Nano technology and GM foods

1. Nano technology and GM foods Lesson 25

2. Starter Activity • How big do you think a nanometre is? • ANSWER - one millionth of a millimetre.

3. Learning outcomes • KNOW How Nanotechnology and Genetic modification(GM) are being used in Food technology • UNDERSTAND The benefits and risks to the consumer and agriculture from these. • BE ABLE TO… • DESCRIBE what nano technology and GM foods are • Give at least 3 examples of Nanotechnology and GM in foods • EXPLAIN the role of the EU in the development and understanding of Nanotechnology and GM in foods

4. BIG PICTURE OF EXAM PREP SHEET LESSONS

5. What does the spec say? • Have an awareness of the reasons why food may be packaged in different forms to extend shelf life, including the use of new technologies such as nanotechnology • Have an awareness of how new technologies are used to produce new foods and ingredients, including nano foods and be aware of consumer concerns around these developments, including the views of the European Union. • Understand the advantages and disadvantages of Genetically Modified Foods to food producers and consumers;

6. Nanotechnology Working with nanoparticles is called nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is the manufacture and use of materials and structures at the nanometre scale (a nanometre is one millionth of a millimetre)

7. Nanoparticples • NANOPARTICPLES are being developed that will deliver vitamins or other nutrients in food and beverages without affecting the taste or appearance. • These nanoparticles actually ENCAPSULATE the NUTRIENTS and carry them through the stomach into the bloodstream

8. Nanocapsules • Research is also being conducted to develop nanocapsules containing nutrients that would be released when nanosensors detect a vitamin deficiency in your body. • Basically this research could result in a super vitamin storage system in your body that delivers the nutrients you need, when you need them.

9. Nanosensors for bacteria detection • Nanosensors are being developed that can detect bacteria and other contaminates, such as salmonella, at a packaging plant. • This will allow for frequent testing at a much lower cost than sending samples to a lab for analysis. • This point-of-packaging testing, if conducted properly, has the potential to dramatically reduce the chance of contaminated food reaching grocery store shelves.

10. Packaging examples • Researchers are using silicate nanoparticles to provide a barrier to gasses (for example oxygen), or moisture in a plastic film used for packaging. This could reduce the possibly of food spoiling or drying out. • Zinc oxide nanoparticles can be incorporated into plastic packaging to block UV rays and provide anti bacterial protection, while improving the strength and stability of the plastic film.

11. Hygiene examples • Storage bins are being produced with silver nanoparticlesembedded in the plastic. • The silver nanoparticles kill bacteria from any material that was previously stored in the bins, minimising health risks from harmful bacteria.

12. Agriculture example • Another development being pursued is a network of nanosensors and dispensers used throughout a farm field. • The sensors recognise when a plant needs nutrients or water, before there is any sign that the plant is deficient. • The dispensers then release fertiliser, nutrients, or water as needed, optimizing the growth of each plant in the field one by one.

13. Pesticides • Researchers are also working on pesticides encapsulated in nanoparticles; that only release pesticide within an insect's stomach, minimising the contamination of plants themselves.

14. Future projects • "Interactive" foods are being developed that would allow you to choose the desired flavour and colour. • Nanocapsules that contain flavour or colour enhancers are embedded in the food; inert (dormant) until a hungry consumer triggers them. • NOTE- The method hasn't been published, so it will be interesting to see how this particular trick is accomplished.

15. Food Science: Nanotechnology Company Directory

16. Issues and concerns • Concerned about the safety of the consumer . • They might speed up reactions in living things in unpredictable ways, perhaps causing illness or death • Since the properties of a given nanoparticle are not easily predicted by studying the substance from which it is made, there are worries that nanoparticles may have undiscovered side-effects

17. Nano technology and the EU • The European Commission aims at reinforcing nanotechnology • At the same time making sure research and development of the technique occurs • Investigating the potential impact of nanotechnology on • Human health • The environment via • Toxicological studies (The study of the nature, effects and detection of poisons and the treatment of poisoning) • ecotoxicological studies (the study of the effects of toxic chemicals on biological organisms) .

18. GM foods

19. What is a Genetically Modified (GM) Food? • Foods that contain an added gene sequence • Foods that have a deleted gene sequence • Animal products from animals fed GM feed • Products produced by GM organisms

20. Who makes sure GM foods are safe? • GOVERNMENT AGENCIES REGULATE GM FOODS •  Department of the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs • Food Standards Agency • The Health & Safety Executive • NOTE • No genetically modified fruit or vegetables are on the market in the EU; • None of the GM plants currently authorised in the EU are intended for direct consumption.

21. The European Union grants approvals for GM foods to be sold in Europe and the UK. • This is done under the Novel Foods Regulation, which came into force in 1997 • In the EU, if a food contains or consists of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or contains ingredients produced from GMOs, this must be indicated on the label. • For GM products sold 'loose', information must be displayed immediately next to the food to indicate that it is GM. • Products such as meat, milk and eggs from animals fed on GM animal feed also don't need labelling. 

22. Common GM Foods • Vegetables • Tomatoes • Potatoes • Rice • Cheese - cheese produced with GM enzymes • Meat Products such as flour, oils and glucose syrups have to be labelled as GM if they are from a GM source.

23. GM food: A crop, such as a fruit or vegetable, or an animal can be genetically modified. (However, no animal or human genes, or GM animals, have been approved for use in GM food in the EU.) GM ingredients: Food that comes from a GM crop, such as maize, can be processed, for example into flour, and the GM DNA is still present in the food and can be identified. The genetically modified Tomato produces less of the substance that causes tomatoes to rot, so remains firm and fresh for a long time. GM papayas are not approved for sale in EU, but are in the United States. Papayas are genetically modified to fight a particular virus that can infect and kill crops quickly. Scientists have genetically modified sweet corn so that it produces a poison which kills harmful insects. This means the farmer no longer needs to fight insects with insecticides. (sold in US) Golden rice is genetically modified rice that now contains a large amount of A-vitamins. Or more correctly, the rice contains the element beta-carotene which is converted in the body into Vitamin-A. So when you eat golden rice, you get more vitamin A. (sold in US) A genetically-engineered version of the milk-clotting enzyme chymosin is also used in cheese-making.

24. Easing of world hunger Development of crops that can be grown in marginal soil Reduced strain on nonrenewable resources Development of drought resistant crops Development of salt-tolerant crops Development of crops that make more efficient use of nitrogen and other nutrients Possible Benefits of GM Foods

25. REDUCED USE OF PESTICIDES AND HERBICIDES Development of pest resistant crops Reduced herbicide use is better for the environment and reduces costs for farmers Possible Benefits of GM Foods

26. IMPROVED CROP QUALITY Development of frost resistant crops Development of disease resistant crops Development of flood resistant crops IMPROVED NUTRITIONAL QUALITY Development of foods designed to meet specific nutritional goals Possible Benefits of GM Foods

27. Insects might develop resistance to pesticide-producing GM crops Herbicide-tolerant crops may cross-pollinate weeds, resulting in "superweeds" Possible Risks of GM Foods

28. Certain gene products may be allergens, thus causing harm to human health There may be unintended harm to wildlife and beneficial insects Possible Risks for GM Foods

29. Review • RECALL 5 facts about Nanotechnology and 5 facts about GM foods.