talking biotech

Talking Biotech: Florida’s Kevin Folta on anti-GMO groups scaring consumers about glyphosate in foods

| November 26, 2016
HOST OVERVIEW
Kevin Folta: University of Florida plant geneticist Kevin Folta launched Talking Biotech in 2015.    More details

The last episode contained information about glyphosate that was allegedly detected in common grocery store items. Today’s podcast is an important follow up.

At the time the discussion was 100% correct based on the methods and information provided. I have since been contacted by the laboratory that did the testing. I’m confident that their numbers were reported correctly, as described on their analytical reports. So is there herbicide detected in parts per billion? Looks like it could be in some cases, is correctly detected with reliable quantitation in other cases, and in other cases it is not detected (still could be there below limit of detection).

fdn-cover

What it means again is that we are very good at detecting something that almost isn’t there, and you’d need to eat billions of boxes of Cheerios to reach a physiologically perilous level of the herbicide.

It also means no reason for alarm. The levels are amazingly small, and are a testament to outstanding detection– and are not the poisons as described. This clarification also underscores the importance of peer review. When methods are incomplete, and controls like organic products are coming back positive– it suggests that there are serious issues with the measurements.

So the question shifts again to the ethics of activist groups that attempt to scare parents with minuscule non-zero numbers. That is the conversation we must be having.

Stitcher | iTunes | Player FM | TuneIn

Visit Kevin Folta’s Talking Biotech

GLP Podcast Hosts

Listen to more episodes

glp menu logo outlined

Newsletter Subscription

* indicates required
Email Lists
glp menu logo outlined

Get news on human & agricultural genetics and biotechnology delivered to your inbox.