GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS AND PUBLIC HEALTH DEBATE: DESIGNING PROGRAMS TO MITIGATE RISKS
Human health is determined by both natural and artificial factors, amongst which what people consume is a critical variable. There is no consensus about the likely effects of the Genetically Modified foods/organisms (GMOs) but the fact remains that their effects on health are risky and highly unpredictable especially with the globalization tendency. The purpose of this study is to examine how the GMOs risks to public health can be reduced by policymakers enhancing public confidence in the GM foods. The Precaution Adoption Model (PAPM) has been selected to tackle this health problem. This model has been described and evaluation strategies analyzed on the basis of which success can be determined. BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION Human health is determined by both natural and artificial factors, amongst which what people consume is a critical variable. The proliferation of genetically modified (GM) food in the marketplace has resulted in heated public debate, scientific discussion and media coverage about their safety. Formerly, the use of selective breeding was commonplace but this was a sluggish and unreliable Public Administration Management Volume 13, Number 3, 191 217