I was appalled by a recent report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
The report says, ”GM foods are safe for human and animal consumption and the environment. ”
Is this the reality? Can we take these findings as the final word on GMOs !! Not so fast.
There's a decade long controversy over the safety of GMOs and it's far from over. Before I share more, here's some background on GMOs.
What are GMOs?
GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organisms, also called, GM foods or genetically modified foods.
They've been grown since the 1990's. The reason was so farmers could grow more crops to help feed our growing population.
Yet, over a period of time this technology became a tool for food corporations. It became a way to create cheaper food and of course, to make more money.
Researchers have long questioned GM foods.
The 3 main reasons being:
1. They've been less studied and observed.
2. Their long term effects on human and animal health is unknown.
3. Current safety evaluations aren't well rounded. One report argues that GM crops should be thoroughly evaluated. Current GM foods are evaluated as crops made of several substances of known safety, and not as a new life form.
The report doesn't convince me to eat or recommend GM foods. Here's why:
Safety of GM foods
1. Increased pesticide resistance
Bioengineered crops tend to resist the effects of pesticides. This means that more herbicides can be sprayed to kill weeds, while not harming the crops.
Problem is, this all adds up to high levels of pesticide residue on the crop. It also helps create pesticide resistant weeds and insects.
The report confirms that there's an increase in pesticide resistance. This clearly contradicts the report's safety assurance.
2. Based on biased studies
An independent review paper about GM studies on animals reveals a shocking truth.
The report says published studies on GM crops aren't available for all crops. The review found only 19% of the GM crops had been researched.
3. Influenced by Big food corporations
The Food & Water Watch, is a non-government group that fights for consumer rights. According to them this report is influenced by bio tech industry and food corporations. This creates conflicts of interest and begs the question…Is this is a biased report?
4. Not eco-friendly
Genetic engineering of crops simply isn't environmentally friendly.
For centuries, farmers have used simple techniques like crop rotation to get rid off weeds. Some farmers have quit the practice of crop rotation due to GM crops and use of herbicides to kill weeds. Crop rotation, protects the soil, stabilizes its natural nutrient content, and is eco-friendly.
These are just a few reasons, there are other reasons too. Still, it's best to stay vigilant in a corrupted food system and take charge of your health.
How to stay away from GM foods?
Be aware: Here are the GM crops / foods that you should know. Cotton, soy beans, canola, alfalfa, corn, papaya, sugar beets, apple, and potatoes. These are all the GM crops.
Besides, don't eat Processed foods, 75 % of them use canola or soy bean oil as ingredients.
Read labels: Make it a habit. Reading food labels to check for GMO ingredients helps. Food corporations have found ways to sneak GM foods in their products. There are plenty of smart phone apps that make your job easy.
Or, it's easier to buy GMO-free products or choose organic ones.
It's mandatory that products named ”organic” are GMO-free.
Just be sure not to buy unhealthy products.
GMOs are not a viable option for our life and the health of our planet. Information on them is still not in black and white. They're not ethical and not worth risking your health like a guinea pig. I will not risk my health and neither should you.
Yours in Health,
Danette
P.S. I urge you to share this info. with your friends and I welcome your comments below.