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Dean, College of Agriculture, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Pomona, California
Designer Food. Gregory E. Pence. New York: Rowman & Littlefield, 233 pp, 2002.
The author presents a very interesting text. He admits to starting with a preconceived view against genetically modified (GM) foods, but concludes in their favor. He discusses their pros and cons from different perspectives, as well as the misconceptions, falsehoods and scientific facts involved with them. His style is that of someone accumulating material to begin a debate or, as in his case, to teach a class on ethics. When combined with other texts in the field, such as Biotechnology—Present Position and Future Developments, by M. N. McGloughlin and J. I. Burke, Teagasc, 2000, this reader proves quite appropriate for class use.
The book contains nine chapters and a useful appendix (critical comments on major groups and agencies involved in the biotechnology and natural food arena), as well as 19 pages of extensive referencing (pro and con with respect to each position).
The author first establishes the principles of organic foods. He then introduces the consideration of whether organic food production could deliver enough food to feed the world, let alone feed the impoverished hungry populations of the third world. Closely tied to this conundrum are the international politics of GM foods. The Green Peace/green party movement is the backbone of worldwide effort against GM crops. These groups have vandalized fields and destroyed important research in GM crops intended to feed the world using lower inputs of fertilizer, pesticides and water.
The author notes the force of this movement, which was visible in Seattle during the WTO talks. Belatedly pro-GM and pro-trade arguments have evolved. For example, the greatest expansion in economic growth in American history has resulted from free trade agreements and has resulted in similar growth in other countries worldwide. Shortly thereafter in Montreal concerns were specifically focused on the safety of GM foods and the safety of GM crops introduced into the environment. The commercial farming practices used in the US to produce one of the largest quality food supplies in the world are in conflict with the smaller farm practices maintained in France and other areas of Europe. Similar differences occur with food processing used in the US to preserve and distribute food safely.
The author notes that GM foods currently represent a further clash between American and European cultures. However, the recent European catastrophe in the food industry has included meat producing animal disease epidemics, which undermine Europeans’ diet causing them to consider vegetarianism and organic foods. In addition, chemical contaminants have been identified in animal feed and in bottled water. None of the incidents was due to GM crops. Revision of the European regulatory processes and food safety oversight are the areas needing focus since the population has lost its confidence in the safety of the food supply. In addition, Europeans were not pleased to learn that many US foods (grains) already contained GM modifications.
The critical question remains, "Is GM food safe?" The author provides a historical perspective on StarLink corn (accidentally released to the food supply), FlavrSavr tomatoes (fruit ripened slower) and rBGH (used to enhance milk production and replace an extract from dead animals). Human genetically modified products that have enhanced health through medical applications include human insulin, human growth hormone, interferon and others which have demonstrated positive health benefits. The author also identifies the major anti-GM proponents such as Jeremy Rifkin, Peter Singer and Vandana Shiva. Concern over allergen insertions was reasonable, such as Cry9C inserted in StarLink (Bt) corn, but false concerns were caused by claims based on nonsignificant data for potatoes with increased lectin protein (no negative effects were detected in six studies that were properly designed) and by an allergy study on a Brazil nut gene insertion into soybeans which never went to market (regulatory and safety checks worked). Many products produced through genetic modification are safer than their naturally derived counterparts. Resolution of this concern is possible if the public is assured that a strong regulatory system exists. Such is the case in the US, but may not be sufficient elsewhere in the world.
A couple of chapters review and discuss GM crops, environmental ethics and violence. When the facts do not support a position and violence ensues, then it is no longer an ethical debate, but simply an attempt to diminish the other side through fear. Violence is not the answer, but has been used by several environmental groups, including anti-logging groups and now the anti-GM movement. The author compares this style of argument to fascism. He follows this discussion with consideration of environmental issues about GM crops, but concludes the technology is not inherently evil, although it does require due diligence for preventing and correcting mistakes.
The material is presented in a thoughtful sequence to enable the reader to form opinions, change them and reach conclusions. Identification of the players in this challenging arena enables the reader to evaluate claims based on facts versus emotion and the personal positions of the respective authors. This is no easy feat, but is achieved. The volume proves very easy to read with many key references cited through 2000.
This text is a superior reader for the generalist and the well informed. It would make a competent reader for graduate students and for undergraduate ethics classes. Anyone who wants to consider the multitude of viewpoints and opinions in this area would benefit from reading the book from cover to cover.
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