CHICAGO -- How does recombinant DNA technology (genetic engineering) differ from other plant breeding methods? Is the process by which plants are produced important in light of plant characteristics? How is the safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) ensured by the U.S. government? Should food containing GMOs be labeled by U.S. producers for domestic sale and/or exportation? Why are European consumers and policy-makers more hesitant to accept GMOs than Americans? Addressing these and other questions, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) will present the video conference "Genetically Modified Organisms: Current Science and Global Issues" on Tues., Nov. 16, 1999, from 7 to 8 PM EST for IFT section members and journalists. Conference sites will be in several North American cities.*
The video conference will feature Anne K. Vidaver, Ph.D., professor and head, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska; James H. Maryanski, Ph.D., biotechnology coordinator, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration (FDA); and Tassos Haniotis, Ph.D., counselor of agriculture, European Commission Delegation to the United States.
In the first 20 minutes, following brief comments by IFT President
Charles Manley, Ph.D., Vidaver will explain recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology,
comparing it to traditional cross-breeding methods. She will address
hypothetical risks associated with GMOs and allergenicity, gene-jumping,
out-crossing, and antibiotic-resistant marker genes. Moreover, she will discuss
the potential effects of labeling GMOs and halting GMO development. Maryanski
will follow with a 20-minute discussion on how the U.S. government regulate and
ensure the safety of GMOs. Haniotis will provide European political and
economic perspectives on GMOs, explaining European consumers' desire for
labeling and education about rDNA technology. He also will explain differences
in U.S. and European food policy-making a
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Contact: Angela Dansby
aldansby@ift.org
312-782-8424 X227
Institute of Food Technologists
14-Oct-1999