You’ve heard about GMOs but are not really sure you understand what they are or what the fuss is all about. Consider this little tutorial which will help you get up to speed.
What are GMOs?
GMOs, or “genetically modified organisms,” are plants or animals that have been genetically engineered with DNA from bacteria, viruses or other plants and animals. These experimental combinations of genes from different species cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding.
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Virtually all commercial GMOs are engineered to withstand direct application of herbicide and/or to produce an insecticide. Despite biotech industry promises, none of the GMO traits currently on the market offer increased yield, drought tolerance, enhanced nutrition, or any other consumer benefit.
Meanwhile, a growing body of evidence connects GMOs with health problems, environmental damage and violation of farmers’ and consumers’ rights.
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Are GMOs safe?
Most developed nations do not consider GMOs to be safe. In more than 60 countries around the world, including Australia, Japan, and all of the countries in the European Union, there are significant restrictions or outright bans on the production and sale of GMOs. In the U.S., the government has approved GMOs based on studies conducted by the same corporations that created them and profit from their sale. Increasingly, Americans are taking matters into their own hands and choosing to opt out of the GMO experiment.
More facts:
- GMO foods are not generally labeled as such in the United States.
- Up to 80% of all processed foods contain GMOs.
- GMOs can be found in staple crops, such as corn and soy.
- Even foods like rice and flax that are considered to be “low risk” have been found to contain GMOs.
- GMOs have increased the use of pesticides which have unknown risks but are suspected to be causes of cancer and other diseases.
How can you know which products are safe? Organizations such as the Non-GMO Project provide lists meant to guide consumers.
True organic foods do not contain GMOs and have been treated only with natural pesticides. Wintergreen Organics can help you get the healthiest, freshest products found locally. Visit Wintergreen Organics and Naturals for more information.
Katherine Gotthardt, writer for Wintergreen Organics & Naturals
