Biotech food losing stigma With worldwide grain shortages, appeal of higher yields drives change
By ANDREW POLLACK
THE NEW YORK TIMES/HERALD TRIBUNE
Soaring food prices and global grain shortages are bringing new pressures on governments, food companies and consumers to relax their long-standing resistance to genetically engineered crops.
In Japan and South Korea, some manufacturers have begun buying genetically engineered corn for use in soft drinks, snacks and other foods.
Until now, to avoid consumer backlash, companies have paid extra to buy conventionally grown corn. But with prices tripling in two years, it has become too expensive to be so finicky.
