Perspective is very important in understanding the area of food safety. This importance is illustrated by a favorite cartoon of mine that features an older, experienced mouse giving advice to a young mouse. The older mouse, in wrapping up, says to the younger, "... and stay away from scientists—they cause cancer." Facing an avalanche of information on links between diet and health, consumers may, in frustration, sympathize with the mouse's view, and are having some difficulty sorting out which

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... re the important cause-and-effect relationships. Government and industry also are struggling to develop a coherent approach to food safety and nutrition.