Food Fray: Inside the Controversy over Genetically Modified Food

by Lisa H. Weasel

More than ten years ago, the first genetically modified foods took their place on the shelves of American supermarkets. But while American consumers remained blissfully unconcerned with the new products that suddenly filled their kitchens, Europeans were much more wary of these “Frankenfoods.” When famine struck Africa in 2002, several nations refused shipments of genetically modified foods, fueling a controversy that put the issue on the world's political agenda for good. In Food Fray , esteemed molecular biologist Dr. Lisa H. Weasel brings readers into the center of this debate, capturing the real-life experiences of the scientists, farmers, policymakers and grassroots activists on the front lines. Here she combines solid scientific knowledge and a gripping narrative to tell the real story behind the headlines and the hype. Seminal and cutting-edge, Food Fray enlightens and informs and will allow readers to make up their own minds about one of the most important issues facing us today.

Genres: Nonfiction, Food

256 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2008

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

A readable survey of developments of genetically modified foods (and fuels)and resistance to them, of their successes and failures, of their oversights and limits. It is written by an academic, a cell biologist, but written so that a layperson can understand the issues. There are source notes in the back so as not to intrude, but to be there for the reader who wants to follow up.

Especially interesting are the chapters presenting the non US perspectives: Zambia, India, and Thailand.

It is neither for nor against genetic modification, but it is for transparency, safe handling, labeling, and public good rather than corporate profit.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN EXCELLENT DISCUSSION OF THE "FRANKENFOODS" BATTLES

Lisa Weasel is a molecular biologist and professor of biology at Portland State University. She wrote in the Preface to this 2009 book, "initially, this book was motivated by a desire to examine and interrogate the ethical dimensions of the global arguments surrounding GM food... (But) the untidy and inconvenient topic of politics begged to be let in... On the surface, this book can certainly be read as a snapshot in time of how different cultures and countries relate to an emergent new manner of producing and growing food... (but there) is a deeper and more persistent narrative of how science, ethics, and politics intersect..."

She states that the issue of GM food in Europe brought it to a "schizophrenic crisis. After all, here was a new and profitably promising technology... but that threatened to disrupt the most sacred of organic covenants---that linking soil, seed, and the intimate relationship between plants and people that had sustained human civilization since its inception." (Pg. 43-44)

She explains the use of the term "Frankenfoods" for GM food thusly: "anti-GM activists in Switzerland see parallels between (Mary Shelley's character) Frankenstein's earlier romantic relationship to nature and his eventual fall from grace at the hands of modern science... a monster that roamed out of control, destroying all it touched." (Pg. 45)

Concerning the attempt of GM food producers to give their wares to poor African, Asian and Latin American nations, she observes, "any attempt at winning the public's hearts and filling their shopping carts in return with the humanitarian message of GM food has a long way to go, even in nations hungry for solutions to food security crises." (Pg. 81) For example, Zambia relected GM foods in 2002-2003, and the author notes uneasily, "it was hard to imagine a better study design for an experiment formulated to detect any human health impacts that might arise from eating GM maize than the one proposed to take place in Zambia that summer." (Pg. 98)

The author discusses the application of GM to biofuel, wryly observing that "while the public didn't want drugs in their food, they would have no problem at all with putting food in their gas tanks." (Pg. 190) She ultimately summarizes, "Whether agricultural biotechnology will bring us hope, hype, or horror in the urgent question to find new fuel sources remains to be seen. What is certain, though, is that these technologies will not take place without debate... Or perhaps this quest may backfire, bringing greater attention and awareness to the presence of GM crops in our midst..."

This is a fascinating and thought-provoking study of the controversy over GM foods.

[Edward ott · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent explanation of how biotech isn't the problem but greedy stupid short cited corporations, in combination with knee jerk reactionary anti-science nuts are the problem.

[Drew Perron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book isn't perfect. It's trying too hard to be a narrative, and the second chapter - "'Frankenfood' Frenzy in Europe" - is a mess of generalizations about technology-obssessed Americans and nature-worshipping Europeans. But the rest of the book gives so many clear and useful examples of how GMOs work, why so many countries are ardently against allowing them past their borders, and what the effects have been where they've taken root. It's the best book I've read on this issue - a useful enough reference that I've checked it out of the library twice, have renewed this checkout three times, and will probably just have to buy a copy for everyday use.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a good book. Easy to follow and lots of information. It seems that lots of research went into this book. I read Salt, Sugar, Fat by Michael Moss before this. Some information crossed over, but from different company and consumer perspectives.

I did learn some new things about GM food products, how they are created and how a few companies really do hold control and are preventing progress from happening that might actually benefit. (never thought I would say anything GM could be of benefit to anyone)

[Rachel]

I've only read the first few chapters and am already intrigued by the debate. Still don't have enough information to make my own call on GM food, but am tempted to ask someone if the book comes to a conclusion on it.

[G Cocciolo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Without our consent, we have become guinea pigs for chemical giants producing potentially toxic genetically modified foods for their own profit. Why are we allowing this when over 40 nations have legislated mandatory product labelling and have effectively banned GMO's?

[Caitlin Gambee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Such important info, but it literally put me to sleep.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Solidly anti-GMO. But includes some interesting historical background info that was useful.