I write this letter in response to the article headlined 'Cassava threat' in your newspaper on Monday, April 13. I would first like to acknowledge my appreciation for any research that can potentially contribute to the health and well-being of our citizens. In particular, our tertiary institutions are duty-bound to provide information that is sound, balanced and can stand up to academic scrutiny.

However, I have some general concerns with the conclusions of the study as reported by The Gleaner. The article states that "samples" taken from four parishes were found to have high levels of cyanide. How were the samples selected? Was it a random process? Were the bammies and undried cassava flour sourced from industrial facilities or directly from individual households/farms (or both)? Were the research findings subject to the peer review process typically required for publication in an academic journal?

Providing partial information

In fairness, these questions could possibly be answered by seeing the actual report or publication. However, the article, as presented, runs the risk of providing partial information that could lead to a knee-jerk reaction by the public or related government officials. It is indeed important to highlight the risks associated with underprepared cassava flour. However, overcon-sumption and underpreparation of a wide variety of foods also lead to potential health risks. For example, most Jamaicans are aware of the dangers of eating underprepared ackee. Others might also be aware that excessive consumption of sorrel drinks can lead to kidney and other problems due to the high oxalic acid content of the plant. Similarly, overconsumption of alcohol, sweet drinks, fatty foods also have a host of associated negative health effects.

My main point is, it would have been good if the article had also emphasised the need for proper food preparation and improved monitoring by the Bureau of Standards or some other public health agency. I would also hope that the recommendations as provided by the researchers contained no overt bias, given NCU's involvement in promoting the breadfruit as an alternate source of carbohydrate. Research is important, but in my opinion, 'balanced' research is even more important.

History, the Bible and life in general teach us that moderation in all things is a goal that we should all strive for. Rather than throwing out cassava as an option for the nation's struggle for food security, I would hope that the broader message from such a study would be the promotion of moderate consumption and more emphasis on proper food preparation and production.

I am, etc.,

Peter Edwards, PhD

pedwards@udel.edu