Think foods grown in the United States are safe? Well, think again! If they’re genetically modified foods, you may be in for a shock. But before I launch into what’s so bad about them, a little back-story is necessary. GMOs, for those unfamiliar with the term, stands for genetically modified organisms.
Genetically modifying plants is nothing new. Since the dawn of agriculture, farmers and scientists have worked to create consistency and stronger qualities in the crops they raised. Monks in the Middle Ages spent considerable time developing new or better foods. It was during this time, for example, that the artichoke was tweaked out of a thistle.
Gentlemen of title and means spent fortunes bringing plants from the tropics to grow in their conservatories and were constantly fiddling with the plants to create new varieties.
In the early 1800s Gregor Mendel used peas to determine dominant and recessive genes and is known as the father of genetics. His work was a huge step toward creating stronger, more weather- and pest- resistant crops.
So, if we’ve been tweaking plants for hundreds of years, and if we’re doing it to create healthier plants and larger crops, what’s the problem? Nothing. But, if it’s a major biotech company attempting to monopolize the world seed market, there’s a lot that’s wrong.
Because it isn’t about healthier plants and larger crops. It’s about one enormous corporation — Monsanto — and their determination to completely control the commercial seed market. And Monsanto is not alone; there are other biotech companies producing genetically modified plants using methods that have nothing to do with natural or healthy crop production and all about corporate profit.
Not only have the biotech companies done a good job of controlling most of the commercial seed market worldwide, the plants they have genetically modified have not produced larger, healthier crops. In fact, many of the crops have produced very poorly.
Even more serious, the modifications that have been made to the plants have enormous potential for harming everyone’s health and well-being. There is significant evidence that they already have harmed us in ways both subtle and serious.
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.
Since 1996 those of us in the United States have been eating genetically modified ingredients in most processed foods. Soy, cottonseed and canola have had foreign genes inserted containing bacteria and viruses, which have never been in the human food supply. These genes allow the plants to survive an otherwise deadly dose of weed killer applied by the farmers.
Genetically modified corn and cotton additionally contain a built-in pesticide — Bt-toxin — in every cell. Yes, the toxins kill insects. In India, where the farmers’ livestock have grazed on the chaff from Bt-treated cotton, their animals have also died — within a couple of days.
This is only part of the scenario. Most farmers in the developing (and family farmers in the industrialized world) world borrow money from the bank to plant their crops. The money is due after the harvest. In India, Bt cotton crops have produced very poorly, badly enough that the farmers have not earned back the money loaned them by the bank. Deeply in debt after a couple of years, and with dead livestock they cannot afford to replace, Indian farmers have committed suicide in unprecedented numbers. The official count is over 28,000. Those working in India say it is closer to double that number.
Okay, you may say, that’s unfortunate but how is it affecting me?
The genetic engineering process creates massive collateral damage.
- Mutations are produced in hundreds or thousands of locations throughout the plant’s DNA.
- Natural genes can be deleted or permanently turned on or off.
- Hundreds of genes may change the plant’s behavior.
- Even the inserted gene can be damaged and may produce proteins that can trigger or promote disease.
An Increase in Allergies
- Soy allergies rose 50% in the UK soon after GM soy was introduced.
- Allergy skin tests have shown that some people are allergic to GM soy but not to natural soy.
- GM soy may also contain a new unexpected allergen not found in natural soy.
Allergic responses have also been found with Bt corn and cotton. Additionally, studies done on mice fed Bt-toxin showed powerful immune responses and damaged intestines.
GM soy drastically reduces digestive enzymes in mice. It also impairs our digestion. The GM proteins can survive digestive juices, arrive in the intestines and wreak havoc with the immune system. This can trigger sensitivities and allergies to a variety of foods.
The American Academy of Environmental Medicine has reported that “Several animal studies indicate serious health risks associated with GM Food.” These include infertility, immune problems, accelerated again, faulty insulin regulation, and changes in major organs and the gastrointestinal system. Read their position here
Physicians for Social Responsibility have also suggested that GMOs be avoided.
There are eight GM food crops. The five major varieties — soy, corn, canola, cotton and sugar beets – are found in most processed foods and are pervasive in our food supply. The other genetically modified crops are Hawaiian papaya (about 2/3 of the Hawaiian crop), and a small amount of zucchini and yellow crookneck squash. Even if you use only organic products at home, if you eat in restaurants or travel, you are bound to be exposed to genetically modified ingredients.
Sound like a science fiction nightmare? It is. Sound unbelievable or implausible? I suggest you read Seeds of Deception: Exposing Industry and Government Lies about the Safety of the Genetically Engineered Foods You’re Eating written by Jeffrey Smith (Yes! Books, 2003).
Smith, who has become a leading consumer advocate, whistle blower, and founder of the Institute for Responsible Technology, is a meticulous researcher and has used his story-telling skills to educate the public about the dangers to our health, to our heirloom crops and to the environment by the new genetically modified plants.
I have barely touched the surface of a very controversial and contentious topic. I admit that I was aware that GMOs were potentially dangerous and I knew that the Mexican heritage corn had been damaged by pollen from GMO corn. I knew that India had experienced horrific problems due to GMOs.
But I didn’t know about the industry and government lies about the safety of GMOs. Nor did I know just how dangerous GMOs are to our health until I attended a talk by Jeffrey Smith and John Robbins, author of Diet for a New Planet.
Quite honestly, I was stunned by what I learned. Not only for the health of my family and my community, but for the tropical farmers I represent worldwide and for the health of our entire planet. I strongly urge that you visit the Institute of Responsible Technology to learn more about GMOs and how you can protect yourselves and your family from harm.
There are things you can do to avoid GMOs.
- Buy organic. Certified organic products cannot intentionally include any GMO ingredients. Buy products labeled “100% organic, “organic” or “made with organic ingredients.”
- Look for Non-GMO Project Seals. This is a non-profit organization committed to providing consumers with third-party product verification.
- Avoid At-Risk Ingredients. Avoid products made with ingredients that may be derived from GMOs. Corn and soy are pervasive in our food supply and are two high-risk products. Additionally make sure that all dairy products you use are free from GM bovine growth hormone. If it’s not labeled organic or Non-GMO Project verified, look for labels stating no rbGH, rbST or artificial hormones.
- Get Educated. Visit the sites mentioned in this blog. Encourage the restaurants you visit to be more vigilant about the ingredients they choose.
- Spread the word. According to Jeffrey Smith, the tipping point in the US is 15.5 million people or 5% of our population. If that many of us stand up to the corporations producing GM foods, we can get them banned in the US just as they are in Europe.
For your FREE Non-GMO shopping guide: www.NonGMOShoppingGuide.com.
