ACCEPTANCE OF GM FOODS & CONCERNS
United States
- Limited objections have been raised (can be more nutritious, disease-resistant, flavorful, cheaper than natural foods)
- Is the leading the world in GM foods research, use and growth
- 70% of food in the US contains ingredients with some level of genetic modification
- generally good impression on GM foods
Europe
- Consumers and governments have focused on the potential dangers of genetic modification (Unforeseen resistance to antibiotics and herbicides, The spread of dangerous allergens, and damage to livestock, public health, and the environment.)
- Health disasters such as the mad cow outbreak have left many European consumers with a distrust of corporations and regulatory bodies and a determination to understand where their food comes from.
- While some genetically modified crops are allowed in Europe, the European Union has instituted strict regulatory requirements for labeling and traceability and has effectively placed a moratorium on approving new crops.
- These regulations have caused friction with the U.S. government by limiting the import of U.S. agricultural products, many of which are genetically modified and none of which are required to carry labeling.
South America
- Widely supports the research of GM foods & even allows the use of GM foods in the nations food supplies
- Governments claim that they are acting in the best interests of their people
- Brazil & Argentina devote a large area of land for GM food research
- The people showed to have a lack of understanding on biotechnology in general & a high prevalence of religion affecting their thinking process
Africa
- Several nations persistent in blocking the research & entry of GM foods – nations are wary of the environmental risks that GM foods pose
- These countries host an ever large starving population, yet they still push away western biotech firms that promise to provide the nation with great food surpluses
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