Terrorism and Our Food

Terrorism and our food We are a society that thrives on fear. Look at the success of programs like Fear Factor and the headlines that make our papers. Despite having the healthiest food in the world many of us remain afraid of food. From soup to nuts, obesity to e-coli, even new technology like irradiation and genetic modification scares the scares the living daylights out many people. Surprising though the majority of Americans remain oblivious to how venerable our food system is to an act of terrorism. Last week in Kansas City, government and law officials plus scientists, gathered for a summit on "agroterrorism". Topics ranged from the availability of vaccines if a disease like Hoof and Mouth were planted in feedlots to attacks on our food distribution system through weak borders. . Thankfully we have yet to experience agroterrisom, but we should be prepared. Other countries haven't been so lucky. In parts of the Middle East and Africa, crops and animals have been poisoned during conflicts. I'm Susan Allen and this is Food Forethought. Source: Terror risk lurks on US Farms Kansas City.com Sunday May 01, 2005