The truth about genetically modified foods

GMOs, or “Genetically Modified Organisms,” are plants or animals created through genetic engineering, which fuses and alters the DNA of different species, creating different types of food not found in traditional nature. Consumers fear that GMOs are unhealthy and could lead to future health and food problems.

GMO advocates and manufacturers such as the Monsanto corporation (whose first product manufactured was saccharin) argue that there are a number of reasons why many companies have chosen to use GMOs, such as longer shelf life, fewer insecticides, more tolerance to adverse weather conditions, fewer crop diseases. , and more sales, which drives our economy. Adversaries argue very differently. Some say that an increase in autoimmune diseases, fertility problems, inflammatory diseases, digestive disorders, and chronic diseases are increasing in part because the body’s natural immune system and DNA makeup are not prepared for adverse DNA in humans. foods from genetically altered plants and animals. and seeds. In fact, GMOs are found in up to 80% of conventional processed foods in the US alone. Here are some other initial statistics:

• The USDA reports in 2010 that 80% of corn, 90% of soybeans, 94% of cottonseed, 90% of canolaseed (which is used in canola oil), and more than 50 % of sugar beet crops (used to make sucrose and food coloring) are genetically modified.
• More than 60 countries, including Australia, Japan and every country in the European Union, have banned or restricted GM seeds and foods. The US government has approved sales of GMOs, based on studies conducted by the actual manufacturers of the GMO companies.
• According to ISAAA, “28 different countries grow genetically modified crops. The top three countries in 2012 were: the United States grows 69.5 million hectares of corn, soybeans, cotton, canola, sugar beets, alfalfa and squash, Brazil grows 36.6 million hectares of soybeans, corn and cotton, and Argentina grows 23.9 million hectares of soybeans, corn and cotton”
• “ISAAA also notes that GM crops are commonly used as livestock feed. GMOinside.org reports the following statistics:
• 90% of the soybean grown worldwide is used for animal feed.
• 48% of US soybeans are used for bird feed.
• 26% of US soybeans are used to feed pigs.
• 12% of US soybeans are used to feed cattle.
• 9% of US soybeans are used to feed dairy cattle.”
• Many dairy products also contain genetic modifications, such as rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone). In fact, 17% of dairy cattle are injected with rBGH. It’s best to buy your dairy from a local farm or a reputable source that serves non-GMO offerings.

When it comes to labeling, the US lags behind most of the world, so 64 countries have GMO labeling laws, but the US currently has no label law (although about 20 states are trying to). ). The USDA regulates which companies can claim to use non-GMO foods. Surveys show that the majority of Americans overwhelmingly want non-GMO food and supplement labels, to the tune of 91%, according to a recent survey. According to a recent CBS/New York Times poll, 53% of consumers said they would not buy GM foods if informed.

Many national and international companies are committed to serving foods that are not transgenic in nature. Some of these companies include: Chipotle, Amy’s Organics, Applegate Farms, Ciao Bella Gelato, Earthbound Farm, Organic Valley, Pacific Foods, Stoneyfield Organics, Wild Harvest, and most recently, General Mills removed all GMOs from its original Cheerios cereal (without However, not the rest of the Cheerio lines).

There are several non-GMO advocacy groups and labels, including GM Action Alliance, GMO Free USA, and Citizens for GMO Labeling, if you’d like to learn more about this growing shift in food processing and health.