Chapter 12, Problem 18BS

18. In October 2002, the government of the African nation of Zambia announced that it was refusing to distribute 15,000 tons of corn donated by the United States, enough corn to feed 2.5 million Zambians for three weeks. The government rejected the corn because it was likely to contain genetically modified kernels. The government made the decision after its scientific advisers concluded that the studies of the health risks posed by GM crops “are inconclusive.” Do you agree with Zambia’s decision? Why or why not? Consider that Zambia was facing food shortages, and 35,000 Zambians were expected to starve to death over the next six months. How do the risks posed by GM crops compare with the risk of starvation?