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Pandora's Picnic Basket: The Potential and Hazards of Genetically Modified Foods
Did you 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? Genetically modified foods do pose real risks, and in
recent years they have become the focus of a pitched battle between scientists, entrepreneurs, consumer advocates, and environmentalists. Yet despite 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 protect us from potentially dangerous products.
Pandora's Picnic Basket explains, in clear and direct language, the technologies underlying genetically modified food, comparing them with other "natural" methods of plant breeding and production. Researcher Alan McHughen evaluates the safeguards in place from regulators around the world
and asks whether these are sufficient. In particular, he examines the question of labeling, held by some to be an obvious way to help protect consumers, and addresses the honesty and usefulness of some of these labels. Throughout the book, McHughen offers fair-minded, well-informed accounts of
issues of real concern, particularly environmental issues, and he outlines ways in which consumers can avoid genetically modified food if they so choose. The author uses question-and-answer boxes to address key issues and real case histories to illustrate the development and regulation of
genetically modified food.
Genetically modified foods are increasingly available to the public. Pandora's Picnic Basket will help consumers make informed choices about this controversial technology.
recent years they have become the focus of a pitched battle between scientists, entrepreneurs, consumer advocates, and environmentalists. Yet despite 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 protect us from potentially dangerous products.
Pandora's Picnic Basket explains, in clear and direct language, the technologies underlying genetically modified food, comparing them with other "natural" methods of plant breeding and production. Researcher Alan McHughen evaluates the safeguards in place from regulators around the world
and asks whether these are sufficient. In particular, he examines the question of labeling, held by some to be an obvious way to help protect consumers, and addresses the honesty and usefulness of some of these labels. Throughout the book, McHughen offers fair-minded, well-informed accounts of
issues of real concern, particularly environmental issues, and he outlines ways in which consumers can avoid genetically modified food if they so choose. The author uses question-and-answer boxes to address key issues and real case histories to illustrate the development and regulation of
genetically modified food.
Genetically modified foods are increasingly available to the public. Pandora's Picnic Basket will help consumers make informed choices about this controversial technology.
- GenresScienceNonfiction
Hardcover
First published June 22, 2000
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About the author
Alan McHughen
9 books1 followerAlan McHughen is a public sector educator, scientist and consumer advocate.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 10, 2016
Whichever side you're on, this book should be mandatory read, along with Mendel in the Kitchen.
It's easy to read and answers alot of questions in regards to GMO. Now you can separate fact from fiction.
The only missing thing is the references, there's a couple of things that I would like to check but can't due to lack of references. But, it's minor and overall a very good book.
It's easy to read and answers alot of questions in regards to GMO. Now you can separate fact from fiction.
The only missing thing is the references, there's a couple of things that I would like to check but can't due to lack of references. But, it's minor and overall a very good book.
May 23, 2019
I’m not buying what McHughen is selling. He is the creator of many genetically modified plants, and is a bit defensive in his arguments. He is determined to prove that the science is right and safe. Really, who wouldn’t defend something that he or she spent years creating?
He says in his book that GE plants increase farmers yields (which isn’t always the case) and will help feed a growing population. In actuality, organic farming, with High density plantings & careful consideration to soil fertility, provides yields far greater than conventional, industrial farming.
I believe that GE or GMO food has not changed the world for the better nor will it in the future. GE plants are not used to make healthy food. They’re used to make fryer oil, sodas, candy and sugary cereal.
For me, it’s not the GE plants themselves that are problematic, but the companies that own the technology, and the way these plants have to be grown. Tons of fertilizers and pesticides are used yearly on these crops because they can’t grow without them! The companies who own these plants, and chemicals are pure evil and have way too much control and power. For all these reasons, this makes genetic engineering a step backwards, not forward.
McHughen doesn’t address any of these issues because he according to him, he wants to stick to the science. Just presenting the science doesn’t make me feel like GE food is any safer.
He says in his book that GE plants increase farmers yields (which isn’t always the case) and will help feed a growing population. In actuality, organic farming, with High density plantings & careful consideration to soil fertility, provides yields far greater than conventional, industrial farming.
I believe that GE or GMO food has not changed the world for the better nor will it in the future. GE plants are not used to make healthy food. They’re used to make fryer oil, sodas, candy and sugary cereal.
For me, it’s not the GE plants themselves that are problematic, but the companies that own the technology, and the way these plants have to be grown. Tons of fertilizers and pesticides are used yearly on these crops because they can’t grow without them! The companies who own these plants, and chemicals are pure evil and have way too much control and power. For all these reasons, this makes genetic engineering a step backwards, not forward.
McHughen doesn’t address any of these issues because he according to him, he wants to stick to the science. Just presenting the science doesn’t make me feel like GE food is any safer.
November 19, 2016
An informative, unsensationalistic book on a contentious topic, giving me a better-informed basis for my opinions. McHughen is a professor and scientist who has developed GM foods and researches them. While he barely mentions the problem of close ties between the multi-nationals and the regulatory agencies, he does offer a reasoned, scientifically-based discussion of this issue. Two valuable aspects of the book: it provides in-depth explanations of what we do not need to fear about biotechnology, but also what we should be concerned about, and why. Maybe just as important, he explains that we should look at GM products in the context of food safety in general, and provides some pretty startling examples. Published in 2000, the book presumably needs updating, but I think the basic science is probably solid. According to him, GM products are ubiquitous and valuable, so that managing them seems to be the only realistic option.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews