Imperiled by our own hand
Genetically modified corn and other GM crops are consumed by the vast majority of Americans in some form. The FDA does not require safety studies, and independent safety testing of GM foods is scarce. And we're given little choice in the matter; nearly all processed foods have GM ingredients and there is no requirement to label food products containing genetically modified ingredients. Take a look at this eye-popping summary of GMO infiltration of the food supply:
www.seedsofdeception.com/Public/AboutGeneticallyModifiedFoods/GMFoodsataGlance/index.cfm
The biotech industry would like us to believe GM foods have no adverse effects. Independent research suggests otherwise.
An Austrian study finds reduced fertility in mice fed GM corn. Effects gradually worsen in subsequent generations.
source: www.responsibletechnology.org/utility/showArticle/?objectID=2469
A study by a Russian scientist finds mortality and fertility issues with GM soy.
source: www.responsibletechnology.org/utility/showArticle/?objectID=299
Italian research documents immune response changes in mice fed GM corn.
source: http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf802059w
A French study shows that Roundup residues found in GM food and feed can cause cell damage.
source: www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_16348.cfm
Want more? Genetic Roulette exposes 65 health risks and dangers associated with GM foods.
source: www.seedsofdeception.com/Public/GeneticRoulette/HealthRisksofGMFoodsSummaryDebate/index.cfm
Genetic modification also threatens traditional agriculture and crop diversity. Conventional and organic crops are at risk of contamination by GM varieties through cross-pollination.
source: www.non-gmoreport.com/environmental_issues_genetic_engineering.php
It's conceivable, at the rate we're going, that GM foods may ultimately threaten our survival (if antibiotic-resistant bacteria or the effects of global climate change don't get us first.) Humans have tinkered with the natural order out of hubris, misplaced good intentions, and above all, greed. There's a certain irony in possibly being driven to extinction by our own actions.
For now, the best we can do is educate ourselves, buy non-GMO products, press the government for regulation and labeling, and use our purchasing power to push back against the biotech industry and companies using GM ingredients.
Comments
Seeds of Change
God, I've just been waiting for a post like this. This is so information packed--it's amazing, thank you! The agricultural lobby in the United States (which of course people associate with farmers when it's really comprised of giant corporations) is extremely powerful.
I couldn't believe when I saw a commercial recently by some Corn Manufacturer's Association (is there really need for such a thing??) in which a super cute couple argues about high fructose corn syrup. They come to the conclusion that HFCS is really no different than sugar (he's drinking a pop, she's eating an apple), and should be enjoyed without restraint. I felt like I was in la-la land. That this kind of blatant lying and manipulation of statistics can make it onto the television set is astounding to me. I mean, it wasn't even a commercial designed to sell anything; it was meant to convince us that eating an apple is the same thing as drinking a Coke with 200 calories and nine tablespoons of HFCS sugar. It really does hammer home your point that education (self-education at that) is the only way to consume intelligently and safely.
Excellent post. What really makes me ill is, as prairie plains pointed out, advertisers trying to snow us into thinking that high fructose corn syrup or GMOs are either harmless or (even more sick) that they're beneficial.
Although the fact that corporations are scambling to mend their image may be a good sign - it means that the public's new knowledge is resulting in dropped sales for these scumbags.
I have been told that my wheat allergy may have been caused by GMOs. No bread, pasta or cookies for me any more - it scares me to think these nasty substances may cause me to have allergic reactions to foods I actually need. Maybe our new President can help. (Geez I love saying that).
I've seen more and more articles along this lines of this. Frightening, but true.
We really need to take better care of ourselves, our familys, and the environment. Thank you for such an enlightening share.
Karen