Kei-ichi Ohara, the American Soybean Association's Japan director explained TV cooking show host Carlee Saijo was from Texas. So, I was surprised when Saijo began speaking in Japanese. There is no 100 percent safe food in this world. . . . It is impossible . . .
Biotechnology can reduce the use of ag chemicals . . .
She is interested in the potential of ''golden rice,'' which was developed with biotechnology, to feed the hungry. The discovery of corn that tested positive in Japan for StarLink resonated deeply with many Japanese because it might cause allergic reactions, she said during a reception after the panel discussion. Japanese have had an increasing problem with allergies over the years, she said. As Saijo and others sampled ham, and egg rolls and ice cream made from Bt corn and Roundup Ready soybeans, she said some in Japan criticize the biotech flowers. The critics say ''you are changing the lifestyle of flowers,'' she recounted.