By Ruth Kava, Ph.D., R.D.
Posted: Wednesday, January 16, 2008

LETTER
Publication Date: January 16, 2008

This letter originally appeared in the January 16, 2008 New York Times:

Robyn O'Brien's crusade against supposedly allergy-inducing foods -- nonorganic, processed foods -- is misleading and potentially dangerous. An organic peanut is just as allergenic as one grown by high-tech means -- indeed it may eventually be more so. Bioengineered peanuts that lack the allergenic proteins are under development; their use would allow parents to relax about allergic children consuming peanut butter. Unless, of course, those parents follow Ms. O'Brien's advice and use only organic foods, which may not be produced with this modern technology.

Dr. Ruth Kava

Nutrition Director 

American Council on Science and Health

New York