Fact Sheets

Genetically Engineered Foods and You: Understanding the Terms

Newspaper articles and discussions about genetic engineering use some specialized terms. These make sense for those working in this field. But they may be hard to understand and confusing to those who are just beginning to learn about this technology. This four-page fact sheet provides definitions of some terms that will help you as you read more about this technology and its applications. (2002)

Genetically Engineered Foods and You: Making Genetically Engineered Plants

Genetic engineering is a technique that is based on work done by several scientists who won the Nobel Prize. It sounds like science fiction, but it is used widely today in the biotechnology industry and at university research laboratories. The actual technique is pretty well defined. But the claims made about it are often not accurate. This four-page publication provides a description of how it is done and one example of how it has been applied in plants. Answers to some common questions about this technique follow these two descriptions. (2002)

Genetically Engineered Foods and You: Stakeholders' Role in Public Policy

Genetically engineered (GE) crops were introduced into U.S. food production in the mid-1990s. Much of the soybean, canola, and cotton varieties planted now are genetically engineered. In the U.S., more than 70% of foods sold in the supermarket have ingredients derived from genetically engineered plants. To some, the use of genetic engineering in crops is part of a major paradigm shift as society moves into the age of gene sequencing, gene patenting, and genetic medicine. This four-page publication outlines the groups that have a stake in GE food policy issues, and explores how their viewpoints are necessary for well-informed public policy decisions. (2002)