subject: The Real Lowdown on GMOs [print this page] The Real Lowdown on GMOs The Real Lowdown on GMOs
Genetically modified foods are gaining tons of attention in the press lately due to the recent controversy over the first genetically engineered meat pending approval by the FDA for human consumption, a fast-growing salmon developed by a company called AquaBounty Technologies.
Many health and environmental groups are vehemently opposed, citing health risks and environmental contamination, but big business, and to some degree the government, seem to think it's just fine. It's a huge and multifaceted topic, which makes it difficult to easily grasp from a personal evaluation standpoint, but I'll share what I've learned and invite you to further research this subject as well. It effects everyone!
First off, what is a GMO? Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are made by forcing genes from one species, such as bacteria, viruses, animals, or humans, into the DNA of a food crop or animal to introduce a new trait, such as bigger salmon or increased production of meat and dairy products.
So why would this concern us, bigger generally means better doesn't it? I'd say in this case probably not. While there are (arguably) compelling opinions supporting each side of the GMO debate, genetically modified organisms are part of a relatively new field of experimentation, the facts are not yet available. The impact of GMOs on humans and the environment may not be known for decades.
In fact, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) plainly states, "Genetically Modified foods have not been properly tested and pose a serious health risk". Add that to the fact that dozens of countries have banned the import, sale, use and planting of Genetically Modified Organisms due to the lack of testing, and avoiding GMOs seems like the smart thing to do.
And it sounds pretty easy just avoid the products labeled GMO right? Well, yes, in a perfect world. But a couple of issues make that practically impossible. First, GMO salmon, assuming it will receive FDA approval, will not be labeled. Second, GMOs in salmon may be the least of our worries.
The fact is, 75+ % of American foods and body care products contain genetically modified organisms. Regardless of dozens of scientific warnings, the FDA has approved widespread use of GMO ingredients in our foods and body care products, a telling testament to those diligent corporate lobbyists hard at work. Here it is in black and white.
Percentage of crops that are Genetically Modified in the U.S.:
Soy (85%)
Cotton (Cottonseed) (76%)
Canola (75%)
Corn (40%)
Hawaiian papaya (more than 50%)
Zucchini and Yellow Squash (small amount)
Quest brand tobacco (100%)
The highly genetically engineered crops are soy, corn, canola and cottonseed. Add to that sugar beets, which are now becoming GMO and that breaks down to more than 2/3s of all processed foods containing GMOs, none of them labeled. Daunting, right? And why aren't we being more objectively informed? While the latter answer is beyond the scope of this blog, once you get beyond the daunted part, you'll quickly realize it's all gonna be okay.
It turns out there are 5 simple ways to avoid the thousands of genetically modified products lurking on your grocery store shelves, and they're all right here below, so memorize em, print em, tape em to your refrigerator, just do yourself a favor and skip those GMOs!.
1. Buy Organic
Buy food products that are USDA Certified organic, they're required by law to be GMO-free.
2. Shop Local
Buy locally grown food from farmer's markets or co-ops. Currently, the genetic engineering of crops largely remains a technology for large-scale, corporate "factory farms."
You'll also support your farming neighbors and boost your local economy.
3. Look for Products Labeled "Non-GMO"
Buy meat and dairy from free-range, hormone-free sources, those labeled rbGH or GMO-free. Livestock are commonly raised on GMO feed and/or may be injected with growth hormones such as rbGH. Buying local often reduces those risk factors as well.
4. Avoid Brands Containing At Risk Ingredients
Avoid foods that contain corn, soy, canola and cottonseed, which are the four most widely grown genetically modified crops. Cooking oils are tricky because most of them are blended with cottonseed or canola and unless specifically labeled non-GMO, they're likely to contain GM ingredients, so opt for organic where possible. Organic sunflower and safflower high heat' oils make good alternatives.
Similarly, soy milk, tacos and corn chips are likely to contain GMOs unless labeled otherwise. When in doubt, just buy snacks that don't contain corn or soy in general in order to avoid this.
5. Use the Non-GMO Project Shopping Guide
Download and shop using the "Non-GMO Shopping Guide" offered by the non-profit Center for Food Safety. You can print it out on 8.5 x 11 paper or download ShopNoGMO, it's free at the iTunes store. The shopping guide includes a list of products that are truly non-GMO, as well as tips on how to avoid GMO food products.
