Handling the genetic hot potatoes

Article Abstract:

The introduction of genetically-modified foods to supermarket shelves has had a mixed reception, with some products fully accepted by the public and others causing controversy. Foods, such as vegetarian cheese and tomato paste, offers some advantages to the consumer because they are cheaper than conventional products, but others, like soya beans and flour from herbicide-resistant soya, have no obvious advantages, other than to the producer. If consumers are to be persuaded about the safety of genetically modified foods, they must be told why it is needed and should be given the choice between new and traditional products, while the regulatory process should be made transparent.

Genetic aspects

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Immoral maize?

Article Abstract:

The Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) is aware that it will only retain the trust of industry, government and the consumer by working efficiently with the first, advising the second wisely and being as open as possible with the third. Nevertheless, this has not allayed public fears about the growing number of genetically modified food products appearing on supermarket shelves. The ACNFP operates on a case by case basis but has nevertheless approved 16 genetically modified foods while leaving wider ecological or public health issues for Parliament to deal with.

Management, Public opinion, Composition, United Kingdom. Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes

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GM foods served at doom temperature

Article Abstract:

The UK government must create a Food Standards Agency to counter public concerns over the health implications of genetically modified foods. Public concern increased in February 1999 following widespread publication of unvalidated research by Arpad Pusztai suggesting that genetically modified potatoes caused health defects in laboratory rats. Genetically modified foods can offer various benefits, but the public is refusing to acknowledge them because of ungrounded anxieties and a lack of understanding of the scientific factors involved.

Biotechnology industry, Biotechnology industries, United Kingdom. Food Standards Agency, Powers and duties

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