Based on information compiled by the Label GMOs Grassroots Committee, the following are facts we all need to keep in mind to protect our health and to make informed political decisions:
GMO Fact #1
Genetically
Modified Organisms (GMOs) are laboratory creations of agricultural
biotechnology engineered by forcing DNA from a foreign species into
plants or animals. This foreign DNA may be from a virus, bacteria such
as E. coli, insects, animals or humans, resulting in traits that would
not occur naturally.
Upwards of 70 percent of supermarket foods in
the U.S. contain GMOs. While 50 other countries including the entire
European Union require labeling of GMOs, the U.S. does not.
GMO Fact #2
Animal
studies have shown GMOs cause infertility, accelerated aging,
dysfunctional insulin regulation, changes in major organs and the
gastrointestinal system, and immune problems such as asthma, allergies,
and inflammation. As a result of these studies, the American Academy
of Environmental Medicine has called for a moratorium on GMOs. The
FDA's own scientists warned that GMOs have serious health hazards, but
no safety studies are required. Europe has rejected GMOs due to health
effects.
GMO Fact #3
GM food poses higher risks for children
- In feeding studies, adolescent rats showed damaged immune systems and
digestive function; smaller brains, livers, and testicles; atrophy of
the liver; and pre-cancerous cell growth in the intestines after only 10
days of GM feed. One study showed that offspring of rats fed GM soy
died within three weeks. Bt toxin, a pesticide that has been engineered
into GM corn, has been found in the placenta of pregnant women and and
in fetuses. In newborns, since the blood-brain barrier is not yet
developed, scientists speculate these toxins may enter the brain and
cause serious cognitive problems such ADHD and autism.
GMO Fact #4
Agricultural
bio-tech companies have undue influence on government institutions that
are supposed to regulate them to protect public health. Many
former Monsanto executives are now in the FDA and USDA. Michael Taylor,
former VP and attorney for the biggest GMO company, Monsanto, is now the
Deputy Commissioner at the FDA. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas
is a former Monsanto attorney. Agritech companies give generous campaign
contributions and use heavy lobbying to politicians. The FDA has chosen
to disregard strong warnings of its own scientists and allowed GMOs in
our food supply without any health studies or even labeling.
GMO Fact#5
GMOs offer no benefits to consumers or farmers
. GMOs do not provide higher yields, are not more drought tolerant than
conventional crops, are less nutritious, and do not taste better. Many
GM crops are created to increase tolerance to herbicides, which
encourages more herbicide use and increases agritech profits. Because GM
plants are engineered to produce sterile seed, farmers must purchase
new seed every year. Farmers who do not use GM seed and whose fields
become contaminated by GMOs have lost their livelihood due to lawsuits
from agritech companies.
GMO Fact #6
Overuse of herbicide on GM crops has led to
super-weeds that require super-toxic herbicides, increased incidence of
deadly plant diseases, degradation of the soil, and pollution of
waterways.
GMO Fact #7
GMOs are widespread in our food supply.
U.S. supermarkets sell products containing unlabeled ingredients from
genetically engineered soybeans, sugar beets, corn, canola and
cottonseed. Genetically engineered Hawaiian papaya, zucchini and crook
neck squash are also sold in the U.S. The bovine growth hormone rBGH is
genetically engineered. Livestock are routinely raised on feed
containing GM soy, corn and cottonseed. The FDA has recently deregulated
GM alfalfa, a common feed crop for dairy cattle. The FDA is weighing
approval of GM salmon and a variety of other foods.
GMO Fact #8
GMOs could be contributing to the increases seen in childhood food allergies, asthma and autism,
which have risen dramatically over the past 15 years since GMOs were
introduced. The process of creating GMOs can increase levels of existing
allergens, or introduce new allergens. GMO animal feeding studies show
immune dysregulation, which is associated with asthma. The pesticide Bt
from GM corn has been found in the bloodstream of women and fetuses;
pesticides are linked to Autism via their potential to affect changes in
the fetal brain.
GMO Fact #9
GMOs can be avoided by using the Non-GMO Shopping Guide or choosing organic foods.
The most at-risk ingredients are corn, soy, cottonseed and canola. The
guide available at nongmoshoppingguide.com tells how to avoid hidden GM
ingredients, e.g. lecithin, modified food starch and high fructose corn
syrup. Certified organic products cannot intentionally contain any
genetically engineered ingredients.
GMO Fact #10
You can make a difference!
Here are action steps recommended by Karen Hudson, Sonoma County
Coordinator of Label GMOs Grassroots Committee encourages everyone to
do:
*Contact
carighttoknow.org to endorse, donate, volunteer, and get more information.
*Watch "Future of Food," "The World According to Monsanto" or
*See Jeffrey Smith's new video "Genetic Roulette."
*Check out Nutiva's 2 min. video on YouTube:
"What is a GMO?".
*Forward this article to everyone in your network.