JUST WHAT IS GMO? In other words, what are Genetically Modified Organisms?
So you're wondering, WHAT IS GMO?...
"Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are the result of laboratory processes which artificially insert foreign genes into the DNA of food crops or animals. Those genes may come from
bacteria, viruses, insects, animals or even humans. Although banned by food manufacturers in Europe and elsewhere, the FDA does not require any safety evaluations. Most Americans say they would not eat GMOs if labeled, but the U.S. does not require labeling. GMOs are not safe, but have been in the food supply since 1996 and are now present in the vast majority of processed foods in the US." (quoted from www.responsibletechnology.org)
I'm not going to go into a lot of detailed information on GMOs but I'm a firm believer that when you start messing with Mother Nature there's going to be hell to pay somewhere down the road! So I'm simply going to give you a few facts about genetically modified foods and some resources so you can educate yourself more extensively.
WHAT GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS ARE GROWN IN THE US?
The following GM foods are grown in the US and in parentheses is the estimated percent that is genetically modified as of 2007.
Soy (91%)
Cotton (88%)
Canola (88%)
Corn (85%)
Hawaiian papaya (more than 50%)
Alfalfa, zucchini and yellow squash (small amount)
Tobacco (Quest® brand)
Just think about how many of these crops are used in the processed foods we eat! Now think about how many of these crops are used to feed the animals we eat!
SO, ARE GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS SAFE?
Expert and author Jeffrey Smith explains it best in this 10 minute video...
They also offer a great, printable
shopping guide to choosing GMO free foods!
WHO IS MONSANTO?
We can't end this page without a brief look at the Monsanto Corporation. I'm sure you've seen their recent commercials which makes them come across as a good, wholesome company who has great appreciation for America's farmers.
Well, the truth is Monsanto is the world's dominant biotech company and they are responsible for 90% of genetically modified food!
But wait! They've been around quite a while and that's not all they can take credit for. Here's just a few more Monsanto products...
Agent Orange
PCB's
DDT
Dioxins
Bovine Growth Hormone
Aspartame
Saccharin
Roundup
Terminator Seeds
That's just scratching the surface of Monsanto's ugly past! This is the company that is literally creating our food! I'll add a video in the comments section of this page if you're interested. Feel free to add your own comments too.
In the meantime here's to buying organic and growing your own food!
Oh yea, here's a link to the the ORGANIC CONSUMERS ASSOCIATON! A great place to support organic farming and find out "green" things are going on (or not) in your state.
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What Other Visitors Have Said
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