Jeffrey M. Smith | |
---|---|
Born | 1956 |
Nationality | American |
Education | Maharishi University of Management (formerly Maharishi International University) |
Occupation(s) | Consumer advocate, Author, politician |
Spouse | Andrea Vardi[3] |
Website | http://www.seedsofdeception.com/ |
Jeffrey M. Smith (born 1956) is an American consumer activist,[4][1] self-published author and politician. He is the author of two books on genetically engineered foods, one of which, Genetic Roulette, he produced as a film in 2012. He has appeared twice on The Dr. Oz Show.[5] Smith has worked with organic food marketers and alternative health product promoters[6] to advocate against genetically modified food. Supporters identify Smith as an influential educator on the risks associated with genetically modified foods, while others point out Smith's lack of scientific background or expertise in the field and identify his viewpoints as extreme.[5] In 1998, Smith ran unsuccessfully for Congress as a candidate for the Natural Law Party.[7] Smith is currently the director of the Institute for Responsible Technology.
Early life
Jeffrey Smith grew up in New York City[2] before moving to Iowa where he studied Purusha mediation and natural law[8] at the Maharishi University of Management from 1983–1986.
Career
Smith was a Natural Law Party member in 1996 and participated in a TM-Sidhi program yogic flying demonstration in Des Moines, Iowa.[9] In 1998 he became the party's candidate for U.S. Congress in Iowa’s First District to raise awareness about GMOs.[10] Smith received less than 1% of the vote, losing to Republican Jim Leach.[11] Smith worked for several years as a marketing consultant and nonprofit marketing advisor.[2]
Consumer activist
Smith has opposed the use of genetically modified foods since they were introduced in the 1990s.[12][13] [2] As of 2000, Smith was the spokesperson and vice president for the accredited genetically modified organism (GMO) testing company, Genetic ID.[14][15] Smith authored the books Seeds of Deception in 2003[16] and Genetic Roulette in 2007.[17] In 2012 Smith directed and produced Genetic Roulette, a documentary film narrated by Lisa Oz [18] and critical of genetically modified food.[19] Smith is the executive director of the Institute for Responsible Technology and the director of the Campaign for Healthier Eating in America."[20][21][22]
A variety of American organic food companies see Smith "as a champion for their interests",[2] and Smith's supporters describe him as "arguably the world's foremost expert on the topic of genetically modified foods".[23] In contrast, Michael Specter, writing in The New Yorker, reported that Smith was presented as a "scientist" on The Dr. Oz Show despite his lack of any scientific experience or relevant qualifications.[5] Bruce Chassy, a molecular biologist and food scientist, wrote to the show arguing that Smith's "only professional experience prior to taking up his crusade against biotechnology is as a ballroom-dance teacher, yogic flying instructor, and political candidate for the Maharishi cult’s natural-law party."[5]
The director of the Organic Consumers Association says Smith is "respected as a public educator on GMOs" while "supporters of biotechnology" have described him as "misinformed and misleading"[2] and as "an activist with no scientific or medical background" who is known for his "near-hysterical criticism of biotech foods".[24]
References
- ^ a b (April 27, 2012) New GMO crops proposed, consumers want labeling, CBS News, accessed Dec 16, 2012
- ^ a b c d e f Gillam, Carey (March 7, 2008). "U.S. activist circles globe to fight biotech crops". Reuters UK. Cite error: The named reference "Reuters 2008" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ Swing Smith Dance Class, Swing Smith Andrea & Jeffrey Smith teachers.
- ^ "Monsanto petition tells Obama: 'Cease FDA ties to Monsanto'". Washington Post. January 30, 2012.
- ^ a b c d Specter, Michael (February 4, 2013). "The Operator". New Yorker.
- ^ Health Freedom Expo - See GMO expert Jeffrey Smith, Health Freedom Expo, Chicago, June 7-9, 2013.
- ^ name="JC Auditor">Slockett, Tom (November 3, 1998). "November 3, 1998 General Election". Johnson County Auditor Commissioner of Elections and Voter Registration. Retrieved Dec 16, 2012.
- ^ Maharish University Purusha students, MUM 1985-1986 Yearbook, pg. 40.
- ^ 'Yogic flying,' third-party candidates promoted, Bush, Bill, The Illinois State Journal-Register (Springfield, IL), October 23, 1996.
- ^ Slockett, Tom (November 3, 1998). "November 3, 1998 General Election". Johnson County Auditor Commissioner of Elections and Voter Registration. Retrieved Dec 16, 2012.
- ^ Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 3, 1998, House of Representatives, January 3, 1999, page 16
- ^ Unknown Author (Feb 25, 2011) Shoppers wary of GM foods find they're everywhere, USA Today, "Smith, an activist who has fought the expansion of genetically engineered foods since they were first introduced 15 years ago"
- ^ Jolnick, Mary Clare (Feb 11, 2005). "Genetically altered foods a major part of our diets". NBC News. Retrieved Feb 15, 2013.
- ^ Gersema, Emily (May 20, 2001). "Farming industry, consumers leery of another biotech scare; 'Big motivator': USDAchanges how corn supplies are sampled". Telegraph-Herald (Dubuque).
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(help) - ^ Brasher, Phillip (Sept 19, 2000). "U.S. Investigates Use of Unauthorized Biotech Corn in Taco Bell Taco Shells.(Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News)". Tribune Business News.
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(help) - ^ Pierce, Victoria (January 3, 2004). "Author disputes safety of nonorganic food Activist says genetic modification is dangerous to health". Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL).
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(help) - ^ Smith , Mike (August 1, 2009). "Modified, Misled and Misguided". Alternatives Journal.
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(help) - ^ Unknown author. "Genetic Roulette". The Institute for Responsible Technology. Retrieved Feb 13, 2013.
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has generic name (help) - ^ Rosenhall, Laura (Oct 31, 2012). "Safety of genetically modified foods is debated in California Read more here: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2012/10/31/173151/safety-of-genetically-modified.html#storylink=cpy". The Sacramento Bee. Retrieved Feb 13, 2013.
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- ^ Staff (Feb 4, 2008). "Candidate Support Expected to Boost Non-GMO Brands". Health & Medicine Week.
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(help) - ^ Unknown author (July 3, 2004). "The Future of Food". The Irish Times.
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has generic name (help) - ^ (April 27, 2012) Genetically modified crops resistant to 2,4-D spur debate, calls for labeling CBS News, accessed Dec 19, 2012
- ^ "An interview with GMO expert Jeffrey M. Smith". Chico (CA) News Enterprise. September 15, 2011.
- ^ Entine, John (October 19, 2012). "Malpractice on Dr. Oz: Pop Health Expert Hosts Anti-GM Food Rant; Scientists Push Back". Forbes. Retrieved December 16, 2012.