Biotechnology is the use of biological systems—living things—to make or change products. It has been used for centuries in traditional activities like baking bread and making cheese and yoghurt.

Since the 1950s scientists have learned that DNA is like a plan that is passed from one generation to another. DNA contains genes—messages coded with information that give living things their particular characteristics, such as eye colour. Scientists also discovered that all living things use the same type of code.

Gene technology includes a range of techniques used by scientists to switch genes off or move them between 2 unrelated species. Using gene technology, scientists aim to introduce, enhance or delete particular characteristics, depending on whether they are considered desirable or undesirable.

Genetic modification is the process of copying and transferring a single genetic trait between species. This means that the trait can be transferred between organisms without the use of natural reproductive processes.

This century has seen a dramatic increase in our knowledge of natural and genetic processes. We now use viruses and bacteria to make vaccines and antibiotics, enzymes to make detergents and food additives, and bacteria to treat sewage and other waste. New applications of our knowledge are emerging by the day.

Genetically modified food
In food production, biotechnology offers a range of potential benefits, some of which are close to market and others that still require further development. These include the following.

Gene technology and health
Gene technology has widespread applications in health and medicine as well as food. Just some items that have already been developed, or that are in the process of being developed, using gene technology are:

Benefits and risks
Everything in life has its benefits—and risks. Gene technology is no exception.

Gene technologists cannot provide an iron-clad guarantee that the new technology is completely safe, nor can they predict all its health, environmental, economic or social consequences—good or bad.

However, here in Australia, no genetically modified organism or product can be released into the environment, or used in industry, until the Genetic Manipulation Advisory Committee (GMAC) has reviewed its potential safety and environmental impacts. If the product is destined for human consumption, it is also reviewed by the Australia New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA).

It is important to remember that a product of gene technology takes between 8 and 13 years to develop, and undergoes extensive testing during this time. Under the food standards code, food produced using gene technology will not be sold until it has undergone a rigorous safety assessment by ANZFA on a case-by-case basis.

Is there a future for genetically modified food?
Biotechnology has an enormous potential for good if used safely and wisely.

It is also essential that we are able to choose what we consume, whether it's from traditional processes, organic production or by genetic modification.