GMOh!

We live in a very cool age, where technology in many ways makes our lives much easier.  However in the world of food, there are many dangers to be aware of.  It's so important to educate ourselves, when it come to our food.  Steroids, hormones, antibiotics, herbicides, pesticides…the list is staggering.  The effects?  Even more frightening.  

So what are GMO's and why should you care?

A GMO is a plant or animal that has been genetically altered by scientists to improve its ability to grow in non-native environments, resist pests, tolerate extreme weather conditions, produce more food (like milk in cows), or show other desired traits. In other words, a GMO is a manipulated version of a food plant or animal created by scientists through genetic engineering.

The first genetically modified crops were corn, soybeans, and cotton.  They were engineered to control the growth of weeds and resist insects. Since corn and soy are two of the most commonly used ingredients in processed food, these genetically modified ingredients are now appearing in most of the products on our market shelves. In fact, 88% of all corn is Genetically Modified, and 94% of Soy is.  Because there’s no regulated food label that indicates whether a product contains GMOs, you truly don't know what you’re getting!

What happens if I eat GMO foods?

The truth is no one knows.  In 2009, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) stated that, "Several animal studies indicate serious health risks associated with genetically modified (GM) food," including infertility, immune problems, accelerated aging, faulty insulin regulation, and changes in major organs and the gastrointestinal system.  

Researchers are concerned what effects might come by affecting the DNA of these crops. What happens to the crops? What happens to the animals and the humans who eat them? Are these plants a problem now? Are they are problem in the future?  In reality, FDA scientists had repeatedly warned that GM foods can create unpredictable, hard-to-detect side effects, including allergies, toxins, new diseases, and nutritional problems.

They urged long-term safety studies, but were ignored.  Right now we can not predict what would happen with long-term exposure to these crops. But one thing is for sure…it can't be good to consume the same chemicals that are made to kills pests, and think it's doing nothing to us.

Higher Risk For Children!

Children face the greatest risk from the potential dangers of GMO foods:

• Young, fast-developing bodies are influenced most
• Children are more susceptible to allergies
• Children are more susceptible to problems with milk
• Children are more susceptible to nutritional problems
• Children are in danger from antibiotic resistant disease

What can I do?

Look for the USDA Certified Organic seal; according to USDA regulations, GMOs are prohibited in organic agriculture production. As a consumer, it's important to ask questions about where your food comes from and how it’s made. You have a voice, and a right to know what is going into the food you feed you and your family.

Interested in finding out more, or getting involved in the GMO battle? Visit Just Label It or Institute for Responsible Technology to learn more.