Genetic engineering is a technology that combines genes from totally unrelated species in ways not possible using conventional breeding methods. For thousands of years farmers have used selective breeding in plants and animals to develop desirable traits, such as drought tolerance, increased yields, disease resistance and improved taste.

This is done through cross pollination, grafting and/or selective breeding between closely related species with a shared evolutionary origin (e.g. two varieties of corn or between a plum and an apricot).

Genetic engineering of food is done in a laboratory, where the genetic material from one or more species, including viruses, bacteria, plants, animals and humans, is artificially injected into a completely different species (e.g. fish genes into strawberries).

The process is unpredictable and can lead to unexpected allergies, toxins, new viruses and bacteria, and new diseases.

"Genetic engineering is inherently dangerous because it expands the scope for horizontal gene transfer and recombination, precisely the processes that create new viruses and bacteria that cause disease epidemics, and trigger cancer in cells." said Mae-Wan Ho, a geneticist and organic physicist.

Vote yes on Proposition 37 to label genetically engineered foods.

- Natalie Swarts,

Camarillo

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Genetic engineering