Why GMO Foods Matter

What are GMO foods anyway and why do they matter? GMO stands for genetically modified organism and GE means genetically engineered. Modern usage of GMO actually refers to genetically engineered crops where, in a laboratory, the DNA from one organism is spliced into the genes of another organism, or even another species, to give it new or different traits. The resulting combinations are plants and 

animals that do not naturally exist in our environment.  For example, most GM crops grown today have been developed to resist certain insect pests.  They make them "Round-Up Ready" which means they already have harmful herbicides already in the seeds before they even go into the ground.  While this and other Genetic Engineering may seem to make sense on the farmers' end producing higher yields and reduced maturation times, it can mean trouble for the consumers who get the transfer of resistance of antibiotics and allergens.  The problem is that genetically modified foods affect the human physiology.   There is a reason why soy allergies have skyrocketed by 50% with most soy being genetically modified.  As a result, there are many who believe that the epidemic of allergies, asthma, skin problems, and chronic ailments are due to GM foods. There have been 19 studies with animals that link GMO  with organ disruptions.  There is also a reason why in the European Union, if a GM product is .9 percent or more it must be labeled. In the US, labeling is not required but that may soon change with a pending bill in California which could trickle down to the rest of the country.

The bio-chemical industry is fiercely going after two crops, corn and soy, because of their high demand for use throughout our processed goods and biofuel industries. Therefore for Corn and Soy in particular, only buy USDA organic.  Unfortunately, these 2 crops are in virtually all of our processed foods found in the "center portion" of the supermarket.  Try to shop the perimeter for one-ingredient food and buy organic when you can.  Also be sure to fight for your right to know what's in the food you buy by demanding better food labels.