Notes from My ASFS/AFHVS Conference Presentation: Arsenic and Trans Fats

Posted by Baylen on Jun. 1, 2009

skitched-20090601-094804.jpgYesterday I sat on a panel on local and state food policies at the 2009 Joint Annual Meeting of the Agriculture, Food and Human Values Society (AFHVS) and the Association for the Study of Food and Society (ASFS) at Penn State, in beautiful (really!) State College, PA. I presented a paper I authored on California’s mushrooming food bans and regulations, and the impact of these crackdowns on the future of American food. (Tremendously short synopsis: their impact is very bad.)

I think my presentation went very well. And I’m looking forward to sharing the paper with Crispy readers once it’s in finished form.

Though things went well, probably the most interesting moments of my presentation came as a result of the rather unpleasant man to the right. He sat in the back of the room during my presentation and interrupted me at least twice as I spoke. He seemed incredulous at some of my conclusions, asking at one point (as I discussed California’s foie gras ban), “Where’s your evidence?”

I later learned the heckler is Tufts University project developer and research associate Hugh Joseph, Ph.D. (nutrition). So much for academic freedom.

After my presentation ended, I called on Joseph first during the Q&A. Instead of asking a question, he offered a backhanded compliment and then went on a rather lengthy screed against my work. I requested that he please ask a question.

The best Joseph could do was ask me how the hypothetical presence of arsenic in a food would differ from the presence of trans fat in food. I responded that arsenic is a deadly poison, while trans fat is a food ingredient that helps make tasty things like frosting.

Joseph clearly didn’t like my answer.

“I think you need to take a science class,” Joseph scolded.

“I think you need to learn some manners,” I responded.

Minutes later, Joseph left the room. Perhaps in search of the etiquette that clearly eludes him.

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  • Roxanne
    You already know that I think you did a great job yesterday. Most especially because it seemed as though you danced on this "expert's" nerve and that is awesome!
  • teqjack
    Dr. Joseph needs to learn a bit about science, not how to blather.

    In re trans-fat, I have followed some of the controversy at junkfoodscience.com which provides links to actual studies and articles. Sum: no evidence of more than anecdotal problems.

    OTOH, arsenic is highly poisonous *depending on dosage/time.* It was the Botox of the early Nineteenth century for its effects on complexion.
  • Waiting to read the paper, Baylen.
  • Jonathan Zimmer
    "I responded that arsenic is a deadly poison, while trans fat is a food ingredient that helps make tasty things like frosting."

    Yes, it's very easy to confuse the two. Perfect response.
  • Rachel--thanks.

    Jon--thanks, too. Also, I have your copy of Starship Troopers. Will drop it in your ALR box this week or next. Thanks.
  • Jessica
    The politically correct often seem unable to engage in civil discourse. Ugh. You handled this guy really well with your quick wit. Can't wait to read the paper.
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