Professor David Suzuki speaks out against GMO's / 2019 /

Summary

In this interview, David Suzuki discusses the potential risks of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food. He expresses concern that there is insufficient long-term research to understand the health impacts of GMOs and describes the issue as a massive experiment on the public. Suzuki criticizes the profit-driven motives behind biotech companies and the lack of transparency, arguing that consumers should at least be informed if GMOs are present in their food. He emphasizes the need for labeling and consumer choice in this global issue.

Takeaways

• 🧬 David Suzuki describes genetically modified food consumption as a massive experiment without long-term research.
• 🔬 Suzuki's primary concern is the lack of understanding about the long-term consequences of genetic manipulation on public health.
• ❓ He questions the ability of health authorities to test all possible combinations and permutations of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) over a large population.
• 🍽️ Suzuki emphasizes that GMOs have been introduced into food without public knowledge or clear labeling, making consumers unwitting participants in this experiment.
• ⚠️ Health Canada may test for toxins and allergens, but Suzuki argues that this approach ignores the larger implications of genetic manipulation.
• 🔄 He explains that geneticists traditionally track genes vertically within species, while biotechnology allows for horizontal gene transfer across unrelated species, a concerning practice.
• 🎻 Suzuki compares gene transfers to disrupting an orchestra by adding unrelated instruments, creating unpredictable outcomes.
• 💰 Suzuki criticizes biotech companies, arguing that financial incentives, rather than altruistic motivations, drive the push for GMOs.
• 🌍 He highlights economic disparity, noting that many of the world's poorest populations cannot afford the expensive genetically modified foods being developed.
• 📜 Suzuki calls for transparency and labeling of GMOs, arguing that consumers should have the right to choose whether they want to participate in this large-scale experiment.

Q & A

What is David Suzuki's main concern about genetically modified foods?

David Suzuki's main concern is that we do not know the long-term consequences of genetic manipulations in our food. He argues that there has not been enough testing on large populations over extended periods to determine if genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are harmless.

Why does David Suzuki describe our consumption of GMOs as a 'massive experiment'?

Suzuki describes it as a 'massive experiment' because GMOs are being introduced into the food supply without proper long-term testing, meaning that the public is unknowingly participating in an experiment to see the potential effects of these foods over time.

How does David Suzuki differentiate between vertical and horizontal gene transfer?

Vertical gene transfer refers to the natural process of passing genes from parents to offspring within the same species, while horizontal gene transfer (facilitated by biotechnology) allows genes to be transferred between unrelated species, which Suzuki argues may have unpredictable consequences.

Why does Suzuki criticize the assumption that GMOs are the same as traditional foods?

Suzuki criticizes this assumption because genetic modifications involve transferring genes between species in a way that doesn't happen naturally. He believes this alters the genetic context, leading to unpredictable effects that cannot be properly understood by simply comparing GMOs to regular food.

What example does Suzuki give to illustrate how small genetic changes can have significant effects?

Suzuki mentions that a single mutation can determine whether a person is crippled or even dies, emphasizing that even tiny genetic changes can have powerful and unforeseen effects.

What does Suzuki suggest is driving the push for genetically modified foods?

Suzuki argues that the push for genetically modified foods is driven primarily by money, with biotechnology companies under pressure to generate profits from speculative investments, rather than being motivated by solving issues like food shortages or improving the quality of life.

What criticism does Suzuki make regarding the claim that GMOs are meant to address global hunger?

Suzuki points out that many people living in poverty cannot afford expensive genetically modified foods. He also notes that companies like Monsanto focus on creating seeds resistant to their pesticides, which is more about profit than addressing global hunger.

What does Suzuki suggest consumers should demand regarding GMOs?

Suzuki suggests that, at the very least, consumers in a democratic society should be given the choice to avoid GMOs. He advocates for labeling products that contain genetically modified organisms so that consumers can make informed decisions.

How does David Suzuki's view on GMOs affect his personal eating habits?

Suzuki states that he avoids eating GMOs and is alarmed that they have been introduced into the food supply without public knowledge or discussion. He notes that GMOs are even found in children's food, which concerns him greatly.

What changes does Suzuki observe in the food industry regarding GMOs?

Suzuki observes that some companies, like Gerber and Heinz, are beginning to move away from using GMOs in children's food, indicating a growing awareness and response to public concern over genetically modified ingredients.