DisplayTitle

​A Discussion of GMO Yeast

This essay provides definitions and discussion of genetically modified organisms, which have become a common technology in foods and pharmaceuticals today. Genetically modified or bioengineered organisms help select traits that would take much longer or are nearly impossible to produce by other means. Common examples are human insulin and rennet (for cheese). Beer-related examples are new yeast strains that produce unique aromas or character during fermentation, and the potential for agronomically improved barley varieties. This essay helps frame future discussion of the potential use of this technology in our industry amid the questions and controversy surrounding the topic. One key point to moving forward in the discussion is transparency of the industry to the consumer.