Genetically Engineered Food: Serious Risks to Human Health
Scientist presents the evidence at international conference
Washington D.C., October 16, 2006 /Natural Newswire/ -- Genetically engineered food presents serious risks to human health, especially to growing children, according to Mae Wan Ho, PhD, co-founder of the London-based Institute for Science in Society (ISIS). Dr. Ho will present the scientific evidence on GMO dangers at the 7th annual international conference of the Weston A. Price Foundation, November 11, at the Westfields Marriott Hotel in Chantilly, Virginia.
Dr. Ho warns that the technology of genetically engineering organisms is hit or miss, and not at all precise, contrary to misleading accounts intended for the public, as it depends on the random insertion of an artificial vector carrying the foreign genes into the genome. “This random insertion is well-known to have many unexpected and unintended effects including virulent new microorganisms and increased risk of cancer, digestive disorders and allergies.”
“Plants engineered with genes from viruses to resist virus attack actually showed increased propensity to generate new, often super-infectious viruses,” writes Dr. Ho. “Thus, genetically engineered crops may spread antibiotic resistant genes to pathogenic bacteria in the environment as well as to bacteria in the gut of animals including human beings. They may also contribute to generating new viral pathogens.”
Dr. Ho, currently an Honorary Research Fellow at King’s College, London University, has published nearly 200 publications covering human biochemical genetics, molecular genetics, evolution, developmental biology and biophysics, and is the recipient of numerous awards. She is the author of Genetic Engineering: Dream or Nightmare?
Dr. Ho will be joined by a roster of authors and medical professionals including Arden Anderson, PhD, DO, author of Science in Agriculture and expert in the relationship of soil fertility and human health; Mary G. Enig, PhD, expert on the dangers of trans fats and author of Know Your Fats; and Kaayla Daniel, PhD, CCN, author of The Whole Soy Story and expert on the dangers of modern soy foods.
The theme of the 3-day conference is “The Health Equation.” Conference speakers will explore the relationship between agricultural practices and human and animal health. Lunch and dinner menus will feature organic, traditional food prepared with local ingredients. The conference offers Continuing Education Units for many health professions.
The Weston A. Price Foundation is a nonprofit nutrition education organization based in Washington, DC, with over 400 chapters in the U.S. and overseas. The Foundation supports accurate nutrition information, pasture-based farming, community supported agriculture and holistic therapies.
For further information, visit www.westonaprice.org or call the Foundation at (202) 363-4394. To schedule an interview with one or more of the presenters, contact the Foundation at 202 363-4394, or email at info@westonaprice.org. Press passes are available.
Contact: Sally Fallon, President
The Weston A. Price Foundation
(202) 363-4394
info@westonaprice.org, safallon@aol.com
