Fourth edition of leading book on GMO risks published with new chapter on gene editing

GMO Myths and Truths explains the threat to food safety and environment posed by gene-edited GMOs

The fourth edition of the most comprehensive book about the risks posed by genetically engineered foods was recently published. GMO Myths and Truths is co-authored by Claire Robinson, managing editor of GMWatch, and two genetic engineers: Michael Antoniou, Ph.D. of King’s College London; and John Fagan, Ph.D., who pioneered GMO testing methods and is co-founder of Health Research Institute.

The first three editions of the book proved popular all over the world including in India, East Asia, Russia, Europe, and North and South America, according to Robinson.

This new edition was needed to address the threats posed by new gene editing techniques such as CRISPR, which GMO supporters claim will help “feed the world,” deliver more nutritious foods, and mitigate climate change—all unmet promises of the “older” GMOs.

“We’ve heard these promises before, regarding the older-style GMOs. They were untrue then and they are untrue now,” Robinson says. “So we updated the book with a new chapter on gene editing, explaining this new threat to the food and feed supplies and why people need to insist that these new untested products are stringently regulated and labelled.”

Antoniou said, “Gene-edited crops are easier to produce than old-style transgenic crops. Thus we face the immediate prospect of untested gene-edited crops entering our food and feed markets. It was therefore crucial that we include the new chapter on gene-edited crops and the dangers that they pose to health and environment.”

Jane Goodall, Ph.D., DBE, and UN Messenger of Peace says GMO Myths and Truths “is a very important contribution to the GMO debate. Written in a clear and concise style, it is an invaluable reference for those wanting to learn more about the arguments of proponents and those critical of the technology. I found it of great value in my own efforts to better understand the issue. I hope this information will be widely available to students and to the general public.”

The 4th edition of GMO Myths and Truths is available from Amazon and Chelsea Green Publishing.

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