Poison in Your Food

School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-- An array of viewpoints about food supply adulteration--enough to confuse many readers. A collection of pro and con editorials, speeches, and articles discuss poisons in foods, chemicals used in production, risks of pesticides, irradiation, problems from eating seafood, and organic farming. While the book states that background is provided on the issues, it is not always well documented and outlined, and sometimes assumes prior knowledge on the part of readers. Thus, students may need a framework of organized background information such as that in McCoy's How Safe Is Our Food Supply? (Watts, 1990) before selecting a position from among the various stances cited here. McCuen seems to have chosen the most radical opinions available; objectivity in presenting all facets of a discussion is not usually the goal. Acronyms and chemical names are often unclear. This work is ideal for those needing information and arguments to support their thoughts on these issues. Relevant black-and-white editorial cartoons break up the text. Good as a second purchase on the subject. --Lois McCulley, Wichita Falls High Sch . , TX