From Publishers Weekly
Recent news headlines have focused on the disagreement between the U.S. and Europe over genetically modified foods: the U.S. exports them, but the European Union doesn't want to import them, believing their safety remains unproven. Are genetically modified foods safe? Longtime anti-GM foods campaigner Smith presents the "opposing" case. He offers cases where GM produced results that were at best unexpected (increased starch content in potatoes), at worst grotesque (pigs without genitals). He describes how one corporation reportedly tried to bribe Canadian government scientists into approving genetically engineered bovine growth hormones they deemed unsafe; how some scientists have reported their careers were threatened as a result of their refusal to approve certain GM products in the U.S.; and how "conflicts of interest, sloppy science, and industry influence" can distort the approval process. The cases Smith presents are scary and timely, but he explores only one side of the story. Readers looking for a balance consideration of genetically modified foods will want to look elsewhere.Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Book News, Inc.
The founder of the Institute for Responsible Technology, who lives surrounded by genetically modified crops in Iowa, makes a political as well as scientific case against GM foods, and discusses US and European attitudes and actions that consumers can take. Distributed by Chelsea Green Ltd.Copyright © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Hunter Lovins, co-author of "Natural Capitalism"
The revelations in this powerful exposé could spark the revolution that the topic [of genetically engineered foods] deserves.
Jennifer Read Hawthorne, co-author of "Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul"
Jeffrey Smith masterfully combines the art of storytelling and investigative reporting. The result is riveting, enlightening, and disturbing.
James S. Turner Esq., author of "The Chemical Feast: The Nader Report on the Food and Drug Administration"
[Seeds of Deception] lays bare the blockbuster food safety issue of the 21st century. Every American should read this book.
Ronnie Cummins, National Director of the Organic Consumer's Association
This book, which is the best written on the subject, is essential reading for food activists and concerned consumers.
Book Description
This explosive exposé reveals what the biotech industry doesn’t want you to know—how industry manipulation and political collusion, not sound science, allow dangerous genetically engineered food into your daily diet. Company research is rigged, alarming evidence of health dangers is covered up, and intense political pressure applied. Chapters read like adventure stories and are hard to put down: - Scientists were offered bribes or threatened. Evidence was stolen. Data was omitted or distorted. - Government employees who complained were harassed, stripped of responsibilities, or fired. - Laboratory rats fed a GM crop developed stomach lesions and seven of the forty died within two weeks. The crop was approved without further tests. - The only independent in-depth feeding study ever conducted showed evidence of alarming health dangers. When the scientist tried to alert the public, he lost his job and was silenced with threats of a lawsuit. Read the actual internal memos by FDA scientists, warning of toxins, allergies, and new diseases—all ignored by their superiors, including a former attorney for Monsanto. Learn why the FDA withheld information from Congress after a genetically modified supplement killed nearly a hundred people and disabled thousands. Jeffrey Smith has worked in the field of GM foods for nearly a decade—with nonprofit and political groups and at a GMO detection laboratory. His masterful writing style captivates and charms, while his meticulously documented facts leave no doubt about a massive injustice. Eating such experimental food is gambling with your health. Find out how you can protect yourself and your family.
About the Author
Jeffrey Smith is a former vice president of marketing for the leading laboratory that tests for the presence of GMO in foods. He sees this issue from a unique insider’s perspective through his conversations with scientists, regulators, food manufacturers and consumer groups. He speaks at conferences and is regularly quoted in media around the world. He also founded the Institute for Informed Citizens, to help spread this important knowledge.
Seeds of Deception: Exposing Industry and Government Lies about the Safety of the Genetically Engineered Foods You're Eating SYNOPSIS
The founder of the Institute for Responsible Technology, who lives surrounded by genetically modified crops in Iowa, makes a political as well as scientific case against GM foods, and discusses US and European attitudes and actions that consumers can take. Distributed by Chelsea Green Ltd. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
Recent news headlines have focused on the disagreement between the U.S. and Europe over genetically modified foods: the U.S. exports them, but the European Union doesn't want to import them, believing their safety remains unproven. Are genetically modified foods safe? Longtime anti-GM foods campaigner Smith presents the "opposing" case. He offers cases where GM produced results that were at best unexpected (increased starch content in potatoes), at worst grotesque (pigs without genitals). He describes how one corporation reportedly tried to bribe Canadian government scientists into approving genetically engineered bovine growth hormones they deemed unsafe; how some scientists have reported their careers were threatened as a result of their refusal to approve certain GM products in the U.S.; and how "conflicts of interest, sloppy science, and industry influence" can distort the approval process. The cases Smith presents are scary and timely, but he explores only one side of the story. Readers looking for a balance consideration of genetically modified foods will want to look elsewhere. (Sept.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
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