More on the History

Late 1960’s - early 1970’s was origin of genetic engineering, through experiments with bacteria, viruses, and small free floating rings of DNA called plasmids, found in bacteria.

Techniques for isolating and altering genes were first developed by American genetics during the early 1970

1970’s - scientists found ways to reintroduce single genes into different cells or plants, animals, organisms. These methods alter the heredity of the cells or organisms.

By the early 1980’s, bacterially produced insulin became the first recombinant DNA drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use on people.

In the early 1980’s, geneticists made progress in using genetic engineering techniques to add genes to higher organisms. Researchers inserted a human growth-hormone gene in to mice, and the mice grew to twice their normal size.

"History." Human's Playground: Genetic Engineering. 19 May 2010.

The first genetically modified food was the tomato in the 1990s. It was genetically altered so that it would take longer to decompose. In 1998 a study showed that GM potatoes modified with an insecticide gene were toxic to rats. In 1999 many farmers engaged in a trial to study the effects of herbicide resistant crops. The issue with this is that there would be cross-pollination between the "normal" crops and GM. Critics say that this only provide a limited view on the potential long-term effects. Honey on sale in 2000 showed contamination of GM from a trial in Britain; 2 out of 9 samples--therefore indicating the spread that is uncontrollable. 9 out of 10 people in Britain rejected the idea of having GM foods in the market without knowing proof of safety in health and environment.

Chapman, James. "History of Genetically Modified Food." Mail Online. 19 May 2010.