Genetically modified foods (GMO's) were introduced in the mid 1990's. This is where they take a gene from one species and incorporate it into the DNA of another species to elicit a specific trait. It is mainly used in agriculture to protect crops from drought, pests and herbicides. For example, corn is given a gene to make it resistant to the herbicide (weed killer) Roundup. It is actually called Roundup ready corn. This allows the farmer to spray the entire field with Roundup, thereby killing the weeds, but not the corn. This corn receives 3-5 times more pesticide exposure than conventionally grown corn. Roundup is a know hormone disruptor in humans.
Today, approximately 93% of Soy, 90% of Corn and 80% of Cotton grown today is GMO. Since Corn and Soy are so widely used in processed foods (chips, energy bars, cookies, crackers, etc.) about 80% of ALL items sold in your grocery store contain some type of GMO product. Unfortunately, there are no labeling requirements for GMO in the United States, so chances are you are eating it without knowing. In Europe and other countries throughout the world labeling is required and some countries have outlawed GMO crops all together. In future posts I will explain the potential dangers of GMO, especially to our children. These products have never been proven to be safe. We are the test group and our children are the first generation of Guinea pigs. In my opinion GMO stands for Give Me Organic!! Organic foods cannot contain any GMO, so eat organic to be sure your food is clean! Please post comments and/or questions if you find this information useful. There is much more information to come! |
