Genetically Modified Foods
Our food is being genetically modified and the FDA has decided not to require labeling, which means we do not know what we are eating.
Genetically modified foods have been in the groceries stores for years. In the next few years you could be buying non-tearing onions and a cantaloupe with a smooth exterior that can’t carry salmonella. GMO is a plant or animal whose genetic material has been altered by gene splinting techniques which takes the genes from one plant and implants them in another, hopefully with the intention of benefiting the implanted species.
In China and the Philippines where rice is a staple food, there is a vitamin A deficiency, especially in women and children, which is a major cause of blindness. Those countries have started fortifying rice with a gene called,” golden rice” that encodes for vitamin A so people can consume it as a natural part of their diet.
The United States leads the world in growing GMO foods, about 55 hectares’ worth followed by Argentina and Brazil. The most common GMO foods are soybean, corn, canola, squash, papaya, and alfalfa. Most GMO foods do not show whether they come from a GMO crop, therefore the public at large don’t know when they consume it. A large percentage of the modified soybeans and corn are used for animal feed and in that way end up on our plates.
One of the basic concerns is that all the legal issues have been decided on the side of the GMO companies,” says Daniel Parson, garden manager at Atlanta’s in-town Gaia Gardens.” for example when there is a genetic drift from fields that are GMO to fields non-GMO, those drifts are considered property of the company that made the GMO crop.”
A 1997 London Times article reported that the lifespan of ladybugs were cut in half after eating insects that had consumed genetically modified potatoes that came from Scotland. The ladybugs who ate the aphids also laid fewer eggs. Unlike ladybugs humans are eating the food directly, as well as through the food chain, exposing ourselves to a double-whammy. Many side effects are not known although testing has been conducted that suggests risks, such as major organ change and damaged blood chemistry.
Until we know the long term effects of eating foods that have been genetically modified it will remain a gamble.
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Rana Sinha | May 16, 2008 | Reply
Very interesting. Thanks Ruby. As consumers we have to pay closer attention to what we eat. We become what we eat as the saying goes.
nobert soloria bermosa | May 16, 2008 | Reply
very informative indeed, recently they passed a law(here in the Philippines) regarding this,only fortified products should be allowed in the market.
Judy Sheldon | May 16, 2008 | Reply
So we are gambling against unknown odds even in food perceived to be natural?
Josey | May 16, 2008 | Reply
This is pretty scary. Thanks for the information.
Alexa Gates | May 16, 2008 | Reply
This is somewhat scary to think about..
shaun ashcroft | May 16, 2008 | Reply
well done Ruby. Excellent information. I can’t believe that something that goes against natural logic is so readily adopted.The legal aspect is unbelievable. Could they not counter sue for rent! It is very scary. Australia is on the verge of using this technology, some states have okayed it. It means they can grow crops in areas where they may not have otherwise been able too. So, why not let countries that can grow them naturally do so? All this interference in natural law is unhealthy.
KathySpring | May 16, 2008 | Reply
Great Job…Sharing and giving us your view point. Well Done
Kathy
Ruby Hawk | May 16, 2008 | Reply
Thank you guys for your interest. It is something we should all know about although it seems we have little if anything to say about it, and no way to know if we are eating the modified foods since labeling is not required. And Shaun it is true that plants can be modified to grow on formerly barren land which is a wonderful way to feed the world if the food is safe for consumption. We can only watch and see what happens as far as I can see.
Shames | May 16, 2008 | Reply
Great article! Thanks for the information.
Lucy Lockett | May 17, 2008 | Reply
We are only too ready to jump on the bandwagon without investing in the time of long term effects. This shortcoming could have detrimental effects to our health and crops for many generations.
Darlene McFarlane | May 17, 2008 | Reply
It is a scary thought when we think of what the government considers safe for us to consume. If only we could go back to the days when we raised our own meat and grew our own veggies and staples.
I agree with Rana Sinha but I’m afraid, in the long run, we will find it’s easier said than done.
Great article, Ruby.
Amos | May 17, 2008 | Reply
I think I will just stick with my potatoes,corn and what I grow in my own fields.
Anne Lyken-Garner | May 18, 2008 | Reply
I try to stay away from GM foods, but sometimes it’s in things you least suspect. Even some very innocent looking things like sausages or salad dressing, or even chocolate may have some ingredient with a measure of GM products in them.
Glynis | May 19, 2008 | Reply
Interesting article, here in Cyprus I have found out something amazing relating to me personally, In the Uk I have always been allergic to Pork, my eyes swell and itch, my skin has spots and sometimes I am a little sickly, being a polite new villager I ate a dish prepared in my honour and then found it was pork, my hubby watched me carefully that night..nothing, for 45years(i am 50) I had not been able to eat this meat now in over 2yrs I have eaten a stye full! It is not fed preservatives nor anti biotics and they eat good old swill! so it is not the meat I was allergic to but the ‘perfectors’ of the meat.We now grow our own veg so healthy Mediterranean diet for us now! Thanks for this article
Hannah | May 19, 2008 | Reply
I’m sorry to say I am not informed on this subject. It does sound scary and I almost wish I hadn’t read it since there is nothing I can do to protect my kids from this food. I will try to learn more.
Ruby Hawk | May 20, 2008 | Reply
Glynis, How wonderful that you have found out about your allergy.I have an allergy too and it makes me miserable a good part of the time. Mine is mostly pollen, dirt, dust and all the things you can’t avoid.
Thank you all for your input and all the information you have given to me. Best luck to you all.