It would be easy to point out the misinformation in the recent letter critical of Monsanto’s suit against Oakhurst (Dec. 1). But that would not change the firmly held beliefs of the author. And therein lies the problem.

Fear is becoming a staple of food marketing campaigns. “Buy my milk because the other guy’s contains hormones.” “Buy my organic corn because biotech corn is killing Monarch butterflies.” Never mind the fact there isn’t a shred of credible scientific evidence to back up these claims. As long as a company plays on the fears of consumers, it’ll sell more product. Oakhurst has proven that.

What’s a consumer to do? First, remember that the Food and Drug Administration has given the United States the safest food supply in the world. Second, listen to credible scientific organizations like the National Academy of Sciences or the American Medical Association. Both, for example, have found biotech foods to be safe. Third, be wary of claims that one food is safer than another. Not one study has been able to show that organic foods are safer or more nutritious than conventional foods.

When it comes to new technology and the food we eat, keep an open mind and get all the facts.

Douglas R. Johnson,

Maine Biotechnology

Information Bureau, Stonington

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