| Science
Friday > Archives
> 2000
> October
> October 20, 2000:
Hour One: Labeling of
Biotech Foods
|
In the past week, the concern over the presence of a genetically-modified
corn in the food supply has continued to grow. The corn, called
StarLink, has not been approved for human consumption -- but StarLink
corn has been found in taco shells and other products containing
corn flour.
Aventis FoodSciences, the original developer of the corn, is
trying to track down and buy back the grain and flour made from
it. ConAgra has ceased milling corn flour at a Kansas mill because
it believes it may have received StarLink corn. It wants to test
its stocks, and clean its equipment if necessary.
The modified corn can still be used for animal feed or for ethanol
production. The FDA did not approve the corn for human consumption
due to fears that it might trigger allergic reactions. However,
no known illnesses have been caused from consumption of the corn.
|
NARA image.
|
But just how much do consumers know about the ingredients of the food
that they eat? How much do they care? And how much are attitudes about
genetically modified foods the product of marketing spin? On this hour
of Science Friday, we'll talk about the issues behind labeling of biotech
foods and consumer attitudes towards such products. Call in with your
questions and comments - 1-800-989-8255.
Guests:
Marion Nestle
Chair, Department of Nutrition and Food Studies
New York University
New York, New York
David Schmidt
Senior Vice President, Food Safety
International Food
Information Council
Washington, DC
Mario Teisl
Assistant Professor, Resource Economics & Policy
University of Maine
Bangor, Maine
Books/Articles Discussed:
Related Links:
Codex
Alimentarius Commission
Genetic
ID
Testing
for Transgenic Crops
Methods
for Detection of GMO Grain in Commerce
The
National Agriculture Compliance Assistance Center
The
Maize Page Production Information
International
Food Information Council Foundation (IFIC)
Union
of Concerned Scientists: Agriculture
New
Scientist Planet Science | Genetically modified world | Unpalatable
truths
The
Scientist - With GM Crops, Who Needs Vitamin Pills?
"Ten
reasons why biotechnology will not ensure food security, protect the
environment and reduce poverty in the developing world"
CGIAR Homepage
Agricultural
Biotechnology and the Poor
Nat'l
Academy Press, Genetically Modified Pest Protected Plants
Science Friday: Biotech
in the Developing World
Science Friday: Safety
of GM Foods
Science Friday:
Risks of Agricultural Biotech
Science Friday: GM
Foods Treaty
Produced By: Charles
Bergquist
|
