A Consumer's Guide to GM Food - Softcover

McHughen, Alan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0198507143 ISBN 13: 9780198507147

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2000

Synopsis

Are you surprised to know that there are fish genes in some tomatoes? That brazil nut genes in soybeans can result in potentially lethal allergic reactions? That rapeseed plants bred to be resistant to herbicides could become uncontrollable superweeds? You are not alone. The issue of genetically modified foods has fast become one of the most debated of the late 20th century, with scientists and companies seeking to develop the technology on one side, and consumer groups and environmentalists on the other. However, in spite of the great heat generated by the debate, there is very little real information on the subject, either about the technologies in use or about the regulatory processes established to approve the processes and the products. This book sets out to explain, in clear and direct language, the technologies underlying so-called genetically modified food, and compares them with other "natural" methods of plant breeding and production. The author then looks at the safeguards in place from regulators around the world and asks whether these are sufficient.

About this title

About the Author

Dr Alan McHughen is a public-sector educator, scientist and consumer advocate; now Professor and Senior Research Scientist at the University of Saskatchewan, he is currently Chair of the International Symposia on the Biosafety of GMOs and on the Executive of the Genetics Society of Canada.

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0198507143
• ISBN 13: 9780198507147
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288