"World of Soy" Receives London Times Acclaim Johns Hopkins' own Sidney Mintz, who co-edited the book, The World of Soy, received rave reviews earlier this month from The London Times. Mintz, a prominent anthropologist known for his work in the Caribbean and Latin America, was instrumental in the creation of the Anthropology Department at John Hopkins University. He serves on the CLF Advisory Board. His recent book discusses soy production and consumption, from the controversy its production has caused to the different forms in which it is consumed throughout the world. Furthermore, it reveals a major problem surrounding the soybean industry. "Of the world's 2004 soybean production, some 93 percent of the protein was processed into animal feed rather than human food," according to The World of Soy. Since soy is considered to be the world's most important oilseed crop, there is much talk of genetic engineering to improve soy. Genetic modification could improve soy's flavor, its nutritional values, as well as its susceptibility to disease. While some stakeholders view this as promising, others are not as sure and advise to proceed with caution. Paul Levy, the author of Times Literary Supplement review article, explains, "the ultimate question of "Soy's Dominance and Destiny" (the title of the concluding chapter in the book) really boils down to whether the populations of South America, East Asia and West Africa can learn to love tofu. I'm not optimistic, but this exemplary, comprehensive volume shows the way to frame the crucial questions of food studies." | 
