Printed in the Honolulu Advertiser

Letters to the Editor, Wednesday, March 14, 2007

GMO Foods Are Safe And Thoroughly Tested

Contrary to what Laurie Steelsmith stated in her article, "Genetically modified food not labeled in U.S." (Island Life, March 1), genetically modified foods produced for commercial purposes are thoroughly tested and safe to eat.

As a farmer growing papayas for more than 30 years — and for the last eight years a genetically modified papaya variety resistant to the papaya ringspot virus — I have not experienced any complaints from any of my customers.

In fact, the papaya grown now is the same as previous varieties, but by all indications is much improved in terms of plant vigor, taste and productivity.

We take extreme pride in producing high-quality fruits that consistently draw loyal customers who make repeat purchases on a weekly basis.

Further, Ms. Steelsmith implies that GMO foods may contain material that may pose allergy threats.

I remind her that certain individuals have specific allergic reactions to specific allergens, i.e. lactose intolerance in milk products, hay fever from mango flowers, gluten intolerance in wheat products and so forth. Should we label milk, mangoes and bread as unsafe?

Kenneth Kamiya
President, Kamiya Gold Inc.