Modern biology, genetic engineering and the food supply

The rapid recent development of modern biotechnology has resulted in transgenic animals, plants and microorganisms being developed for use in foods. The entry of transgenic organisms into the food supply has raised many questions of food safety and labelling. Modern biology provides the tools to address these issues. Transgenic foods are also likely to have a major positive impact on food production both on the farm and in food processing. Costs of production and processing, consistency of functional and nutritional quality, and new or novel foods are targets for this technology. The benefits and risks of modern biotechnology may be favourable compared with those associated with conventional genetic improvements of foods