Genetically Engineered Vegetables

Potatoes

On the horizon are potatoes with more starch and less water content helping to prevent damage when harvested mechanically. When frying food,the new and improved potatoes may absorb less water. End result, healthier FRENCH FRIES AND POTATO CHIPS!!

Other plans in the works include researchers using genes from chicken embryos and insect immune systems to help make potatoes resistant to disease.

A sweet potato is on the rise able to resist the feathery mottle disease.

Corn

Sweeter corn may be on its way as borrowed genes are being transferred into sweet corn helping to prevent sugars from turning into starch. The new and improved corn stays sweet long after it has been picked.

Eggplant

By 2009 you will be able to experience a new creation of pest resistant eggplant. America has teamed up with Indian and their new GE project will be the first genetically engineered crop in South Asia.

GMO's

Where Labeling's Concerned

Currently in place is a "no label" and "no safety testing" policy for GE foods. Only if foods have a significantly different nutritional property or if the new food includes an allergen (e.g., peanut protein introduced into a plant) would labeling be necessary. In 2000, the FDA decided they would leave decision up to the manufacturers. As it stands now GE labeling is voluntary.

Supporters for labeling say

Consumers have a right to know what they are consuming
Many people are trying to avoid animal products altogether, including the animal DNA
More than 20 countries so far have adopted mandatory labeling, why not the United States

Critics of labeling say

Labeling implies health concerns which may not be the case
People steering clear of GE foods already have the option of buying certified organic foods, which can not be produced with GE foods.
Vegetarians need not worry. Currently there are no products in the market which contain animal genes. (At least not yet!)
Labeling can become costly for consumers

The World's Standard

The United states has a "no labeling policy, a sort of "don't ask don't tell policy" if you will. Other countries around the globe are protecting their citizens by having a system in place to inform consumers of genetically engineered foods.

Other parts of the world have different policies.

Japan-legislation passed to require labeling in 2001
Brazil-banned imports of GE foods
Russia-government required labels of GE foods since 2000
Sri Lanka-banned imports of GE foods
South Africa leading the pack with GM crops maize and cotton
Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania working on legislation to allow GMOs(genetically modified organisms)
Hoping to cuts its imports, Iran claims to be the first to plant GMO rice

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