Biotechnology and Food Personal Choices & Public Policies Thomas M. Zinnen Biotechnology Policy & Outreach Specialist University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension

Biotechnology and Food

Personal Choices & Public PoliciesPersonal Choices & Public Policies

Thomas M. ZinnenThomas M. ZinnenBiotechnology Policy & Outreach SpecialistBiotechnology Policy & Outreach Specialist

University of Wisconsin-Madison/ExtensionUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension

Science OutreachScience Outreach

• Sharing Science with WisconsinSharing Science with Wisconsin

• Transforming How People View & Do Transforming How People View & Do ScienceScience

• Tours & Workshops on CampusTours & Workshops on Campus

• Workshops Anywhere in WisconsinWorkshops Anywhere in Wisconsin

Science Outreach Science Outreach in Public Policyin Public Policy

• SEE Biotechnology: USDA Grant for SEE Biotechnology: USDA Grant for Research and Extension in Social, Research and Extension in Social, Economic & Ethical Issues of Ag Economic & Ethical Issues of Ag BiotechBiotech

• 2000-2001 AAAS & Institute Of Food 2000-2001 AAAS & Institute Of Food Technologists Congressional Science Technologists Congressional Science Fellow with House Committee on AgFellow with House Committee on Ag

Science OutreachScience Outreach

Biotechnology and food is a Biotechnology and food is a profound issue because it affects profound issue because it affects so many basic parts of life: our so many basic parts of life: our bodies, our families, our bodies, our families, our environment, our view of what is environment, our view of what is right.right.

Communicating with the publicCommunicating with the public

A key part of ensuring that consumers A key part of ensuring that consumers can enjoy the benefits of new tools can enjoy the benefits of new tools while minimizing risks and offering while minimizing risks and offering consumer choice.consumer choice.

Distinctions Distinctions

• Public Education vs Public RelationsPublic Education vs Public Relations

• The Difference is in Keeping ScoreThe Difference is in Keeping Score

• Understanding vs AcceptanceUnderstanding vs Acceptance

• Developing Science Savvy: Developing Science Savvy: Transforming How People View, Do & Transforming How People View, Do & Use ScienceUse Science

Cream Into ButterCream Into Butter

• Hands onHands on

• KineticKinetic

• InteractiveInteractive

• ConcreteConcrete

• ExperimentExperiment

• ProofProof

The Parable of the DNA TubeThe Parable of the DNA Tube

What is Science?What is Science?

• Is it something that only takes place in Is it something that only takes place in the Ivory Tower?the Ivory Tower?

•What are its roles in personal choices What are its roles in personal choices and public policies?and public policies?

How is Science Different From How is Science Different From Other Ways of Knowing?Other Ways of Knowing?

Some Other Ways of KnowingSome Other Ways of Knowing

• ReasonReason• LogicLogic• MathMath• IntuitionIntuition• InstinctInstinct• TraditionTradition• AuthorityAuthority

More Ways of KnowingMore Ways of Knowing

• EmpiricismEmpiricism• ExperimentExperiment• InferenceInference• HistoryHistory• LiteratureLiterature• RevelationRevelation• ProphecyProphecy• MysticismMysticism

Still More Ways of KnowingStill More Ways of Knowing

• MythologyMythology

• ExperienceExperience

• SuperstitionSuperstition

• ImaginationImagination

• Naïve TheoriesNaïve Theories

The powers & limits of scienceThe powers & limits of science

• Is science about what we know?Is science about what we know?

• Or is science more about figuring out Or is science more about figuring out what we don’t know yet?what we don’t know yet?

• Going to see the solar eclipse in Going to see the solar eclipse in CornwallCornwall

What is Food?What is Food?

• Name three foods that come from things Name three foods that come from things that have not been alive.that have not been alive.

The Biology and Nature of The Biology and Nature of FoodFood

• Nearly all our food comes from living Nearly all our food comes from living things.things.

• Plants, Animals, MicrobesPlants, Animals, Microbes

• From these, humans select or develop From these, humans select or develop crops, livestock and cultures.crops, livestock and cultures.

• Traits such as taste, color, ease of Traits such as taste, color, ease of preparing, yield, vigor, nutritionpreparing, yield, vigor, nutrition

Traits = Genotype x Traits = Genotype x EnvironmentEnvironment

• Manipulate the GenesManipulate the Genes• Manipulate the EnvironmentManipulate the Environment• Manipulate both the Genes and The Manipulate both the Genes and The

EnvironmentEnvironment

• This is Becoming a Fundamental Fork This is Becoming a Fundamental Fork in the Roadin the Road

Breeders Need Sources of Breeders Need Sources of Genetic VariationGenetic Variation

• Gene PoolGene Pool

• Methods for Selecting Desirable TraitsMethods for Selecting Desirable Traits

Gene Flow and Gene Flow and Recombination in NatureRecombination in Nature

• Within a speciesWithin a species

• Between speciesBetween species

• Transformation, Transduction, Transformation, Transduction, Conjugation, Cell Fusion, Viral InfectionConjugation, Cell Fusion, Viral Infection

• DNA: The Carrier of GenesDNA: The Carrier of Genes

From Recombining DNA to From Recombining DNA to Recombinant DNA Recombinant DNA

TechnologyTechnology• 1973 Cohen & Boyer1973 Cohen & Boyer

• The Gene Pool Becomes a Gene The Gene Pool Becomes a Gene OceanOcean

• Any Organism on Earth is a Source for Any Organism on Earth is a Source for Genes for Use by BreedersGenes for Use by Breeders

• Recombinant DNA Technology is one of Recombinant DNA Technology is one of the most powerful tools ever invented.the most powerful tools ever invented.

Human Perceptions and Human Perceptions and Understanding about GenesUnderstanding about Genes

• Our understanding about how genes change Our understanding about how genes change and flow affects how humans convert and flow affects how humans convert knowledge into technology.knowledge into technology.

• For example, the concept of “species” and of For example, the concept of “species” and of “species barrier”“species barrier”

• For example, the developing idea of “genes in For example, the developing idea of “genes in context”context”

Hearing and Speaking the Hearing and Speaking the DifferenceDifference

• Science as Statements about NatureScience as Statements about Nature

• Vs.Vs.

• Science as Statements about Our Science as Statements about Our Understanding of NatureUnderstanding of Nature

How Many Methods Do How Many Methods Do Humans Use to Genetically Humans Use to Genetically

Modify Organisms?Modify Organisms?

• SelectionSelection

• BreedingBreeding

• CloningCloning

• GraftingGrafting

• HybridizationHybridization

• MutagenesisMutagenesis

• Tissue CultureTissue Culture

• Somaclonal VariationSomaclonal Variation

• EmbryogenesisEmbryogenesis

• Anther CultureAnther Culture

• Cell FusionCell Fusion

• TransposonsTransposons

• Viral InfectionViral Infection

What Is Biotechnology?

• Definitions Back to 1917• Can include selection, breeding,

fermentation, tissue culture, genetic analysis, gene splicing, and DNA analysis (genomics)

What is Biotechnology?What is Biotechnology?

• Gene Splicing or Recombinant DNA Technology

• The Controversial Technology• Recombinant DNA Technology:

From Gene Pool to Genetic Ocean

What is Genomics?

• Finding the Sequence & Function of All the Genes of an Organism

• Challenging How We View the Nature of Life and the Life of Nature.

• Evolution• Vitalism: Essence vs Substance• A Shared Genetic Heritage

Biotechnology is Biotechnology is ControversialControversial

• It touches on so many fundamentals

• Our Bodies• Our Families• Our Land• Our Sense of Right and Wrong

Genesis, Genie, Ingenuity

• Understanding Concerns about Genetic Manipulation

• The Joys of Etymology: Genie Genetique

• GenesisGenesis

• GenesisGenesis

• GenesGenes

• GenesisGenesis

• GenesGenes

• GenieGenie

• GenesisGenesis

• GenesGenes

• GenieGenie

• GeniusGenius

• GenesisGenesis

• GenesGenes

• GenieGenie

• GeniusGenius

• IngeniousIngenious

• Genesis IngenuityGenesis Ingenuity

• GenesGenes

• GenieGenie

• GeniusGenius



• Genes IngenieurGenes Ingenieur

• Genie Genie

• GeniusGenius



• Genes IngenieurGenes Ingenieur

• Genie EngineerGenie Engineer

• GeniusGenius


Biotechnology is ControversialBiotechnology is Controversial

• Differences in ValuesDifferences in Values

• VersusVersus

• Differences in Conceptions and Differences in Conceptions and MisconceptionsMisconceptions

A Spectrum of Values About A Spectrum of Values About FoodFood

• WholesomeWholesome

• HolisticHolistic

• HolyHoly

Wholesome vs. LoathsomeWholesome vs. Loathsome

• A wholesome food can be loathsome, A wholesome food can be loathsome, based on tradition, habit, taste or based on tradition, habit, taste or religion.religion.

Ethics vs SqueamicsEthics vs Squeamics

• Ethics--from ancient Greek Ethics--from ancient Greek ethosethos, , meaning “character” or “custom”meaning “character” or “custom”

• Distinguishing between that which is Distinguishing between that which is unacceptable behavior and that which unacceptable behavior and that which makes us uncomfortablemakes us uncomfortable

Perception is RealityPerception is Reality

Perception is RealityPerception is Reality

• Except, Often It is NotExcept, Often It is Not

• Whose job is it to point this out?Whose job is it to point this out?

• Ask Galileo if it’s easy.Ask Galileo if it’s easy.

The Challenge of Perception is the Potential

for The Feeling of Deception

• How Consumers Think New Foods Are Developed, Tested and Regulated

• How New Foods Are Actually Developed, Tested and Regulated

Learning vs UnLearningLearning vs UnLearning

• ““It’s not that people don’t know. It’s not that people don’t know.

• It’s that so much of what people know It’s that so much of what people know just isn’t so.”just isn’t so.”

Criticisms of Recombinant Criticisms of Recombinant DNA Technology from DNA Technology from

Prophets, Princes, Priests and Prophets, Princes, Priests and PeoplePeople• PerversionPerversion

• PoisonPoison

• PromiscuityPromiscuity

• ProfitProfit

• PowerPower

And ProofAnd Proof

PerversionPerversion

• Transfer of genes from one species to Transfer of genes from one species to another is an abominationanother is an abomination

• ‘‘The realm of God and of God alone’The realm of God and of God alone’

PoisonPoison

• The introduced gene itself may be a The introduced gene itself may be a poison poison

• Introducing new genes may turn on Introducing new genes may turn on dangerous genes or turn off beneficial dangerous genes or turn off beneficial genesgenes

PromiscuityPromiscuity

• The introduced gene may make the The introduced gene may make the crop a superweedcrop a superweed

• The introduced gene may flow to wild The introduced gene may flow to wild relatives, polluting their gene poolrelatives, polluting their gene pool

• The introduced gene may flow to related The introduced gene may flow to related weeds, making them superweeds.weeds, making them superweeds.

ProfitProfit

• Companies are concerned primarily with Companies are concerned primarily with making a profitmaking a profit

• ““Food for people, not for profit”Food for people, not for profit”

Profiteering vs PropheteeringProfiteering vs Propheteering

PowerPower

• Biotechnology by its need for Biotechnology by its need for infrastructure concentrates power in infrastructure concentrates power in countries rich in infrastructurecountries rich in infrastructure

• Biotechnology companies by their drive Biotechnology companies by their drive for profits seek patents, preclude the for profits seek patents, preclude the free use of the technology, purchase free use of the technology, purchase competitors, prevent farmers from competitors, prevent farmers from saving seedsaving seed

Power, continuedPower, continued

• Biotechnology sucks resources away Biotechnology sucks resources away from research and economic from research and economic development based on sustainable development based on sustainable agriculture, including especially organic agriculture, including especially organic methods.methods.

The Pivotal ‘P’ Word: The Pivotal ‘P’ Word: The Nature of ProofThe Nature of Proof

Fairness in Proof and in Fairness in Proof and in ProvingProving

• Comparable ScrutinyComparable Scrutiny

• What Every 6 Year Old Knows: What’s What Every 6 Year Old Knows: What’s Fair, and What’s UnfairFair, and What’s Unfair

• What is a Fair Compare?What is a Fair Compare?

Is Biotechnology Safe?Is Biotechnology Safe?

• Yes or NoYes or No

• Black and WhiteBlack and White

• Cut and DriedCut and Dried

• GuaranteedGuaranteed

• And CertainAnd Certain


• Distinguishing between Distinguishing between

• The Process and its inherent risksThe Process and its inherent risks

• &&

• The Specific Gene and its inherent risksThe Specific Gene and its inherent risks


• The Possibilities: Risks of rDNA areThe Possibilities: Risks of rDNA are• Greater Than,Greater Than,• Equal To,Equal To,• Less Than,Less Than,• Or Different From Risks from other genetic Or Different From Risks from other genetic

modifications?modifications?

Is there evidence that gene Is there evidence that gene splicing is riskier than other splicing is riskier than other

methods of genetic methods of genetic modification?modification?

Genetic Modifications of Genetic Modifications of CropsCrops

• In how many ways are crops genetically In how many ways are crops genetically modified today?modified today?

Genetic Modifications of Genetic Modifications of CropsCrops

• Selection Tissue CultureSelection Tissue Culture• Breeding Somaclonal VariationBreeding Somaclonal Variation• Cloning EmbryogenesisCloning Embryogenesis• Grafting Cell FusionGrafting Cell Fusion• Hybridization TransposonsHybridization Transposons• Mutagenesis Viral Infection Mutagenesis Viral Infection

Genetic ModificationsGenetic Modifications

• Which of these are “natural”?Which of these are “natural”?

• Which of these occur in Nature in the Which of these occur in Nature in the absence of The Hand of Humanity?absence of The Hand of Humanity?

• Does it matter, as a point of risk?Does it matter, as a point of risk?

• Manipulate, Maneuver, ManufactureManipulate, Maneuver, Manufacture

How are the risks of these How are the risks of these genetic modifications genetic modifications

managed and reviewed?managed and reviewed?

• Should the threshold of safety for crops Should the threshold of safety for crops developed using these methods serve developed using these methods serve as the threshold of safety for crops as the threshold of safety for crops developed using recombinant DNA developed using recombinant DNA technology?technology?

Is Biotechnology As Safe As Is Biotechnology As Safe As Other Methods of Genetic Other Methods of Genetic

Modification?Modification?

• Key principle based on 1987 report from Key principle based on 1987 report from the National Academy of Sciencesthe National Academy of Sciences

• Safety assessments “should be based Safety assessments “should be based on the nature of the organism and the on the nature of the organism and the environment into which it will be environment into which it will be introduced, not on the method by which introduced, not on the method by which it was modified.”it was modified.”



• 1987 National Academy of Science: “no 1987 National Academy of Science: “no conceptual distinction exists between conceptual distinction exists between genetic modification of plants and genetic modification of plants and microorganisms by classical methods or microorganisms by classical methods or by molecular methods that modify DNA by molecular methods that modify DNA and transfer genes.”and transfer genes.”



• 1989 National Research Council report1989 National Research Council report• ““Crops modified by molecular and Crops modified by molecular and

cellular methods should pose risks no cellular methods should pose risks no different from those modified by different from those modified by classical genetic methods for similar classical genetic methods for similar traits.”traits.”

Revisiting the Issue of Revisiting the Issue of Relative RiskRelative Risk

• A Committee of the National Research A Committee of the National Research Council has again reviewed the issue of Council has again reviewed the issue of relative risks of recombinant DNA technologyrelative risks of recombinant DNA technology

• The committee’s report in April 2000 The committee’s report in April 2000 reaffirmed that there is no evidence that the reaffirmed that there is no evidence that the risks of recombinant DNA technology are risks of recombinant DNA technology are different from those of other methods of different from those of other methods of genetic modification.genetic modification.

"Is It Safe?" vs. "Is It Safe Enough?”

• Science can assess the riskScience can assess the risk

• Politics draws the threshold of Politics draws the threshold of acceptanceacceptance

• For example, what are the roles of For example, what are the roles of science and of politics in setting speed science and of politics in setting speed limits?limits?

What is the Benchmark of Safety?

• How safe is safe enough?How safe is safe enough?

• Should transgenic crops be less safe, Should transgenic crops be less safe, as safe, or safer than other genetically as safe, or safer than other genetically modified crops?modified crops?

• If safer, how much safer? How If safer, how much safer? How measured? How long?measured? How long?

What is the Benchmark of What is the Benchmark of Safety?Safety?

• The Method of Heft vs.The Method of Heft vs.• The Double Scales of JusticeThe Double Scales of Justice• We may not know how risky two We may not know how risky two

approaches are, but we can consider approaches are, but we can consider which weighs morewhich weighs more

• Conventional Methods as the Standard Conventional Methods as the Standard of Acceptable Riskof Acceptable Risk

• Comparable Scrutiny for Comparable Risk?

• Uncomparable Scrutiny for Comparable Risk?

Product vs. Process

• Where lie the risks?Where lie the risks?

• Where do people perceive the risks lie?Where do people perceive the risks lie?

Two Types of RegulationsTwo Types of Regulations

• Regulations to protect the public from Regulations to protect the public from the risks of biotechnologythe risks of biotechnology

• Regulations to protect biotechnology Regulations to protect biotechnology from the fears of the publicfrom the fears of the public

• What are the benefits and pitfalls of What are the benefits and pitfalls of such ‘reassurance regulations’?such ‘reassurance regulations’?

In Labeling, what should be:In Labeling, what should be:

• Compulsory?• Permitted?• Prohibited?

Labeling in US: The ProductLabeling in US: The Product

• CompositionComposition

• AdulterationAdulteration

Labeling in US: The ClaimsLabeling in US: The Claims

• TruthfulTruthful

• And Not MisleadingAnd Not Misleading

Defensive Labeling

• "May Contain”• Tolerances of Content

The Consumer Sovereignty Argument:

• The consumer has a right to know what goes in the consumer’s body.

• WWW2NO: Whatever We Want to Know

• Rights vs Remedies• The strength of the right is really

in the power of the remedy

The Consumer Sovereignty The Consumer Sovereignty Argument Argument

• Right to Know vs Demand to KnowRight to Know vs Demand to Know

• Right to Know vs. Obligation to DivulgeRight to Know vs. Obligation to Divulge

• Compare to other rights: to free press, Compare to other rights: to free press, to free education, to bear & keep arms, to free education, to bear & keep arms, to free conscienceto free conscience

• If the consumer right to know is If the consumer right to know is absolute, then how far does it go? absolute, then how far does it go?

Are There Limits on Are There Limits on Consumer Sovereignty?Consumer Sovereignty?

• For example, what if a majority of For example, what if a majority of consumers demand to know the religion consumers demand to know the religion of the producer?of the producer?

Is the power of a right in the Is the power of a right in the remedy?remedy?

• Do you have the right to know whatever Do you have the right to know whatever you want to know about the food you you want to know about the food you are buying?are buying?

• At a market? At a store? At a At a market? At a store? At a restaurant? restaurant?

• Remedy: choose not to use if the seller Remedy: choose not to use if the seller cannot or will not provide the cannot or will not provide the information.information.

The Economic Justice Argument:

• Labeling as an Economic “Good or Service”

• Beyond information on composition and safety, extra labeling information should be treated as economic goods or services

The Economic Justice The Economic Justice ArgumentArgument

• Those that value the good should pay for it

• Those that don’t value it should not have to pay for it

Economic Justice is the Basis Economic Justice is the Basis for Labeling Kosher and for Labeling Kosher and

Organic FoodOrganic Food

StarLinkStarLink

• Cry9c protein and gene Cry9c protein and gene • Potential for AllergenicityPotential for Allergenicity• Confusing A posteriori & A priori?Confusing A posteriori & A priori?• The Split Approval:The Split Approval:

– Standards of Practice of Hybrid Seed CornStandards of Practice of Hybrid Seed Corn– Standards of PerformanceStandards of PerformanceContaminant vs AdulterantContaminant vs Adulterant

The Precautionary Principle The Precautionary Principle and the “Questions Remain” and the “Questions Remain”

ArgumentArgument

• What are the powers and limits of What are the powers and limits of science as a way of probing the science as a way of probing the unknown?unknown?

• Is science omniscience?Is science omniscience?• Since omniscience is never possible, Since omniscience is never possible,

how do we decide in the face of how do we decide in the face of uncertainty?uncertainty?

The “Questions Remain” The “Questions Remain” ArgumentArgument

• Questions remain about gene splicing.Questions remain about gene splicing.

• However, this is true for even the most However, this is true for even the most familiar methods of genetic modification.familiar methods of genetic modification.

• Is familiarity a function of risk or a factor Is familiarity a function of risk or a factor in acceptance?in acceptance?

• Should we care about the distinction?Should we care about the distinction?

Philosophies of Proof

• European • vs • North American

Why? vs. Why Not?

• Continental Europe: Unless it is Continental Europe: Unless it is permitted, it is prohibitedpermitted, it is prohibited

• English and North American: Unless it English and North American: Unless it is prohibited, it is permittedis prohibited, it is permitted

The Nature of Proof The Nature of Proof

• Whom do we trust? vs. • What do we trust?• The difference between assuaging

the fear and assaying the risk

The Burden of Proof:

• Caution• Precaution• Pretense & Paralysis

The Jane Austen Analysis of Science as a Way of

Dealing with Uncertainty

• Sense and Sensibility• Pride and Prejudice

• The Roles of Science in Choosing to

Use or Choosing to Refuse• The Roles of Science in Negotiation,

Mediation and Arbitration

Jerry Caulder: A Crisis of Jerry Caulder: A Crisis of EpistemologyEpistemology

• Be aware of how society has changed historically in assessing truth.

• "We had an Authoritative System : the pope, the king, the prince decided what was right."

• "Then we moved into the Scientific Method: reason and experience and experiment tested our ideas."

• "Testability is the one difference between science and faith. That's what scientists do--they test, and retest. The problem is you're wrong alot. But the ultimate defense that you're moving toward the truth. Can anybody else make that claim?"

• "But in the last few years we've moved into the Egalitarian Method: let's just vote on what the truth is.”

• "We vote on what the truth is rather than trying to figure out what it is.”

Science as a Source of Science as a Source of Freedom and FairnessFreedom and Fairness

• The Uses of Science in Accommodating The Uses of Science in Accommodating Profound Concerns Unfounded by the Profound Concerns Unfounded by the DataData

• The Roles of Science and of Public The Roles of Science and of Public Opinion in Shaping Public Policy as to Opinion in Shaping Public Policy as to What will be Compulsory, Permitted and What will be Compulsory, Permitted and ProhibitedProhibited

Agricultural PuritanismAgricultural Puritanism

• Certainty, Zeal -- and IntoleranceCertainty, Zeal -- and Intolerance• Bombing buildings (late 1980’s), wrecking Bombing buildings (late 1980’s), wrecking

field trials, and breaking windows-- field trials, and breaking windows-- anonymously and at night (Oct. 1999 in anonymously and at night (Oct. 1999 in Wisconsin)Wisconsin)

• Is Propheteering any better than Profiteering?Is Propheteering any better than Profiteering?

Wholesome Holistic & Holy

• Understanding Perspectives of Food

• Discerning between Loathsome and Unwholesome

• The Powers and Limits of Science

In Labeling, what should be:In Labeling, what should be:

• Compulsory?• Permitted?• Prohibited?

Labeling in US: The ProductLabeling in US: The Product

• CompositionComposition

• AdulterationAdulteration

Labeling in US: The ClaimsLabeling in US: The Claims

• TruthfulTruthful

• And Not MisleadingAnd Not Misleading

Defensive Labeling

• "May Contain”• Tolerances of Content

The Economic Justice Argument:

• Labeling as an Economic “Good or Service”

• Beyond information on composition and safety, extra labeling information should be treated as economic goods or services

Economic Justice is the Basis Economic Justice is the Basis for Labeling Kosher and for Labeling Kosher and

Organic FoodOrganic Food

The Economic Justice The Economic Justice ArgumentArgument

• Those that value the good should pay for it

• Those that don’t value it should not have to pay for it

The Consumer Sovereignty Argument:

• WWW: Whatever We Want• Rights vs Remedies• The strength of the right is really

in the power of the remedy

Are There Limits on Are There Limits on Consumer Sovereignty?Consumer Sovereignty?

• For example, what if a majority of For example, what if a majority of consumers demand to know the religion consumers demand to know the religion of the producer?of the producer?

International Trade Issues

• The Idea of Fungibility• Accommodating The Concept of

Commodities

• Labeling• Segregation• Detection of “contamination”• Tolerance of Crops with

Transgenes

• Boycotts by Consumers• Embargoes by Countries’

Governments• Non-tariff Trade Barriers• Sleepless in Seattle

Responses to IntimidationResponses to Intimidation

• Is it fair to say that neither might nor Is it fair to say that neither might nor fright makes right?fright makes right?

The Montreal AccordThe Montreal Accord

• The BioDiversity Treaty vsThe BioDiversity Treaty vs

• The Global Agreement on Tariffs & The Global Agreement on Tariffs & TradeTrade

• The Precautionary Principle vsThe Precautionary Principle vs

• Substantial Scientific EvidenceSubstantial Scientific Evidence

US vs EU on The Newshour US vs EU on The Newshour 1.31.001.31.00

• Frank Loy, Undersecretary of StateFrank Loy, Undersecretary of State• John Richardson, Deputy Ambassador John Richardson, Deputy Ambassador

of European Commissionof European Commission• EU: Consumer concern over EU: Consumer concern over

environmental impactenvironmental impact• EU: can reject a crop if there is EU: can reject a crop if there is

scientific doubt, by invoking the scientific doubt, by invoking the precautionary principleprecautionary principle

EU ConcernsEU Concerns

• EU: has been motivated by concerns of EU: has been motivated by concerns of votersvoters

• ““If our voters want us to be cautious, If our voters want us to be cautious, then our politicians need to be cautious”then our politicians need to be cautious”

• ““It’s not about our farmers, it’s about our It’s not about our farmers, it’s about our consumers”consumers”

US: EU position has beenUS: EU position has been

• Not scientificNot scientific

• PoliticalPolitical

• UnfairUnfair

• Damaging to farmersDamaging to farmers

• A final method called the Humanitarian Approach described by the idea that "You're a nice fellow, so we'll give credence to your ideas.”

Is Biotechnology Safe?BSE & nvCJD: The Crux

• March 1996March 1996

• The Event That Crumbled Public Trust The Event That Crumbled Public Trust in Scientists and Perhaps in Sciencein Scientists and Perhaps in Science

• Is there a difference between saying Is there a difference between saying “We have no evidence that English beef “We have no evidence that English beef is less safe than other sources of beef” is less safe than other sources of beef” and saying “It’s safe”?and saying “It’s safe”?

Weighing Risks: Weighing Risks: Why Words MatterWhy Words Matter

• Can we hear the difference between Can we hear the difference between statements about biology and statements about biology and statements about biologists?statements about biologists?

Weighing Options:Weighing Options:Churchill’s Readiness Churchill’s Readiness

SpectrumSpectrum• AliveAlive

• AwakeAwake

• AwareAware

• ArouseArouse

• AlertAlert

• AlarmAlarm

(So why are gene-spliced (So why are gene-spliced crops called GMOs?)crops called GMOs?)

• I don’t knows.I don’t knows.

• Confusing, isn’t it?Confusing, isn’t it?

• Misleading, too?Misleading, too?

GMO?GMO?

• It’s misleading and not truthful to use It’s misleading and not truthful to use the term “genetically modified organism” the term “genetically modified organism” to mean exclusively those modified to mean exclusively those modified using recombinant DNA technology.using recombinant DNA technology.

• But it’s the European conventionBut it’s the European convention• It’s the Grossly Misleading Option for It’s the Grossly Misleading Option for

describing gene-spliced crops.describing gene-spliced crops.

Considering Risks: Inherent Considering Risks: Inherent to the Process of Gene to the Process of Gene

SplicingSplicing• Gene insertion: gene interruption to Gene insertion: gene interruption to

activate, inactivate, or change activate, inactivate, or change expressionexpression

• Inserting a foreign gene: vitalismInserting a foreign gene: vitalism

• Vitalism: The tomato with fish finsVitalism: The tomato with fish fins

Considering the Risks:Considering the Risks:The Process or The Gene?The Process or The Gene?

• AllergenicityAllergenicity• SuperweedsSuperweeds• Transfer to ‘land races’ or special Transfer to ‘land races’ or special

varieties of a crop that differ by color, varieties of a crop that differ by color, size, hardiness, etc, that farmers have size, hardiness, etc, that farmers have cultivated in specific places for cultivated in specific places for generationsgenerations

Considering the Risks:Considering the Risks:Antibiotic Resistance GenesAntibiotic Resistance Genes

• Why use antibiotic resistance genes or Why use antibiotic resistance genes or markers?markers?

• Coupling a valuable but hard-to-find Coupling a valuable but hard-to-find gene with an easy-to-find gene.gene with an easy-to-find gene.

• How to find a golden needle in a How to find a golden needle in a haystack: duct-tape a steel needle to it, haystack: duct-tape a steel needle to it, and use a magnet.and use a magnet.

Considering the RisksConsidering the RisksAntibiotic resistance genesAntibiotic resistance genes

• How often is the antibiotic applied?How often is the antibiotic applied?

• When?When?

• Where?Where?

• Why is this different from routine use of Why is this different from routine use of antibiotics as a feed supplement for antibiotics as a feed supplement for livestock and poultry?livestock and poultry?

Considering the Risks:Considering the Risks:The Antibiotic Resistance The Antibiotic Resistance

GenesGenes• Where do the antibiotic resistance Where do the antibiotic resistance

genes come from?genes come from?• What is the worst-case scenario?What is the worst-case scenario?• If the antibiotic resistance genes in If the antibiotic resistance genes in

crops originally come from bacteria, and crops originally come from bacteria, and the possible threat is that the genes will the possible threat is that the genes will move from crops to bacteria, where’s move from crops to bacteria, where’s the risk?the risk?

Considering the Risks:Considering the Risks:Introducing a New ProteinIntroducing a New Protein

• How many ways can proteins previously How many ways can proteins previously not in the food supply be introduced into not in the food supply be introduced into crops?crops?

• What is the level of scrutiny (due What is the level of scrutiny (due diligence) for introducing new proteins diligence) for introducing new proteins by conventional genetic modifications?by conventional genetic modifications?

• What should be the level of scrutiny for What should be the level of scrutiny for gene splicing? gene splicing?

The Idea of Substantial Equivalence

• A regulatory concept borrowed from the process used to review new medical devices.

The Unanswered EthicalQuestion: Unintended

Consequences of Boycotts• Opportunity Cost • & • Opportunity Lost

Wholesome vs. LoathsomeWholesome vs. Loathsome

• A wholesome food can be loathsome, based A wholesome food can be loathsome, based on tradition, habit, taste or religion.on tradition, habit, taste or religion.

• Who should pay for information about the Who should pay for information about the loathsomeness of food?loathsomeness of food?

• What are the limits on the consumer right to What are the limits on the consumer right to know?know?

• What are the legal remedies when the right is What are the legal remedies when the right is violated?violated?

Documents

Biotechnology and Food Personal Choices & Public Policies Thomas M. Zinnen Biotechnology Policy & Outreach Specialist University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension