Citation
Stephen Fallows, D. (1999), "GM foods Web sites", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 99 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.1999.01799cag.001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1999, MCB UP Limited
GM foods Web sites
GM foods Web sites: the marketing and public relations view
Introduction
This article is the first of two which focus on a selection of Web sites which have relevance to research, development and production of genetically modified (GM) foods.
GM foods are sometimes referred to within the more generic term "food biotechnology" which can be confusing since the generic term can also include reference to traditional fermentation products (such as alcoholic beverages) and to the extraction of substances produced through fermentation processes (such as baker's yeast). For this article, the term GM foods is used to refer to the products of recombinant DNA technology rather than those products which derive from other biotechnology processes such as fermentation.
Although it is becoming common practice to refer to GM foods, it should be remembered that in practice it is mostly not the food per se which is modified but rather it is the ingredients. The main categories are:
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A primary crop plant is genetically modified to offer a new variant which has characteristics which offer benefits to the producer (such as resistance to specific pest organisms). For the present, the principal emphasis with GM crops is on those which will be subjected to significant processing prior to consumption (examples include tomatoes to be used in the manufacture of tomato paste and soya beans which will be milled prior to being included in cooked products).
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An ingredient used as a processing aid or additive is manufactured from a GM source rather than from the traditional source (a good example is the replacement of the enzyme rennet used in cheese manufacturing with an alternative milk clotting agent produced by GM bacteria this allows for the production of the so-called "vegetarian" cheeses).
Aside from the above, the two articles will not attempt to provide further information on the nature of GM foods; rather, they will point readers to a few of the wide selection of Web sites which offer a range of information and opinions on these new products. Hopefully, the information provided on the sites reviewed (and on the others to which links are provided by the originators of the featured sites) will have:
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A balance of the different views.
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A wide range of information delivered at levels appropriate to the prior knowledge levels of different readers.
It is the author's intention in these two articles, to take a neutral position, but to allow readers access to enough information to develop their views on this very controversial subject.
It must be pointed out that readers must take care when using the Internet to find out about any controversial subject; the Internet has information of a very wide range of quality:
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Some information is presented directly as the outcome of peer recognised scientific research which has international scientific credibility.
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Other information is provided as a distillation of the outcomes of sound scientific research the conclusions reached by the Web site originators may support the development of GM foods or may take a counterview. In either instance, the view is presented from an informed perspective.
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But it must be recognised that the Internet allows access to other sites which may be essentially the personal views of small groups or even individuals who have adopted a particularly pro- or anti-stance. These sites may contain significant scientific errors, prejudices, misconceptions and, in some cases, there may even be deliberate attempts to mislead.
The above should be accepted across all areas about which there is any degree of controversy within the nutrition and food safety domain there are many examples.
The Web sites included in the two review articles on GM foods cover the main issues and address the topic from a range of perspectives:
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This article focuses on those sites which have been created as a contribution to the marketing and public relations activities of companies which have commercial interest in GM foods.
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The second article addresses two further classes of Web site:
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Those created by recognised and respected organisations with strong scientific credentials which provide review articles and other materials from a respected scientific perspective.
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Those which provide the counter-arguments on behalf of groups which are calling for a halt to the introduction of GM foods.
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Readers are reminded that there are also many sites containing information from governments and other legislative bodies which also include material relating to GM foods. Nominally these are neutral in their position and tend to be required to act as "independent referees". For example, within the European Union, the political decision (Regulation (EC) No. 258/97) has been taken to accept the introduction of GM foods but to impose strict legislative controls on each new example; these controls require the agreement of the "competent body" nominated in each Member State. In all cases, the introduction of a new GM product is only permitted after independent review of scientific evidence put forward by the company proposing the new product increasingly, reports from such reviews will be made available via the Internet.
Web site reviews
The remainder of this article focuses on Web sites operated by organisations which have major commercial interests in the development of GM foods.
Monsanto
Monsanto is a US-based major company with interests in pharmaceuticals, food ingredients (such as the sweetener Nutrasweet) and agricultural chemicals. Long established, with almost 100 years of history in the chemicals industry, the company is now keen to reposition itself as a leader company with interests in "life sciences".
Worldwide, Monsanto is one of the largest investors in GM developments. In the UK, at least, the company has taken the view that it must address publicly any controversies relating to GM foods. The company judges that this will be best achieved by open recognition of the issues and open discussion. Unusually, for businesses in controversial areas of activity, Monsanto has addressed the issues head-on and, recognising the increasing domestic as well as professional access to the Internet, has used its Web site as the primary vehicle for distribution of its view to the most affluent (and hence decision-making) classes of the population. The Monsanto Web site is extensive and informative and very unusually provides direct links to organisations which hold quite different views as well as to the sites of relevant government and international organisations.
The site is broadly divided as follows:
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Pages giving details of the company's activities both in the UK and elsewhere. This includes links to the Monsanto corporate Web site in the USA and to information about the company's activities around the globe.
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Pages giving information regarding Monsanto's sponsorship of the Hall of Biodiversity at the American Museum of Natural History. This includes information arranged as follows:
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the basics of plant biotechnology
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how biotechnology works
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why biotechnology matters
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the benefits of biotechnology
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a brief biotech timeline
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common questions and their answers
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glossary of terms
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- 3.
The Biotechnology Knowledge Centre this is an evolving collection of documents which can be searched by:
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choice of topic:
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biotechnology: benefits and risks
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biotechnology and the economy
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biotechnology and the environment
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biotechnology and human health
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biotechnology and labelling
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biotechnology product development
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biotechnology and public opinion
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biotechnology and regulatory affairs
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science of biotechnology
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type of document
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brochures/leaflets/fact sheets
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communiqués and correspondence
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news items/feature articles/editorials
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speeches
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technical reports - general
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technical reports - corporate
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technical reports - governmental
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technical reports - peer reviewed
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miscellaneous
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keywords
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The site allows the user to specify to which languages the search is to be limited (English, French, German or no language restrictions).
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Links to other sites. Monsanto has declared its intention to make a genuine contribution to the opening up of the debate on GM foods and provides a number of useful links to:
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universities and research centres
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organisations with an interest in biotechnology
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technical indexes
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UK government, EU and UK sites
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alternative viewpoints
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(The one obvious group which is missing from this list is the other companies which are also involved in GM activities. See below.)
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Biotech in the news an international review of recent news stories relating to GM foods. The links are to particular news stories in newspapers around the UK and overseas and to press notices released by the company.
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An opportunity to lodge additional information with the company or to ask further questions about biotechnology and GM foods.
Monsanto also provides the opportunity to join an e-mailing list to receive information about the company and on food biotechnology. The URL for the UK Monsanto site is http://www.monsanto.co.uk In addition, the URL for the Monsanto corporate Web site in the USA is http://monsanto.com
Monsanto has clearly established itself as the provider of the most substantial corporate Web site with information on GM foods; thus readers will undoubtedly find the Monsanto site the most useful.
However, it is also useful to look at sites created on behalf of two other companies with interests in this area since these provide alternative corporate interpretations. (It is recognised by the author that many other companies are active in using the Internet to present information about GM foods such companies are invited to contact the author of this article to suggest material for inclusion in follow-up reviews.)
Novartis
This is the second largest pharmaceutical company in the world formed from the merger of Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz. The company has extensive interests in GM foods.
A significant amount of information relating to GM foods is available on a Web site maintained by the Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development.
The Foundation's Web site includes information on a wide range of topics which include:
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agricultural and rural development;
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corporate / business ethics;
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health;
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social (human) development;
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sustainable development.
This means that the information relating to GM foods can be missed among the wide range of other materials.
However, a determined search of the site leads to its "biotechnology and genetic engineering directories". Many of the leads from this site provide substantial technical information on genetic modification in general. Also provided are direct links to the biotechnology sections of two popular engines, Yahoo and Infoseek.
The site also includes access to a list of "biotechnology and genetic engineering articles" however, it should be noted that this is by no means an up-to-date list and there is a clear bias towards Australian articles.
Novartis also offers the opportunity to search an evolving database of articles which includes some on GM foods.
The URL for the Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development Web site is http://www.foundation.novartis.com/
Gist-brocades NV
This is a Dutch company based in Delft. The company is active worldwide in the production of a substantial range of biotechnology-based products:
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In the pharmaceutical market, the company is the world's largest manufacturer of antibiotics.
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In the food market, the company is involved in the production of a wide range of food ingredients including bakers' yeasts, enzymes for production of cheese and yogurt and flavourings and nutritional ingredients.
The company's Web site makes only a low key reference to involvement with GM foods (in a single paragraph on the sixth page of a nine-page document). However, this paragraph provides useful information and explanation regarding the company's involvement in the production of a GM alternative to rennet (which is traditionally taken from slaughtered calves' stomachs); the site explains the background to the development of this GM alternative. The URL of the Gist-brocades Web site is http://www.gist-brocades.nl
Reference
Regulation (EC) No 258/97 of the European Parliament and the Council concerning novel foods and novel food ingredients (1997), Official Journal of the European Communities, L43/1, 14 February.
GM foods Web sites: the science and anti-science views
Introduction
This is the second of two linked articles on some of the very many Web sites which provide information concerned with genetically modified (GM) foods. The first article focused on sites operated by three commercial organisations which have a direct interest in research, development, introduction and marketing of GM foods. This second article covers a wider range of interests. It is intended that readers will consider the two articles together. However, it must be recognised that this (and the previous review) have touched on a mere fraction of the potential sources offered from around the world.
This article considers a number of Web sites under two broadly defined headings:
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The scientific community.
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The "anti-camp".
It must be remembered from the outset that these are each cited as examples of their type. It should be noted that almost all of the sites visited are UK based and provide a regionally focused view. Several of the sites provide links to other sources of information.
Since GM foods remain somewhat controversial, readers are reminded always:
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to consider the motives which underpin the establishment of a Web site;
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to remember that the authors of the material presented are likely to be selective in their choices; their selections are unlikely to be objective and may present a position which is misleading;
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that links from featured sites may lead to others with very dubious credentials and even to those which reflect the views of a very small minority.
Web site reviews
1. The scientific community Royal Society
The Royal Society has published a report which is an authoritative contribution to the current debate about the use of genetically modified plants to yield crops which can be used for food use. The Royal Society Working Group has focused solely on the scientific aspects of the issue.
The report considers the following:
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What is genetic modification?
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Is genetic modification regulated?
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Will genes transfer from GM plants?
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Will GM crops harm the environment?
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Specific issues related to GM plants for food use.
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Summary of recommendations (abbreviated below):
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Further increase in the number of antibiotic-resistant micro-organisms should be avoided.
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Strong support for mechanisms to inform consumers about developments in biotechnology including labelling of foods containing GM material. In recognition of international trade considerations, government should seek international clarity in such labelling.
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Need to recognise that the current case-by-case approach to control may result in a lack of analysis of the overview. A body should be created to ensure that this overview is provided. The proposed Food Standards Agency might have a role to play.
Annexes to the report provide the following:
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Historical review of the development of plant breeding since 1694.
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Membership of relevant advisory committees:
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Advisory Committee on GeneticModification
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Advisory Committee on Releases into the Environment
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Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes
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Food Advisory Committee
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Discussion on segregation and labelling.
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Footnotes to the report provide useful explanation of key terms. The URL for the report is http://www.royalsoc.ac.uk/st_pol40.htm
Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST)
The IFST is the principal scientific and professional organisation for professional food scientists and food technologists in the UK.
IFST published (on its Web site) an independent technical review statement on GM foods in March 1996. This was revised in April 1998 and is likely to be revised again from time to time as new developments occur.
The GM statement (and all others from the IFST) is not intended to represent the views of any government or of any section of the food industry; rather, it is provided as a "best judgement" and independent view of this professional body on the basis of current scientific knowledge.
The URL for the IFST is http://www.easynet.co.uk/ifst/ Direct access to the GM foods report is via URL http://www.easynet.co.uk/ifst/hottop10.htm
Irish Biotechnology Information Centre
This Irish site based at the University of Limerick provides a general overview of developments in biotechnology as they impact on the Irish food economy.
The site provides:
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A "biotech update" of current and recent events. While the principal focus is on Irish events (such as research in Irish universities or the consideration of GM issues by Irish organisations) this news service includes information on events of international importance (such as the business activities mergers etc. of companies with interests in GM foods).
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An events calendar (mostly Irish including Parliamentary debates on biotechnology).
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Links to other biotechnology-related sites in Ireland including those which express concern about GM.
The URL is http://www.ul.ie/-biotech/
At the time of writing, the Web site owner has indicated that the site needs to be updated; in particular this is to take account of a 76-page consultation document published by the Irish Government. The URL for this document is http://www.environ.ie/pdf/GMOdoc.pdf (this leads to a document which may be downloaded in adobe acrobat format). It is understood (from the owner of this Web site) that the Irish Government is to produce its definitive report in mid-1999.
2. The "Anti-camp" Iceland plc
Iceland is a mainstream UK food retailer with particular interests in (as its name suggests) the sale of frozen foods.
Iceland, unlike other UK food retailers, has taken a strongly "anti" position and has stated that it will ensure that "no Iceland own brand product manufactured after 1 May 1998 will contain any genetically modified ingredients". The company has indicated that it is the only food retailer in the UK to take such a stance. The company makes the claim that there were delays in tracing all ingredients to sources and hence this deadline was later than it would have preferred.
The site gives:
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A statement from the company founder and chairman, Malcolm Walker CBE.
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Discussion of "What is genetic modification?"
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Consideration of "Is genetic modification safe?"
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Discussion of the issue of consumer choice. This places particular attention on soya beans which are largely produced in the USA and where there has been no general procedure to ensure that GM soya is segregated from standard soya. As Iceland observe correctly, it must now be assumed that the soya which occurs in most food products will include GM soya.
Iceland describes the steps taken to support its no-GM ingredients claims but observes that avoidance of GM products will become increasingly difficult as more crops include GM varieties.
It should be noted that Iceland has taken an early stance on other environmental/consumer issues such as supporting the campaign to ban whaling by boycotting products from whaling countries and by removing and recycling ozone-depleting gases from old freezers.
The URL is http://www.iceland.co.uk/
Friends of the Earth
Friends of the Earth (FOE) is a well established and respected group which campaigns on a range of environmental issues. GM foods is a current campaign issue for FOE.
The Web site considers the question "What's wrong with genetic engineering?" and discusses this at www.easynet.co.uk/ifst/ from a range of perspectives including:
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Health concerns.
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Environmental concerns.
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The role of chemical farming (noting the involvement in GM of the pesticide manufacturers supporting (for instance) the development of GM crops able to resist named herbicides).
The site lists the FOE campaign aims with respect to GM foods. These include:
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Moratorium on commercial planting of GM plants in the UK and on imports of GM foods.
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Tighter controls on the release of GM organisms.
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Greater public consultation.
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Segregation of GM crops.
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Global ban on technology which prevents seeds germinating.
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Reform of the UK Government's advisory committees concerned with GM foods.
The site also lists what FOE considers to be "successes" in this area.
FOE is a campaigning organisation; the site, therefore, includes details on how to become involved in its activities.
The URL is http://foe.co.uk/camps/foodbio/index.htm
Greenpeace
As with Friends of the Earth (above) Greenpeace is an environmental campaigning group with a wide range of interests which range (via GM foods) from the disposal of redundant oil rigs to the safety of the plastics used in the manufacture of children's toys.
The Web site is extensive and includes an archive of materials posted since 1994.
The genetic engineering section is campaign oriented and is particularly critical of the information provided by Monsanto (see previous article); at the time of writing this article, Greenpeace had recently obtained and released copies of Monsanto internal documents which recorded the difficulty of convincing the opinion-forming groups in the UK population of the benefits of GM foods.
Greenpeace is a very active organisation and its Web site reflects this activity the material presented is changed regularly to maintain currency and interest. The URL is http://www.greenpeace.org/
The Natural Law Party
The Natural Law Party (NLP) is one of the minor, fringe groups engaged with the UK Parliamentary election system. Its candidates have received only minimal electoral support and none has been elected. However, the party has adopted a substantial anti-position with respect to GM foods and this is utilised as a strategy in its campaigns which focus on the "violation of natural law" by those responsible for national government. A part of this campaigning has been the creation of a substantial Web presence.
The site offers access to all the NLP press releases and other documents relating to its general philosophy (which most people will regard as somewhat bizarre) and to its position with respect to GM foods (which the party regards as a serious health risk).
The GM foods section:
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explains why the NLP is concerned;
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describes what is meant by the term "genetic engineering";
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lists what it sees as the dangers associated with GM foods.
The NLP see GM foods as a "global threat to humanity's food supply" and suggests that scientific facts demonstrate the need for an immediate worldwide ban.
The URL is http://www.natural-law-party.org.uk/
Concluding comment
In the first of this pair of articles it was pointed out to readers that the sites referred to in the two articles present just a very small snapshot of the material available. There are many other sites which could be referred to; this is particularly true when a global perspective is adopted since all but most of the sites reviewed in these two articles are UK based and all are European. Furthermore, each of the sites reviewed is likely to change over time as new evidence emerges and new issues arise.
Finally, readers are reminded to check out sites operated by relevant national government departments (see earlier articles in this series for their Web site addresses) and also the international organisations such as the European Commission or the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) as these also contain information on the subject of GM foods.
If you have identified a Web site likely to be of interest to readers of Nutrition & Food Science please contact the author of this series of articles as follows: by e-mail: to stephen.fallows@luton.ac.uk; by fax: 01234 766926 or 01582 743237; by post at the University of Luton.
Dr Stephen FallowsReader in Educational Development,University of Luton