Featured Blog: The Real Lowdown on GMOs

Genetically modified foods are gaining attention in the press lately as the debate about mandatory labelling heats up. Volunteer organizations statewide are gathering signatures to pass legislation requiring producers to label foods containing GMOs, while industry is fighting hard against it. And since October is the Organic Consumer Association’s official Non-GMO month, it’s worth investigating this timely topic.

First off, what is a GMO? Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are made by forcing genes from one species, such as bacteria, plants or animals, into another to introduce a new trait, such as a longer produce shelf-life or increased production of meat and dairy products.

So why would this concern us, more is generally better, isn't it? I’d say in this case probably not. While there are (arguably) compelling opinions supporting each side of the GMO debate, genetically modified organisms are part of a relatively new field of experimentation, which means all the facts are not yet available. The impact of GMOs on humans and the environment may not be known for decades.

In fact, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) plainly states, “Genetically Modified foods have not been properly tested and pose a serious health risk”. Add that to the fact that dozens of countries have banned the import, sale, use and planting of Genetically Modified Organisms due to the lack of testing, and avoiding GMOs seems like the smart thing to do.

And it sounds pretty easy – just avoid the products labeled GMO right? Well, yes, in a perfect world. But a couple of issues make that practically
impossible. Number one, foods containing GMOs are not required to be labeled as such. Despite the health and environmental risk factors which have been clearly identified, big business is keeping pressure on the FDA not to require labeling, and so far it’s worked.

The other issue is, more than 75% of American foods and body care products contain genetically modified organisms. Regardless of dozens of scientific warnings, the FDA has approved widespread use of GMO ingredients in our foods and body care products, a telling testament to those diligent corporate lobbyists hard at work. Here it is in black and white.

Percentage of crops that are Genetically Modified in the U.S.:

• Soy (85%)

• Cotton (Cottonseed) (76%)

• Canola (75%)

• Corn (40%)

• Hawaiian papaya (more than 50%)

• Zucchini and Yellow Squash (small amount)

• Quest brand tobacco (100%)

The highly genetically engineered crops are soy, corn, canola and cottonseed. Add to that sugar beets, which are now becoming GMO and that
breaks down to more than 2/3s of all processed foods containing GMOs, none of them labeled. Daunting, right? And why aren’t we being more objectively informed? While the latter answer is beyond the scope of this blog, once you get beyond the daunted part, you’ll quickly realize it’s not as hard as it initially seems.

It turns out there are 5 simple ways to avoid the thousands of genetically modified products lurking on your grocery store shelves, and they’re all right here below, so memorize ‘em, print ‘em, tape ‘em to your refrigerator, just do yourself a favor and skip those GMOs!.

1. Buy Organic. Buy food products that are USDA Certified organic, they’re required by law to be GMO-free.

2. Shop Local. Purchase locally grown food from farmer’s markets or co-ops. Currently, the genetic engineering of crops largely remains a technology for large-scale, corporate “factory farms." You’ll also support your farming neighbors and boost your local economy.

3. Look for Products Labeled “Non-GMO”. Buy meat and dairy from free-range, hormone-free sources, those labeled rbGH or GMO-free. Livestock are commonly raised on GMO feed and/or may be injected with growth hormones such as rbGH. Buying local often reduces those risk factors as well.

4. Avoid Brands Containing At Risk Ingredients. Including foods that contain corn, soy, canola and cottonseed, which are the four most widely grown genetically modified crops. Cooking oils are tricky because most of them are blended with cottonseed or canola and unless specifically labeled non-GMO, they’re likely to contain GM ingredients, so opt for organic where possible. Organic coconut, sunflower and safflower ‘high heat’ oils make good alternatives.

Similarly, soy milk, tacos and corn chips are likely to contain GMOs unless labeled otherwise. When in doubt, just buy snacks that don’t contain corn or soy in general in order to avoid this.

5. Use the Non-GMO Project Shopping Guide. Download and shop using the “Non-GMO Shopping Guide” offered by the non-profit Center for Food Safety. You can print it out on 8.5 x 11 paper or download ShopNoGMO, it’s free at the iTunes store. The shopping guide includes a list of products that are truly non-GMO, as well as tips on how to avoid GMO food products.