOs
Any GM food destined for human consumption must be approved by FSANZ. FSANZ
has list of all GM foods and ingredients plus detailed explanation of labelling laws –
which basically state that all foods, with a couple of exceptions – that are genetically
modified must be labelled.
Australian examples of research
GM pasture
The Molecular Plant Breeding Cooperative Research Centre is working on reducing the
amount of lignin in pasture grasses, specifically by shutting down two key genes involved
in the lignin biosysnthesis pathway. Lignin is the indigestible part of a plant. Less lignin
means more energy can be extracted from the feed.
How could such a grass benefit farmers? Does it provide any benefit to the consumer?
Are their any environmental of human health risks and how are these being managed?
Are these risks acceptable?

2. Ethics interactive
The following are real example of GM crops
• GM rice with increased nutrition (eg. iron, Vitamin A)
• Pest resistant cotton (contain bacterial genes)
• GM wheat with drought tolerance
• GM rice with human genes
Set up an imaginary line in the room. One end represents the acceptable end; the other
the unacceptable end. Using the above examples, discuss each one on a case by case
basis. Ask people to place themselves on the line based on whether they find the GM
crop acceptable or unacceptable – they can be anywhere along the line, not up one end or
the other.
The first reaction is simply a gut reaction. Then as you explain more about the crop and
you drill down into people’s reasons for their position on the line, you may find people
change their position on the line – either to the more or less acceptable end.
Repeat this for each GM crop example. You should find people will have different views
about each crop. Ask students why they have a different level of acceptability for this
particular crop.
Thoughts and questions
The common reasons for concern about GM crops and the questions that need to be
considered are as follows:
How do we know if GM crops are safe? Define what each individual means by safe.
What is safe enough for one person may not be for another. That is, the acceptability of
risk differs.
What about the long-term effects of GM crops. What is long-term? Some people suggest
5 years of testing; others 10 generations. How long must we test something before it is
considered safe? How do we know the non-GM food we eat today is safe? Nobody has
tested it and they bring out new crop varieties every year.
GM crops are not natural. What is natural? And is unnatural bad? If so, why?
Notes
In 2007-08 the GRDC (Grains Research and Development Council) and its partners
released 16 new wheat varieties, four new triticale varieties, 15 new canola varieties and
a new oat variety.