Trans fats are made by hydrogenating liquid oils so that they become more solid, more stable and less greasy-tasting. The FDA itself estimates that counting trans fats as saturated fats for labeling purposes could safe thousands of lives each year. A movement is currently on to require such information on food labels. Ingredients which are touted to boost memory, act as anti-depressants, stop balding or cure impotence, have never been tested or evaluated for effectiveness or determined to be safe when added to foods. In short, the unregulated use of dietary supplements exposes the public to serious health risks as well as fraud.
Genetic engineering involves splicing a gene from one organism into a plant or animal.
Potential long-term negative effects or allergic reactions pose the greatest risks, but, it is the uncertainty involved in this emerging industry that worries some experts the most. For the most part, the FDA has chosen to take the position that most genetically engineered foods will be safe for human consumption. In the closing days of the Clinton administration, the FDA was in the process of modifying its position by proposing some mandatory rules and some voluntary guidelines with respect to testing, notification, scientific descriptions and labeling. Whether the FDA will continue to move in this direction under the new Bush administration bears watching. The inability of nations to isolate themselves from the spread of food-related diseases.