No one knows the long-term consequences of genetic engineering. This new technology has the potential to breed new human, animal and plant diseases. One of the greatest threats from genetically modified crops is the creation of powerful new viruses, which could cause famine by destroying crops. By failing to require testing and labeling of genetically engineered foods, the FDA has made consumers unsuspecting guinea pigs. It has placed the short-term interests of a few biotechnology companies ahead of their responsibility to protect public health.
What can we do about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in our food? Currently, because so many GMO products have been released without labeling (especially foods that contain soy and corn), it is difficult to be certain which foods contain GMOs and which do not. The standards that are the most reliable are "Organic" and products that specifically label themselves "GMO-free." Even these might contain traces because of cross pollination, and contamination from equipment, silos, and processing plants.
What we buy is a very powerful way of voting and exerting pressure. If you find a food you like but are unsure of its contents, call the manufacturer and ask if it contains GMOs. Let them know it makes a difference to you. Also, educate yourself, your family and friends.
If farmers understand that people do not want to eat foods containing GMOs, they will be more likely to resist the large corporations, like Monsanto, that are monopolizing the source of corn and soybean seeds, leaving farmers fewer and fewer choices of seed to plant. For example, the seeds that farmers are being forced to buy from Monsanto have a gene that, for now, makes them immune to the herbicide Round-Up, which of course Monsanto sells. Farming is not an industry and to try to make it one may prove to be disastrous. Many countries are blocking imports of GMO foods (the majority of which come from this country).
Ask the grocery stores and agricultural feed stores you frequent to label their GMO foods and animal feed. In the meantime, whenever possible, buy local and buy organic.
For more information, visit www.greenpeace.org; www.truefood now.org; www.purefood.org; or www biotech-info.net/organic_research. html. Ukiah Natural Foods also has a list of specific products in front of the store for easy reference.
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 2001
Permission granted to excerpt or use this article if source is cited