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Genetically Engineered Food

GMOs, or “genetically modified organisms,” are plants or animals created through the gene splicing techniques of biotechnology. Unlike natural methods where plants or animals from the same species are cross-bred to produce something stronger, genetically modified technology allows scientists to transfer any gene from any organism (plant, animal, virus, bacterial or fungal) into another one that cannot occur in natural or traditional crossbreeding.

The Grocery Manufacturers Association estimates that more than 75% of the foods on your grocery shelves contain genetically engineered (GE) components, but you’d never know it. The FDA does not require labeling, but more than 20 American states are on the brink of passing their own GMO labeling laws (West Virginia is not one of them). Outside of the U.S., more than 60 countries around the world now require GMO labeling or forbid GMO foods outright.

In the last year, Monsanto, the leader in genetic research, and other opponents to GMO labeling have spent millions lobbying politicians in 30 states to prevent and delay labeling legislation. Generally speaking, big government and the biotech industry are partners in a lucrative money-making partnership.

There are many huge and legitimate concerns about GMOs relating to public health and the environment, to name just a few:

No Long-Term Safety Testing – Genetic engineering changes the fundamental nature of the food we eat. Without long-term testing no one knows if these foods are safe.
Allergic Reactions – Genetic engineering can produce unforeseen and unknown allergens in foods.
Harmful Pesticides – GE crops often manufacture their own pesticides. This strategy will put more pesticides into our food and fields than ever before.
Gene Pollution Cannot Be Cleaned Up – Once genetically engineered organisms are released into the environment it is impossible to contain or recall them. Once transgenic plants produce pollen, they can cross-pollinate with natural crops and wild relatives.
Problems Cannot Be Traced – Without labels, our public health agencies are powerless to trace problems of any kind back to their source. The potential for tragedy is staggering.
The Non-GMO Project (www.nongmoproject.org) believes that everyone deserves to make an informed choice about whether or not to consume genetically modified organisms. Here is a list of high risk crops they have identified and the percentage of that crop that is known to be genetically modified: Corn (88%), Soy (94%), Cotton (90%), Sugar Beet (95%) and Canola (90%). Animal products, such as milk, meat, eggs, honey, etc., are also high risk because of contamination in feed.grm_watch

If you really want to avoid the influence of genetic engineering, buy fresh organic produce!

If you want to buy processed foods and avoid genetically engineered ingredients, read product labels and beware of these common ingredients derived from GMO risk crops: Amino Acids, Aspartame, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbate, Vitamin C, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Ethanol, Flavorings (“natural” and “artificial”), High-Fructose Corn Syrup, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Lactic Acid, Maltodextrins, Molasses, Monosodium Glutamate, Sucrose, Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), Xanthan Gum, Vitamins, and Yeast Products.

Genetic engineering is the largest food experiment in the history of the world, and we, the people, are the lab animals. Is genetic engineering safe for you and your family? Is it safe for the environment? Is it safe for the future of mankind? No long-term studies have been done. No one can answer these questions.

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