Questions abound regarding the safety of genetically manipulated agricultural products.
While selective breeding and the production of food by microorganisms have been around for thousands of years, some people may find it mysterious or worrisome to move genetic material from one cell into another cell that may also be derived from a different species. Some of their questions range from concerns about allergic reactions, protecting the environment , the transfer of antibiotic resistance from one species to another, to fears about reducing the amount of biodiversity in the world. Which agency or agencies are involved depends on the type of technology used. An introduction of new genetic material into a different species will likely involve additional restrictions and pre-market testing than does the use of more traditional methods such as selective breeding. Most of these regulations relate to genetically engineered materials where genes from one cell have been inserted to create a new variety.