The food industry, represented by the FDA, USDA, and several large corporations, claim that genetically modified (GMO) foods are safe. In addition, they cite several additional factors that support the need for genetic engineering in agricultural production. The first of these is the increased production of crops that resist drought, disease and pests. They also claim that GM crops require fewer pesticides and this benefits the environment and consumers. Finally, they claim to produce better foods that are richer in certain nutrients or are devoid of certain natural toxins, such as mold.
All of these claims are backed by the World Health Organization, the National Academy of Sciences, and the American Medical Association, who declare that GM foods are as safe as any other food. Interestingly, many countries have banned the cultivation of GM crops and others, at a minimum, require labeling of GM foods. Clearly, entire regions of the world are concerned about the potential for toxicity in foods supplied by GM foods.
One of the genetic modifications of corn, soybeans, and sugar beets has been to make them “Roundup Ready.” This means that these crops are designed to resist the effects of glyphosate, the main ingredient in the herbicide Roundup. Glyphosate blocks the function of enzymes that help plants absorb nutrients. The plant then begins to die rapidly. Farmers liberally spray the chemical on their fields to eradicate weeds. Unfortunately, these food crop plants take up glyphosate along with weeds. They do not die as a result of genetic modification designed to resist that process.
This glyphosate residue then finds its way into the food supply, both for direct human consumption in packaged foods and through animals, which are raised on GM corn and soybeans. High levels of glyphosate have been found in soy and corn products. The problem is that glyphosate performs the same function in the human body as it does in plants. In other words, glyphosate disrupts the enzymes that help us absorb nutrients, which can lead to a number of diseases. If you have eaten packaged food recently, chances are you have consumed glyphosate.
Another genetic modification involves resistance to pests such as worms. In this case, the modified corn and squash products produce the same toxin produced by a bacteria naturally found in soil. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is commonly used as a biological pesticide, it is sprayed on crops to destroy invasive pests. When a pest attacks a GM crop, the plant itself blocks the attack as the pest ingests the Bt toxin. Unfortunately, this toxin is also found in food that arrives on the shelf in clean packages. From there, it enters human bodies and causes damage to cells.
The list of genetic modifications continues to grow, and the long-term effect of this will only be known for sure after years of research. Meanwhile, millions of people may be harmed by consuming these products, believing them to be safe. Evidence is already mounting to suggest that these agents are toxic to humans, and many countries besides the US are beginning to respond. Day to day, it’s up to you to choose a food supply you know you can trust, rather than one that involves you in a potentially dangerous experiment to increase the food supply.
Completely avoiding packaged foods would be a good starting point. If you can’t resist, examine the label carefully. Many producers are beginning to identify “non-GMO” ingredients on their labels. In addition to looking for “non-GMO” labels, some ingredients are clear indicators of the presence of GMO elements. These include high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), aspartame, monosodium glutamate, trans fat, food dyes, sulfur dioxide, and potassium bromate. The list of foods known to be genetically modified includes corn, soybeans, alfalfa, canola, cotton, papaya, sugar beets, squash, yellow summer squash, wheat, rice, and flax.
Choose products labeled 100% organic, certified by the USDA. Being certified organic means that the crop is grown without the use of harmful chemicals and that GMOs are not on the USDA approved list. Support your local farmers market, but be sure to ask questions about their farming practices. Not all local farmers are non-GMO or follow organic practices. Finally, grow your own vegetables in your backyard. A small space can produce a healthy supply of nutrients that you know are safe.
