Does the world want genetically modified food? (Map it!).A global food fight is sizzling siz·zle intr.v. siz·zled, siz·zling, siz·zles 1. To make the hissing sound characteristic of frying fat. 2. To seethe with anger or indignation. 3. as farmers and governments split over genetically modified genetically modified Adjective (of an organism) having DNA which has been altered for the purpose of improvement or correction of defects genetically modified genetic adj [food etc] → (GM) crops, in which individual genes (hereditary material) are transplanted from one organism to another. Example: a gene from a bacterium bacterium /bac·te·ri·um/ (bak-ter´e-um) pl. bacte´ria [L.] in general, any of the unicellular prokaryotic microorganisms that commonly multiply by cell division, lack a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, and possess a cell that kills insects is transplanted into corn--promising farmers larger, healthier corn harvests. Other GM crops include rice, cotton, and various grains. Supporters say GM foods can help solve global hunger and treat diseases. Critics claim GM crops may cause severe food allergies Food Allergies Definition Food allergies are the body's abnormal responses to harmless foods; the reactions are caused by the immune system's reaction to some food proteins. and environmental damage. Check out the map below: Do you see trends in nations with larger populations in their attitude toward GM crops? Do countries that rely more on grain diets tend to support or oppose GM foods? Stay tuned for the GM feature in our next issue. U.S. Population 278,357,000 Attitude Cautiously pro. A major food exporter, the U.S. could profit from GM crops. (1) 1999: Seattle, Wash., stages major GM-food protest. (2) U.S. agricultural groups call for a freeze on government approval of new GM seeds. Why? Dwindling dwin·dle v. dwin·dled, dwin·dling, dwin·dles v.intr. To become gradually less until little remains. v.tr. To cause to dwindle. See Synonyms at decrease. sales due to anti-GM backlash. * Grain in diet: 23.6% CANADA Population 31,147,000 Attitude Generally pro, but consumers are wary. (3) 2000: In Montreal, 130 nations sign a protocol, requiring GM seeds to be labeled with the warning: "May contain GM products." Grain in diet: 24.8% BRAZIL Population 170,116,000 Attitude Very cautiously pro. Eager to reap profits from GM foods, but fears losing anti-GM European consumers. (4) 2000: Brazil turns away a U.S. ship suspected of carrying GM corn; bans untested GM foods. Grain in diet: 30.9% UK Population 58,830,000 Attitude Strongly against. Alarmed by reports that GM potatoes harmed lab rats  This article or section contains information about a scheduled .It may contain non-definitive information based on commercials, a website or interviews. , markets ban GM foods. Grain in diet: 22.8% FRANCE France (frăns, Fr. fräNs), officially French Republic, republic (2005 est. pop. 60,656,000), 211,207 sq mi (547,026 sq km), W Europe. Population 59,079,000 Attitude Strongly against. Protective of French farmers and hostile to U.S. imports. (5) 1998: The European Union European Union (EU), name given since the ratification (Nov., 1993) of the Treaty of European Union, or Maastricht Treaty, to the European Community (15 nations) bans all new GM products. Grain in diet: 24.3% INDIA Population 1,013,661,000 Attitude Cautiously pro. (6) 2000: India OKs widespread trials of GM cotton. Grain in diet: 62.6% SRI LANKA Sri Lanka (srē läng`kə) [Sinhalese,=resplendent land], formerly Ceylon, ancient Taprobane, officially Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, island republic (2005 est. pop. Population 19,238,575 Attitude Strongly against. (7) 2000: Bans all GM foods. CHINA Population 1,277,558,000 Attitude Pro. Needs to feed and clothe large population. (8) 2000: China passes law requiring labeling of GM seeds. Grain in diet: 54.7% JAPAN Population 126,714,000 Attitude Very cautiously pro. Wants to export GM expertise and technology. (9) 2001: Japan requires testing and labeling of GM foods. * Percentage of daily diet |
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