Genetically Altered Food

Re “Without Biotechnology We’ll Starve,” Commentary, Nov. 1: Biotech spokesperson Martina McGloughlin assures us that genetically engineered foods are only “subtly altered” and safe to eat and nobody is getting sick eating them. The transference of genes between species is no subtle alteration in my book. Nature would never put flounder genes in a tomato.

Scientific researchers not affiliated with biotech companies say this is a new frontier fraught with great uncertainty, risks and the probability of unintended effects stemming from genetic modification. Such scientists call for exhaustive safety research. We shouldn’t stop biotech research, but we should demand powerful independent testing and safeguards that slow down the rush to commercialize a partially understood science. Moreover, as a mother and grandmother, I call for mandatory labeling of all altered soy, squash, corn, potatoes, etc. As a consumer I have a right to know what I am buying and not be a guinea pig.

ROSITA GOTTLIEB

Los Angeles

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Please spare us the hysterical headlines and the fear-mongering. Not only is the world population stabilizing, but right now the world produces one and a half times the food needed to adequately feed everyone. It is a fact that hunger is a political problem, not a food production issue. Starvation never occurs in democratic countries.

As for biotechnology, I am sure it has its uses, but a diverse, locally based food supply is a lot safer for the environment and for humans than the centralized control of agriculture by a few mega-companies with nothing in mind but their bottom line.

Support small family farmers, sustainable farming practices that don’t deplete our soils and a diverse seed supply, and there will be plenty of healthy food for everyone.

LAURENCE M. HAUBEN

Santa Barbara