At present, more than 148 million hectares of farmland are under cultivation for biotech crops throughout the world ( 8). The majority of the Biotech-crops available on the global market have been genetically manipulated to express one of these basic traits: resistance to insects or viruses, tolerance to certain herbicides and nutritionally enhanced quality. However, after the successful gene transfer, important factors that have triggered debates over the safety of GM crops are the genotypic and phenotypic stability and permanence inheritance ( 7). These marker genes allow researchers to verify whether transfer of the desired DNA has properly occurred. Therefore, in order to detect whether the incorporation of the gene to the cell has taken place, the desired DNA are generally attached to marker gene before their transfer. With currently available techniques the favorite DNA are inserted to only a few numbers of the treated cells. Antisense technology is also a useful method for deactivation of specific genes such as those responsible for softening of fruits and fighting against plant viral infections ( 6). Another recent method consists of Microinjection which is direct introduction of DNA into genome ( 5). These holes can be also created by microscopic crystals. DNA enters the plant cells through minute pores which are temporarily caused by electric pulses ( 4). This is a suitable method for plant tissues without cell walls. Biolistic transformation is a physical method by which the genes of interest are bombarded into the plant cells and DNA-coated beads are usually used as carriers ( 3).Īnother technique which facilitates the in-corporation of genes into the host genome is called Electroporation. This has been a successful method for modification of trees and cereal crops. Describing biotechnology methods is beyond the scope of this paper however, it is informative to only name some of the vastly used techniques in creating GM crops: Agrobacterium has been used as an intermediate organism for transferring a desirable gene into plants ( 2). Genetically Modified Food (GMF) means any food containing or derived from a genetically engineered organism ( 1).

The use of recombinant DNA technology has the potential to allow the creation of an organism which is desired and designed by human.

Biotechnology has granted us the ability to overcome insurmountable physiological barriers and to exchange genetic materials among all living organisms. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are being made by inserting a gene from an external source such as viruses, bacteria, animals or plants into usually unrelated species. In this context, although some regulations exist, there is a need for continuous vigilance for all countries involved in producing genetically engineered food to follow the international scientific bio-safety testing guidelines containing reliable pre-release experiments and post-release track of transgenic plants to protect public health and avoid future environmental harm.

It also lays the ground-work for deep debate on benefits and risks of Biotech-crops for human health, ecosystems and biodiversity. This article reviews major viewpoints which are currently debated in the food biotechnology sector in the world. The current food biotechnology debate illustrates the serious conflict between two groups: 1) Agri-biotech investors and their affiliated scientists who consider agricultural biotechnology as a solution to food shortage, the scarcity of environmental resources and weeds and pests infestations and 2) independent scientists, environmentalists, farmers and consumers who warn that genetically modified food introduces new risks to food security, the environment and human health such as loss of biodiversity the emergence of superweeds and superpests the increase of antibiotic resistance, food allergies and other unintended effects. Considering the fast pace of new advances in production of genetically modified crops, consumers, farmers and policymakers worldwide are challenged to reach a consensus on a clear vision for the future of world food supply. The cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops on millions of hectares of lands and their injection into our food chain is a huge global genetic experiment involving all living beings. Biotechnology is providing us with a wide range of options for how we can use agricultural and commercial forestry lands.

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