Genetically modified food is different from hybrid seed or cross-breeding animals. It is actually manipulating the DNA across species. It is altering the genetic makeup of animals, plants, or bacteria.
Genetically Modified Foods in Our Diet
The United States is the largest producer of genetically modified food, producing 53% of the world's transgenic crops. Argentina falls in second, at 17%. In 2006, 252 million acres of genetically modified crops were planted in 22 countries by 10.3 million farmers.
The major crops that have been genetically modified are corn, soybeans, cotton, canola, and alfalfa. Corn has been genetically modified with a bacteria to make it poisonous to insects. Soybeans are genetically modified with bacteria to make them resistant to herbicides. The belief is that by altering crops, farmers will save money - and the environment - by using fewer herbicides and pesticides. However, there is concern that genetic modification will create harmful bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, or stronger insects that are resistant to the genetically modified crops.
Are Genetically Modified Foods Safe?
The truth is, no one knows. Current testing methods are inadequate and inaccurate. Genetically modified foods are compared to their natural counterparts and found to be similar in nutritional value - therefore, deemed to be "safe". There is no long-term study of the effects of consuming genetically modified foods on humans. No one knows if toxins will build up in the digestive tract, or if genetically modified foods will trigger allergic reactions. And since genetically modified foods are not labeled, people who suffer severe allergies are at risk. For example, those with severe shellfish allergies won't know if the fruit or vegetable they consume has been genetically modified with shellfish DNA.
Studies that have been done on rats, mice and hamsters reveal a wide list of health issues, including high infant mortality, decreased digestion, infertility, lesions on the stomach, damaged kidneys and livers, and death.
Because of the lack of long-term studies, much of the modern world has banned genetically modified foods, including Europe, Australia, and Japan. In a 2002 article, "Canadian Organic Farmers Sue Monsanto and Aventis", the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development reports on the Saskatchewan farms in their dispute with the transglobal biotech giants, because their genetically modified canola cross-bred with the organic fields, contaminating them and shutting the organic farmers out of their market. (January 24. Accessed October 14, 2010). If steps are not taken to protect natural, organic products, they may become extinct.
Rising Health Risks in the United States
Consumption of genetically modified foods has risen significantly in the United States in the past ten years. A number of health issues in children have also risen - is there a relationship? Autism has reached epidemic levels, rising 657 percent! (Lillenfeld). Adult onset diabetes has risen 33%, now affecting younger adults and children (Kaufman). Peanut allergy, unheard of a generation ago, now affects one in every one-hundred children(Smith), yet it is virtually non-existent in Asia, where peanuts are a major food source. The prevalence of peanut allergies in children doubled from 1997 to 2002, yet researchers have no idea why (Smith). Perhaps the most alarming statistic of all, the United States ranks second highest for infant mortality in the developed world (Green). Only Latvia ranked higher. Clearly, the United States today is not the healthiest place to raise a child.
What we can do about genetically modified foods in our diet
October 2010 has been named non-gmo month. It is a time to become informed, so that we can affect change. If just five percent of the population boycotted genetically modified foods, grocery stores would stop stocking them. If growers cannot sell their product, they will stop growing it. This is consumerism at it's best. We do not need more government regulations, just savvy shoppers. It worked in Europe, eleven years ago.
Foods to avoid, to eliminate genetically modified organisms from your diet:
- Corn - including corn oil and high-fructose corn syrup
- soy
- cottonseed - used in vegetable oils and peanut butter
- canola oil
- sugar from sugar beats
- Hawaiian papaya
- zucchini
- crook-neck squash
You can shop organic. Organic foods do not contain genetically modified organisms. Then you can download the shoppers guide, produced by the Non-GMO project, listing brands that are free from GMO foods.
You can find out more about the Non-GMO project. here.
Resources:
Lillenfeld, Scott O. and Hal Arkowitz, "Is There Really an Autism Epidemic?" Scientific American. December 2007. Accessed October 14, 2010.
Kaufman MD, Francine Ratner, "Type 2 Diabetes in Children and Young Adults: A New Epidemic", American Diabetes Association. 2010. Accessed October 14, 2010.
Smith, Robert and Nicole, "Peanut Allergy", Allergic Child.com. Accessed October 14, 2010.
Pusztai, Ph.D, Arpad, "Genetically Modified Foods - Are They a Risk to Human / Animal Health?", Action Bioscience.org. American Institute for Biological Sciences, Washington D.C.October 14, 2010. actionbioscience.org
" Genetically Modified Foods and Organisms", Biological and Environmental Information Programs. U.S. Department of Energy Genome Programs.October 14, 2010. ornl.gov
Green, Jeff, CNN, "U.S. has second worst newborn death rate in modern world", Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. October 14, 2010. articles.cnn.com
Lorelei Sieja - "Coming Home, Staying Home", The Teaching Home magazine "On Death and Dishes","Buzzard Morning", Our Family Magazine "The MacGyver ...
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