The debate about genetically engineered crops provides an early warning signal that the U.S. public is apprehensive about the benefits and risks associated with new food technologies. It also indicates that the national regulatory system that is charged with ensuring clear communication about food health and safety has difficulty navigating these issues when technology is leaping ahead. Much more is at stake as manufacturers begin to produce foods that claim to prevent or fight specific diseases. Foods offering health benefits constitute one of the fastest-growing segments of the retail market.
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