What does GMO mean?
Genetically Modified Organisms.
How are they made?
It’s a process of combining DNA from different species to “breed” organisms together that would not naturally do so (via. traditional crossbreeding or by nature). Most GMOs are engineered to withstand herbicides/pesticides.
Are they safe?
A lot of studies have been done, and those studies are usually said to be “misleading” or “inconclusive.” The problem is that Monsanto, the leaders in GMO agriculture, have their hands in everything. Of course Monsanto wants to prove the GMOs are safe to consume, they have the most to lose. The fact of the matter is GMOs are unsafe.
An article I read said that when GM crops were introduced in the UK soy allergies skyrocketed. Also since the introduction of GM crops in 1996 in the US, chronic illnesses jumped 4% and allergies doubled. GM foods can cause allergic reactions to foods that once were not a problem. A study done on mice shows by consuming GM soy it drastically changes the digestive enzymes. If gut flora is disrupted, proper digestion cannot take place, causing food allergies, malabsorption, and gastrointestinal problems.
For example, Bt-toxin corn is a GMO that is designed to rupture the stomach of insects that ingest any part of the corn-stalk. This Bt-toxin leaks into the soil. They aren’t “sure” of the ramifications of this toxin on soil. Lets be honest, it doesn’t sound safe. You can read more about it here.
There has never been a proper safety standard in place for GM crops. In 1992 the consensus of the FDA had on GMOs: they believed there were long-term, hard to detect side effects, allergies, cause new diseases, etc. What was done? Nothing, it was covered up and most likely they were paid off. Michael Taylor was the FDA’s official in charge of policy at the time, and he was Monsanto’s former attorney. He left to be Monsanto’s VP, and is now back at the FDA. Secondly, biotech companies found guilty of hiding toxic effects of their chemical products are now in charge of determining if GM crops are safe. More info here.
What can I do?
GM crops are notorious for breeding with non-GMO crops. They take over. There is no way to “recall” GMOs. Because of this, we must do our best not to support these crops. The Non-GMO Project, a non-profit that verifies products as containing no GMO has compiled a list of High-risk foods and monitored foods (have known to be contaminated with GMOs)
Always look for the Non-GMO verified label. If you can’t find non-GMO verified, buy organic of the high risk and monitored foods (organic regulations does not permit the use of GMO seed) to avoid consuming GMOs.
High-risk foods are: alfalfa, corn, soy, canola, cotton, sugar beets, papaya, zucchini and yellow summer squash.
Monitored foods are: Beta vulgaris (e.g., chard, table beets), Brassica napa (e.g., rutabaga, Siberian kale), Brassica rapa (e.g., bok choy, mizuna, Chinese cabbage, turnip, rapini, tatsoi), Curcubita (acorn squash, delicata squash, patty pan), Flax, and Rice
Also keep in mind, that most of the high-risk foods are what they make livestock feed from. Even many pasture-raised animals are supplemented with grain/alfalfa during the winter months, so it is important to: One, buy pasture raised animal products (meat, dairy, eggs) if possible or two, buy organic to avoid GMO feed.
Elizabeth Horn 