Conference On Genetically Modified Foods

STORRS — A conference focusing on the safety of genetically modified foods will be held May 8–9 at the University of Connecticut’s Dodd Conference Center. The event is sponsored by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Center for Environmental Health (CEH) and the Department of Cooperative Extension.

Twelve internationally recognized speakers, including Dr Gerald Fink, professor of genetics at the Whitehead Institute and member of the National Academy of Sciences, will focus on human and environmental health issues, including the potential allergenicity of genetically modified foods, the potential for antibiotic resistance genes to move from plants to bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and the potential toxicity of insecticides expressed in some transgenic plants. Ecological issues such as the transfer of herbicide resistance genes to nontransgenic plants, the effects on microbial populations, the potential loss of biodiversity and related issues will also be discussed.

Lawrence Silbart, associate professor and assistant director of CEH, is excited about the event. “Scientists and the public at large are deeply divided on this issue, and conferences like this one will provide meaningful information, opinions, and dialog to help bring clarity to these issues,” said Mr Silbart.

The conference is expected to draw more than 100 participants from a wide range of fields including teachers, food sanitarians, nutritionists, outreach and extension professionals, regulators, scientists and students. For additional information on the conference call Lawrence Silbart at 860-486-6073 or visit ceh.uconn.edu/conference.html