ESCRITOS SOBRE O CUSCUZ

A comida culturalmente referenciada entre riscos e incertezas

Abstract

This text proposes a dialog on the preparation of couscous as a food that identifies and marks regional food traditions which are now threatened by transgenic advances in agriculture and by the establishment of consumption models through massive distribution of industrialized products that are supposed to replace this traditional food/preparation.The objective is to place the debate within the political field of Sovereignty and Food and Nutrition Security (SFNS), considering as theoretical horizonthe criticism to a hegemonic agriculture and food system, its contradictions and the intrinsic risks to its reproduction.By means of a theoretical essay and starting from the abovementioned issues, we tried to analyze the imbrications between modern food habits and local food culture with its symbolic and ideological effects on food conformation in the contemporary society.The text is divided into four parts: Couscous: historical legacy and gustative identity; What are we eating? Appearances and senses; Between transgenic food risks, uncertainties and advances: what is behind couscous prepared with genetically modified corn; and Sovereignty and Food and Nutrition Security: ways to preserve cultural rights and the Human Right to Adequate Food.This article unveils important issues that affect all Brazilians in the current scenario of power, influence and control of large conglomerates of transnational food companies that have their profit potential on farmers’ families, consumers and public authorities based on transgenics.In addition to health and environmental risks, many other issues are at stake. Political, social and economic insecurity also jeopardizes sovereignty and food and nutritional security in Brazil.