Half-baked
Article Abstract:
The Lancet has published research on genetically modified potatoes which claims that they can damage the internal organs of rats. The research involves potatoes engineered to produce GNA, an insecticide, and was carried out by Arpad Pusztai and Stanley Ewen, Critics argue that there were a number of flaws in the research, for example that the rats were fed potatoes for too short a time, there was no indication of links between doage and damage to organs, and in any case potatoes vary too much in terms of natural poisons. The Lancet decided to publish since it could otherwise be criticized of seeking to cover up research.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 1999
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Seeds of discontent
Article Abstract:
A debate on food safety and genetically modified crops has been sparked off in the United Kingdom after reports that genetically engineered potatoes could affect the health of laboratory animals. The research was carried out by Arpad Pusztai at the Rowett Institute for Agriculture, Aberdeen, Scotland. Critics argue that there are too many variable to be sure of the results, for example, potatoes themselves contan toxins. Consumers are wary of new developments in food production which may not appear to offer them advantages and appear to represent risk.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 1999
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