A few thoughts on “Genetic Roulette” by Jeffrey M. Smith

I’ve spent a little time looking at Jeffrey M. Smith’s book, Genetic Roulette, subtitled “The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods,” and it’s pretty strong stuff. It compiles information about studies that indicate dangers of genetically engineered foods (and, for some, how they were buried); how regulation of GE foods is insufficient; how the industry’s studies are not adequate; and how the underlying arguments for GE crops are themselves flawed. The main use of this book would be to deflate any arguments that GE foods are safe. I have a hard time envisioning any argument that you couldn’t puncture with some data from here. The book’s purpose is not to help consumers avoid GE foods, but it does have some useful information for that as well in its appendix; for example, 89% of American-grown soy is genetically engineered — if that isn’t a fact to increase organic soy sales, I don’t know what is.

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