Grade Level: SrH-Adult
Producer: BBC
Closed Captioned: |
Running Time: 50 mins
Country of Origin: Great Britain
Study Guide: No |
Copyright Date: 2000
Available in French: No
|
The story of genetically modified food. Two decades since its inception, the idea has spawned a battle for the minds of the public around the world. Today, the experiments on crops are debated not only by international scientists, but by politicians, environmentalists, and corporate giants. The British media report the latest arguments against GM foods, with the possibility of large-scale environmental and health disaster. But what are the real scientific facts behind the front pages? This program goes back to the beginning of GM history and looks at the seeds of the controversy. In America, where it all started, consumers are feasting on genetically modified foods. There is wide acceptance there of the biotech companies' promises of more efficient, more environmentally friendly technology capable of feeding a rapidly growing world population. But it is very different in Britain - public scepticism about GM has forced its removal from supermarket shelves and a moratorium on commercial production. This program asks, who is right? Do the dangers of GM foods far outweigh their benefits? |
