Environmental Health Center

EnvironMinute Health Scripts

Scientists can now design food crops by transferring DNA from one plant to another. Though transgenic crops offer sweet possibilities, some are soured on the concept, and we'll learn why on today's EnvironMinute.[:11]

Crops can be genetically engineered to have a longer shelf life or better resist certain diseases. But such changes can also cause problems, according to the New England Journal of Medicine. For example, genes transferred from a banana to a tomato could potentially result in a serious reaction if someone allergic to bananas bites into the wrong tomato. Many have food allergies, and some reactions are life-threatening. The FDA requires only food with genes from common allergenic sources to be labeled, but some groups now call for stricter labeling of transgenic crops. With huge profits for corporate agriculture at stake, this promises to be a major food fight.[:37]< P>

The EnvironMinute is produced in cooperation with the National Safety Council and made possible by the Teresa and H. John Heinz III Foundation. [:10]

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