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Highlights include:
Myth: Foods produced through biotechnology may be hazardous to consumers.
California farmers use the most modern and progressive methods to produce high-quality, wholesome food. Family farmers utilize scientific expertise, such as UC Cooperative Extension, when making their planting decisions. Because their farm is often the same site as their home, they want to create a safe environment for their families and their neighbors.
Additionally, biotechnology has vastly improved our ability to fight diseases through medical applications in addressing patients with AIDS, genetically inherited diseases, diabetes, influenza and some forms of cancer.
While its applications in California agriculture are presently limited to mostly cotton and corn production, and applications in cheese-making, biotechnology offers the potential to bring consumers environmental benefits in many others crops by reducing the need for inputs such as crop protection tools, water and fertilizer.
Myth: Biotech is an unregulated and untested technology.
Food products enhanced through biotechnology are thoroughly studied before they are determined to be safe and wholesome for consumers. Three federal agencies are responsible for regulating products from biotechnology ---- EPA, USDA and FDA.
These government agencies provide unbiased, scientifically based evaluations concerning human and animal safety. Furthermore, the American Medical Association, American Dietetic Association, World Health Organization and the United Nations have studied biotech foods and feeds and have endorsed the technology.
