Journal or Publishing Institution: BMJ: British Medical Journal
Study: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1116032/#__ffn_sectitle
Author(s): Plugge, E.
Article Type: Journal Publication
Record ID: 1902
Abstract: Firstly, he does not point out that, although scientists claim this technology will help to feed the world’s burgeoning population, food production is not the problem. There are enough natural resources for us all to be fed: inequity of food distribution results in the starvation of millions in poorer nations. Secondly, he dismisses the campaigners who draw parallels between bovine spongiform encephalopathy and genetically modified foods. The connection between the two in the public’s mind has little to do with genetic manipulation and everything to do with a lack of faith in policy makers. Not so long ago the government reassured the public that beef was safe. We now know that there was a risk of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, albeit very small. The public is right to be cynical and mistrustful. We must ask why we need these foods when there are no obvious benefits to the population from their immediate introduction. The driving force behind genetically modified foods is neither need nor demand but certain multinational corporations. Thus, it is important to ensure that a desire to protect the public health—not the profits of multinational organisations—underpins all decisions on the introduction of genetically modified foods.
Keywords: Bovine, Spongiform Encephalopathy, Genetic Modification, Root
Citation: Plugge, E., 1999. The paradoxes of genetically modified foods: Protection of the public health should underpin all decisions. BMJ: British Medical Journal, 318(7199), p.1694.
