THE NEW BIOTECHNOLOGY ERA - ISSUES FOR NUTRITION EDUCATION AND POLICY

Biotechnology has been used for centuries, but it is only the newest f orm of biotechnology or ''genetic engineering'' that has enabled scien tists to transfer traits between different species. Potential benefits of biotechnology include increased crop and livestock productivity, e nhanced nutrient availability and composition, and improved pest and d isease control. However, there are also health and environmental risks . as well as social, economic, and ethical issues that need to be addr essed. Professionals need more information on biotechnology in order t o effectively educate consumers. Regulatory policy regarding genetical ly engineered foods is controversial and unresolved. Premarketing noti fication. testing, and labeling are needed to deal responsibly with bi otechnology.