-Caveat Lector- FDA Takes Biotech Food Issue to the Public October 19, 1999 Web posted at: 12:16 p.m. EST (1616 GMT) WASHINGTON (AP) -- The federal agency that ensures genetically engineered foods are safe will hold unusual meetings around the country this fall to hear what Americans think about bioengineered food. U.S. scientists have been surprised by growing public resistance abroad to bioengineered foods. Critics in Britain deride them as "Frankenfoods"; Thailand on Monday banned importation of genetically engineered food seeds; parts of Europe demand bioengineered foods be labeled as such so consumers can choose to avoid them. Buoyed by that backlash, U.S. critics have increased demands that bioengineered foods be labeled here as well, and two U.S. baby-food makers even announced they no longer would use biotech ingredients. <<...>> RELATED Health experts insist biotech foods now sold are safe. They already are used widely, from the soybeans and corn of tortilla chips and soft drinks to tomatoes stewed into spaghetti sauce. "Although people have enthusiastically accepted new drugs made from biotechnology, some consumers have concerns about the use of this technology in foods," said Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala. "We need to ask why those concerns exist, and how we can address them." Three meetings scheduled So the Food and Drug Administration begins unusual public meetings next month to explain how it determines a genetically engineered food is safe, and to get the public's reaction. Participants can tell FDA whether they want its food-safety policy strengthened or bioengineered foods labeled. Meetings will be in Chicago on November 18, Washington on November 30 and in Oakland, California, on December 13. Proponents insist genetic engineering is similar to traditional breeding, where plants are cross-pollinated to produce hardier varieties by sharing genes. Genetic engineering is more precise, allowing a single gene to be spliced from one organism into another. The FDA closely guards against bioengineering likely to cause allergic reactions. Food makers would not be allowed to put a gene from nuts into beans, for instance, because too many people have life-threatening nut allergies. But some critics say genetic engineering might have unforeseen reactions, and FDA's policy of regulating biotech foods similarly to regular foods is not strict enough. While scientists look forward one day to bioengineering foods to be healthier, with a greater number of vitamins or other nutrients, crops have been genetically engineered so far mostly to make them hardier. Corn can be engineered to produce a natural pesticide called Bt, one of the best natural pesticides organic farmers use. But it sparked environmental worries last spring when a study suggested pollen from such corn can spread onto nearby milkweed plants and kill the larvae of monarch butterflies, which feed on milkweed. Copyright 1999 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ======================= Robert F. Tatman Computer Help Desk Desktop & LAN Services Systems Department Philadelphia Newspapers, Inc. [EMAIL PROTECTED] 215.854.2729 215.854.2788 The contents of this message represent the opinion only of the writer, and may not be construed to indicate the endorsement of Knight-Ridder, Inc.; Philadelphia Newspapers, Inc.; The Philadelphia Inquirer; or the Philadelphia Daily News. "Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity." DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance�not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
