Possible risks and benefits of genetically engineered foods and crops will be reviewed when Cornell University's Program on Breast Cancer and Environmental Risk Factors in New York State (BCERF) holds an ad hoc discussion group meeting Oct. 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m in 178 Stocking Hall of the Ithaca campus.

The meeting is open, by reservation, to the public and is free with a charge for parking and lunch. For reservations, call BCERF at (607) 254-2893 by Sept. 21.

"We are all aware of the great increase in production and use of genetically engineered (GE) crops," said BCERF Director Rodney R. Dietert, explaining why one of the three yearly ad hoc discussion group meetings is devoted to the topic. "BCERF receives many inquiries about possible health implications of GE foods, so we are taking this opportunity to explore the issues by drawing on the experience and expertise of four diverse faculty members," said Dietert, a Cornell professor of immunology in the College of Veterinary Medicine.

The meeting will begin with a forum for discussion of participants' interests and concerns, with a five-minute limit on presentations. Scheduled speakers will include:

• Jennifer Wilkins, senior extension associate, Division of Nutritional Sciences, "Diverse Viewpoints on Genetically Engineered Foods and Crops: the New York State Land Grant Perspective."
• T. Clint Nesbitt, extension associate, Department of Communication, "The Genetically Engineered Organisms Public Issues Education Project."
• Anthony Shelton, professor of entomology and associate director of research in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, "The Risks and Benefits of Various Pest Management Strategies."
• David Pelletier, associate professor of nutritional policy, Division of Nutritional Sciences, "The Roles of Science and the Public in Regulating Agricultural Biotechnology." BCERF, situated within the Institute for Comparative and Environmental Toxicology in the Cornell Center for the Environment, was created in 1995 to respond to growing public concern about elevated breast cancer rates in certain counties in New York state. From its inception, BCERF has addressed the relationship between environmental risk factors and breast cancer through a variety of research and education strategies. BCERF translates scientific findings and data into understandable and accessible information. In addition, it has initiated local efforts to use what is known about breast cancer risk factors to create risk-reduction strategies for women and girls.