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Quote of the day:

“Oh yes, the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.”

– The Lion King

GMOs

What is it?

“Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, whose genetic material has been altered in a laboratory using genetic engineering techniques.” These modifications are made to improve or change the organism's characteristics, such as increased resistance to pests or a longer shelf life. Genetically modified crops are engineered to tolerate the use of herbicides and pesticides.

Non-GMO stands for "non-genetically modified organism." This term is used to describe food, plants, or animals that have not been genetically modified or engineered in a laboratory.

The non-GMO label is often found on food products, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and meat, to assure consumers that the product is free of GMOs.

Why does it matter?

Research has raised questions about the potential health risks of consuming GMOs. Some studies suggest that consuming GMOs may lead to negative health outcomes, including allergic reactions, DNA mutation, cancer, fertility issues, and damage to the immune system. However, the research on this topic is still evolving, and more studies are needed to fully understand the long term risks of GMOs.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), as of 2021, several major crops in the U.S. are predominantly genetically modified (there are 13 of them in the US), including:

• Corn: Approximately 92% of the corn grown in the U.S. is genetically modified.

• Soybeans: About 94% of soybeans grown in the U.S. are genetically modified.

• Cotton: More than 90% of the cotton grown in the U.S. is genetically modified.

• Canola: About 90% of the canola grown in the U.S. is genetically modified.

Additionally, some other crops that are genetically modified and commonly used in processed foods include sugar beets, papaya, squash, and some varieties of apples.

GMO sugar beets are particularly significant since over half of the commercially available granulated (or white) sugar is produced from them. Processed foods also frequently contain GMO-derived ingredients, such as soybean-based lecithin and emulsifiers, canola and cottonseed oil in packaged goods, and high-fructose corn syrup present in numerous food products, including soft drinks, salad dressing, bread, and sweetened yogurt.

How to remove from your life?

If you are looking to avoid GMOs, there are several steps you can take. One of the easiest ways to avoid GMOs is to choose certified organic products. Organic certification prohibits the use of genetically modified ingredients, so products that are certified organic are guaranteed to be GMO-free. For example, this means an organic farmer is not allowed to grow GMO seeds, an organic cow cannot consume GMO foods, and an organic soup manufacturer cannot incorporate any GMO components into their product.

You can also look for products labeled "non-GMO" or "GMO-free." The Non-GMO Project has strict standards for non-GMO products and requires ongoing monitoring and testing to maintain certification.

On the flip side, products that are GMO need to be labeled as such. Another word for GMO on a label could say “Contains Bioengineered Food Ingredients".

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