Professor Joh Comments for Bon Appetit on Restaurants and Abandoned DNA

Professor Elizabeth Joh commented for Bon Appetit on issues associated with the DNA patrons leave behind when eating at restaurants. The police have obtained DNA evidence from samples people have left on their food and utensils, and genetic privacy also is threatened by private individuals who might be interested in collecting and analyzing DNA. Most people probably don't need to worry about strangers getting hold of their genetic information, Joh said, but for some individuals, such as celebrities and politicians, the threat is real.

Law enforcement officers have collected hairs, saliva, and other matter at restaurants in order to analyze suspects' DNA as part of criminal investigations, and the possibility exists that others could have abandoned DNA stolen, putting restaurants on the front line in the fight against "DNA theft," the article reports.

Most people probably don't need to worry about strangers getting hold of their genetic information, Joh said, but for some individuals, such as celebrities and politicians, the threat is very real.

"In the 2016 presidential election, is there going to be some genetic paparazzo who swipes a sample of a candidate's DNA at a restaurant from a cup or plate or spoon, has it analyzed, and publicizes what he finds?" Joh says.

Joh said that lawmakers need to start thinking about strengthening privacy protections when it comes to DNA. "This is going to be an increasingly common issue," she said, "because people have secrets."

Professor Joh's scholarship focuses on criminal procedure and policing, with a special emphasis on DNA evidence, undercover policing, and new surveillance technologies.

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