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GM Food GMO: what are the Dangers? (12/03/1999
WTO: Millennium Round (12/02/1999)
Here's the test that finds even minimum quantities of GM components in foods. (11/06/1999)
FAO,
genetically modified foods and Europe: superficiality,
Japanese labels on GM foods
restrain
In Australia a government agency will control research and diffusion of genetically modified organism (09/19/1999)
Marks&Spencer in UK starts selling meat of animals fed with no genetically modified soy or corn (08/31/1999)
A new centre will fight for biodiversity (07/12/1999)
Ireland, the potato famine: a handbook case (07/02/1999)
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FAO,genetically
modified foods and Europe: October 15, 1999 Even the US Secretary of Agriculture, Dan Glickman, agrees in suggesting the potential role of biotechnologies to this end. October 18, 1999 The representative of FAO, John Lupien, manager of the Food and Nutrition Division of the international organization, during a series of conferences on the theme which were organized in Melbourne, claimed that the European worries on the dangers of GM foods "...are more a fear of the unknown, I would say, than fear of increased problems with food safety...". Europe's attitude on genetically modified foods would be conditioned by problems with cow disease and dioxin found in food products. According to Lupien there is a lack of information and of real knowledge of the issue in Europe, and this is what most needs focusing on. This attitude translated in the difficulties encountered by the United States in the exportation into Europe of wheat and soy produced in modified cultivations. Lupien emphasizes that FAO and the World Health Organization have not found safety problems or health hazards in their studies on GM foods; the only possible risks could be that genetic modification brought with it the risk of allergic reactions, which until now is still only an hypothesis, and has never occurred, but is being monitored closely. October 21, 1999 If we don't start from here, it's hard to understand the claims quoted above. Because ingorance maybe lies in not being acquainted with the research (some of it very serious indeed) about the consequences of GMOs on human, animal and vegetable organisms. And in not being acquainted even roughly with the Eurpean cultures (which are many and diverse but surely less superficial than someone who is not well informed might think). Refusing food from those who don't want to tell us what's in it and who deny the potential existence of dangers is not, evidently, a fear of the unknwon, but a sign of intelligence: if GM foods are so healthy, then why not mark them with a neat clear label and face without taboos the hazards and consequences of their use? You see, Dear Fao Representatives, the fear of the unknown is more typical of cultures where knowledge is very fragmented, superficial and without general frames of reference, and where there is scarce practice in the use of one's critical capabilites. Where ignorance is almost complete, people are afraid. It's normal. But the world is big and varied. A more thourough knowledge of European cultures (and not only European) surely could help you understand better both what we are saying and the cautious attitude towards GM foods. Also the East and Australia are on the same wavelength as Europe regarding this: it's something that could make you think harder about the whole issue! Some markets are won over in a lasting manner with quality and transparence, not with arrogance and by treating customers as if they were stupid and capricious children. Markets are teaching this, like it or not. Genetic modification of organisms in itself is neither good nor bad: if there is a more honest and respectful approach to customers, we all could have great benefits.
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