This document introduces a guide on food biotechnology created by the International Food Information Council Foundation. It notes that while foods produced through biotechnology have been safely consumed for 15 years, biotechnology remains a controversial topic. The guide aims to provide scientifically sound and consumer-friendly information on food biotechnology to help improve understanding of this complex issue. It contains resources like talking points, handouts, a glossary and presentation to help communicate about biotechnology to different audiences. The guide also provides guidance to have confident discussions and answer tough questions on biotechnology's safety and benefits, as opinions on this topic are often emotionally based and debates can be heated. The hope is this guide will benefit future generations.

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• Introduction and Program Summary
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www.foodinsight.org
INTRODUCTION
Dear Colleagues:
As farmers and other food producers discover the opportunities provided by
food biotechnology, there is a growing interest in the safety and sustainability of
these foods. Although foods produced through biotechnology have been safely
consumed for more than 15 years, they remain a controversial topic around the
world, with some individuals raising questions about their safety, environmental
impact, and regulation.
To understand the complexity of the issues, access to current, scientifically
sound, and consumer-friendly information on food biotechnology is needed.
To aid in communicating on this often confusing and controversial topic, the
International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation has provided a
comprehensive resource, Food Biotechnology: A Communicator’s Guide to
Improving Understanding, 3rd edition, for use by leaders and other communi-
cators in the food, agricultural, nutrition, and health communities.
Whether you are providing an overview of the science or responding to a media
inquiry, the Guide provides you with key facts and resources on food biotech-
nology to help tailor your message to your specific audience. In this Guide, you
will find the latest science and consumer-friendly information in the form of talk-
ing points, handouts, a glossary, a PowerPoint presentation, tips for engaging
with the media, and more.
The use of biotechnology in food production is a personal issue for many, often
largely based on emotion, leading to broad differences in opinion. Understand-
ing that discussions can turn into heated debates, we have provided guidance to
help you prepare for such situations and to feel confident answering the tough
questions on biotechnology’s safety and benefits.
It is our hope that this Guide will be a useful resource as you work to improve
understanding of food biotechnology for the benefit of future generations.
To access the online version of the Guide and additional resources, visit
www.foodinsight.org/foodbioguide.aspx.
David B. Schmidt Marianne Smith Edge, MS, RD, LD, FADA
President and CEO Senior Vice President, Nutrition & Food Safety