Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Budweiser Vetos Genetically Modified Rice

Posted by timothy on from the squeeze-in-a-cheap-shot dept.

fishdan writes "Anheuser-Busch the makers of Budweiser and other beers, has stated that they will not buy rice from Missouri if genetically modified crops are allowed in the state. Budweiser is claimed to be the best selling beer in the world Bud Light is the second best selling. I wonder about the stats of Tsing Tao I'm not sure what they're afraid of from genetically modified rice. Do they think their beer could get any worse?"

2 of 142 comments (clear)

  1. They are afraid... by jangobongo · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I'm not sure what they're afraid of from genetically modified rice.

    They are afraid that they will lose customers. Since the public has not made up its mind as to whether genetically modified foods are safe to ingest, Budweiser does not want to alienate anyone who purchases their products.

    Remember, people are afraid of the unknown. "Will it cause cancer?", "Am I going to turn into a mutant??", etc.

    --

    Sig cancelled due to lack of interest
    1. Re:They are afraid... by moof1138 · · Score: 4, Insightful

      This has nothing to do with cancer fears or even GM food. The modified rice is genetically enhanced with synthetic human genes to produce lactoferrin and lysozyme, which are intended to be used in medicines so they would be very likely affect someone who consumed them. They are afraid that the modified rice could cross pollinate with standard rice. It is well known that pollen can travel large distances, so the possibility of contamination is very real and could in theory have serious negative consequences. It may be that their concerns are unfounded, but that is really something that only an expert could make the call on.

      --

      Hyperbole is the worst thing ever.