Exploring whether Genetically Modified Foods and Organisms are safe for human and animal consumption or if they are a

real and present danger to human beings, animals, plant life and the environment.

(http://www.frankenfoods.org/)

FrankenFoods.com

Frankenstein1 : a monstrous creation that usually ruins

its originator 2 : a monster in the shape of a man

(http://www.frankenfoods.org/)

Food1 : material taken into an organism and

used for growth, repair, and vital processes and as a source of energy; also : organic material produced by green plants and used by them as food 2 : nourishment in solid form 3 : something that nourishes, sustains, or supplies <~ for thought>

(http://www.frankenfoods.org/)

Opposition1. Beneficial? 2. Controversial

A. FRANKENPIGB. By splicing some genes from mice and E.coli

bacteria into pig genes, a less stinky critter has been created, which is now trademarked under the sweet name of "Enviropig."

C. It still contaminates the air and water with its excretions, but you don't notice as much.

D. (http://www.utne.com/2004-06-01/frankenfood.aspx?page=2)

Mark Hyman, M.D. A recent patient of mine is a food scientist

who works for a large food industry company. His job is to invent and create new foods in the laboratory by mixing food and chemicals to create certain tastes and flavors that mimic real food or that stimulate appetite and satisfy our need for various tastes.

Think of these as “Frankenfoods.” (http://www.ultrawellness.com/blog/

frankenfoods)

What is Your Perception?3 Comments-

Opposed and why?Confused and why?Concerned and why?

Its Frankenfood V. 'The Killer Tomatoes'

Henry I. MillerSalmonella Saintpaul bacteria in raw

tomatoes More than 160 cases of illness2006- E. coli-related illnesses traced to

spinach and lettuce killed three Americans and caused some 300 illnesses.

Campylobacter, Salmonella and E. coli 0157:H7, and caliciviruses, also known as the Norwalk and Norwalk-like viruses

http://fbae.org/2009/FBAE/website/news_its-frankenfood-v-the-killer-tomatoes.html

Produce growers can't give us 100 percent safety

Americans' food is not only the least expensive, but also the safest-

But there are limits-Food processors can't be perfectNo amount of washing will rid all pathogens

from produce

Irradiation can be compared to pasteurizationTwo things are needed for the

irradiation process A source of radiant energyA way to confine that energy. For food

irradiation, the sources are radioisotopes (radioactive materials) and machines that produce high-energy beams

http://www.physics.isu.edu/radinf/food.htm#food2

"If even 50 percent of meat and poultry consumed in the United States were irradiated, the potential impact of food-borne disease would be a reduction [of] 900,000 cases and 300 deaths,“

-Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research at the University of Minnesota.

 http://fbae.org/2009/FBAE/website/news_its-frankenfood-v-the-killer-tomatoes.html

IrradiationEffectively kills bacteria and viruses Doesn't inactivate the potent toxins secreted

by bacteria, such as staph and botulinum. The best answer is recombinant DNA

technology, or gene-splicing - an advance the organic lobby has repeatedly vilified and rejected.

http://fbae.org/2009/FBAE/website/news_its-frankenfood-v-the-killer-tomatoes.html

Recombinant DNAThe technology can also make antibodies

to be given to infected patients to neutralize the toxins. And it can produce therapeutic proteins (such as lactoferrin and lysozyme, which are found in human tears and breast milk) that are safe and effective treatments for diarrhea, the primary symptom of food poisoning.

(http://fbae.org/2009/FBAE/website/news_its-frankenfood-v-the-killer-tomatoes.html)

Will the "attack of the killer tomatoes" move the organic lobby to rethink its opposition to "Frankenfood" and irradiation - and let science, common sense and decency trump ideology?

http://fbae.org/2009/FBAE/website/news_its-frankenfood-v-the-killer-tomatoes.html

You Decide1. Should we utilize Irradiation?2. Why or Why not?3. Do you believe rDNA is the answer?4. Are you anti-Frankenfoods?5. Are you pro-Frankenfoods?6. What do Michael Pollan and Henry I. Miller

have in common? 7. Are their viewpoints the same?8. Are their solutions the same?9. What is the answer?

Pro- AGRICULTURE!!!Never before has the population in this country

been so distant from agriculture.With such a small amount of the workforce

making up the production side of agriculture, many will never throw a bale of hay or drive a tractor to cultivate land.

With this in mind, what leverage does the media have in creating agriculture as an enemy?

Why is this?What is your part?How can you combat negative stereotypes?