When famine struck Africa in 2002, several nations refused shipments of genetically modified foods, fueling a controversy that put the issue on the world's political agenda for good. In this thought-provoking exploration, esteemed molecular biologist Dr. Lisa H. Weasel brings readers into the center of this debate, capturing the real-life experiences of the scientists, farmers, policymakers, and grassroots activists on the front lines. Combining solid scientific knowledge and a gripping narrative to tell the real story behind the headlines and the hype, Food Fray approaches the topic of genetically-modified foods from an intimate, insider perspective so readers can draw their own conclusions about the validity of the opposing arguments and the safety of consuming these foods in their homes. Since the beginning, Americans have openly embraced the new genetically modified foods filling their grocery shelves while Europeans have remained much warier of these "Frankenfoods." Seminal and cutting-edge, Food Fray enlightens and informs readers with "food for thought" about one of the most important issues facing us today.

Heralded as both the quick, painless solution to solving world hunger and the scourge of modern science-a dangerous tampering with nature and the decimation of traditional crops and communities-genetically modified foods have triggered volatile debates and deeply contradictory dialogues the world over. Food Fray cuts through the complex science, boiling passions, and ethical dilemmas to provide an impressive history of every significant development in the GM food story, as well as an even-handed assessment of both its potential benefits and negative consequences. Meticulously researched, yet lively and entertaining, the author travels the globe to gather the perspectives of scientists, activists, consumers, government officials, and others, as she uncovers possible answers to difficult questions: ¿ Do GM crops encourage a dangerous dependence on bioengineered seeds, chemical fertilizers, and toxic pesticides? Or can they solve the food scarcity problems that plague mankind? ¿ Will the world's major staple crops be controlled by a handful of countries and corporations? Or could the increased income that GM yields bring to small farmers provide the key to the prosperity of poor nations? ¿ Will this promising science, played out against a landscape of growing consumer fear, shoddy corporate practices, and loose government regulation, ultimately be squashed? Or will biotechnology continue to develop in ways that ensure the health and prosperity of many-not just the profits of a few?