The issue of Genetically Modified Foods (GMO'S) is of great concern to a large number of our customers! When my daughter, Jillian and I were at Market in Portland, Oregon, we so enjoyed participating in a class that they offered on this very subject!
Genetically modified food is currently one of the most controversial practices within our agricultural system. Very simply put, genetic modification involves taking genes from one species and inserting them into another. For example, genes from an arctic flounder (which obviously are resistant to cold temperatures) may be spliced into a tomato to prevent frost damage, allowing yields later into the season.
This type of modification is quite different from traditional breeding techniques. Traditional breeding typically occurs within the established boundaries of nature. For example, tomatoes may cross-pollinate with other tomatoes, but not with rice, or with flounder. Pigs will mate with other pigs, but not with cows.
Genetic modification splices genes between unrelated species that would NEVER crossbreed in nature. Natural reproduction or breeding can only occur between closely related forms of life.
So, why do this? The main arguments in favor point to increased crop yields (ability to feed the world) and a reduction in the use of insecticides and pesticides. If true, and it were that clean and simple, then genetically modified food would indeed be the next great thing. But there are many questions and concerns surrounding the process!
Foremost among the concerns is safety. Are genetically modified foods safe? In 50 other countries around the world, including Australia, Japan, Puru and all of the countries in the European Union, there are significant restrictions or outright bans on the production of genetically modified foods because they have not been thoroughly tested or proven to be safe. In the United States, FDA approval of commercial production of genetically modified crops is mostly based on studies conducted by the companies who created them and profit from their sale.
As long as genetically modified foods are not properly tested for human safety before they are released for sale, there will be a cloud of uncertainty and skepticism surrounding this process.
The main reply to the challenge that genetically modified organisms (GMO'S) are not safe is that "people have been eating GM foods in the United States and other countries for more than ten years without any problems" and this proves therefore, that the products are safe. But, genetically modified foods are NOT labeled in the US and other countries where they are consumed, making it impossible to monitor for health effects.
The current labeling policy for GM foods as put forth by the FDA requires labeling GM foods if the food has a significantly different nutritional property; if a new food includes an allergen that consumers would not expect to be present (e.g. a peanut protein in a soybean product); or if a food contains a toxicant beyond acceptable limits. Mandatory labeling of GM foods in the United States has been proposed and bills requiring mandatory labeling have been introduced in Congress,
but as of today, nothing is officially required.
GMO FAQs:
What are GMOS?
GMOs or "genetically modified organisms" are plants or animals created through the gene splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, or GE). This experimental technology merges DNA from different species, creating unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and viral genes that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding!
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!
Are GMOs LABELED?
Unfortunately, even though polls consistently show that a significant majority of Americans WANT to know if the food they are purchasing contains GMOs, the powerful biotech lobby has succeeded in keeping this information from the public. In the absence of mandatory labeling, the Non-GMO Project was created to give consumers the informed choice they deserve!
Which FOODS might be GMO?
The following crops are at risk of being genetically engineered, either because GMO varieties are in commercial production, or because of contamination from unapproved trial varieties. Ingredients from these crops may not be used in Non-GMO Project Verified products unless DNA testing shows them to be compliant with the Non-GMO Project Standard:
*ALFALFA
*CANOLA
*CORN
*COTTON
*FLAX
*PAPAYA
*RICE
*SOY
*SUGAR BEETS
*YELLOW SUMMER SQUASH
*ZUCCHINI
Ingredients derived from these risk crops include (but are not limited to:)
Amino Acids, Aspartame, Ascorbic Acid, Solidum Ascorbate, Vitamin C, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Ethanol, Flavorings ("natural and artificial") , High-Fructose Corn Syrup, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Lactic Acid, Maltodextrins, Molasses, Monosodium Glutamate, Sucrose, Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), Xanthan Gum, Some Vitamins, some Yeast Products.
The following animal derivatives are also considered high-risk by the Non-GMO Project Standard, because of potential GMO contamination in feed and other inputs:
*MILK
*MEAT
*EGGS
*HONEY & OTHER BEE PRODUCTS
HOW can I AVOID GMOs?
Tip #1: In the U.S., GMOs are in as much as 80% of conventional processed food!
To avoid GMOs, buy certified organic products which cannot intentionally include any GMO ingredient. Buy products labeled 100% organic, organic or made with organic ingredients. You can be doubly sure if the product also has a Non-GMO Project Verified Seal.
Tip #2: Look for the Non-GMO Project Seal.
Products that carry the Non-GMO Project Seal are independently verified to be in compliance with North America's only third party standard for GMO avoidance, including testing of at-risk ingredients.
Tip#3: Avoid at-risk ingredients
Avoid products made with ingredients that might be derived from GMOs. Or be sure that when buying and consuming foods from the list of fifteen foods above that you choose the certified organic choices.
Tip #4: Download the Guide
Visit
NonGMOShoppingGuide.com to download the growing list of Non-GMO products available and check out the iPhone application, ShopNoGMO free at the iTunes store!
As the owner of a retail health food store, I have noticed that in the last 10 years, customers are complaining more frequently of digestive issues, food intolerances or even worsening food allergy reactions. Is there a connection with the increase of these symptoms and GMO food consumption?
We at HealthStyles Market are committed to Non-GMO foods! We are stocking as much and as large of a selection of organic and non-GMO foods as we have found, and continue to add to our product choices weekly!
We also have added The GMO Trilogy DVD set to our video checkout library - so feel free to call us to request that item for checkout. Our library books and DVD's check out for two weeks at no charge to you!
You have a right to know about GMO's and you have the right to vote with your buying dollars! Be informed and make the BEST choice for yourself and the health of your family!
See you soon!
Arlys
