Scientist issues genetic food warning 0 The only way consumers
can protect their families and avoid potentially harmful so-
called Frankenfoods is to buy directly from the grower, says a
leading plant scientist. "The important thing in local
communities is know the producer," Arpad Pusztai told a crowd of
about 30 people gathered to hear him speak about genetically
modified food at the Niagara Artists' Centre on St. Paul Street
in St. Catharines Saturday afternoon. "You have to know where
your food is coming from." There is widespread debate about the
safety of food that is genetically modified food to improve such
things as insect resistance or boost desired nutrients. Pusztai,
a leading plant expert, was dismissed from the Rowett Research
Institute in Aberdeen Scotland after he went public with
research on genetically modified potatoes in 1998. The
Hungarianborn biologist's contentious research on rats found
these potatoes caused several health problems, including a
weakened immune system and abnormal growth