We know it’s that time of year… Halloween! We love spooky, oeey, gooey things… But we really don’t want them in our bodies nor do we want to reflect back in twenty years and realize …. we really are what we eat…………… today!
This post will provide you a brief outline of what GMO’s are and how to avoid these Frankenstein foods! We care about you and your family and hope you follow suit! We CAN help shape our children’s future… but we cannot change the past. We are raising our children with no regrets… we hope you do too!
Genetically engineered (GE) foods, also referred to as genetically modified, or GMOs, are those that are altered at the molecular level in ways that could not happen naturally. This means plants and animals that have had their genetic makeup altered to exhibit traits that are not naturally theirs. These techniques use DNA molecules from different sources, sometimes different species, and combine them into one molecule to create a new set of genes (e.g. mixing of flounder genes into tomatoes so the tomatoes would be resistant to cold temperatures
In America, we pride ourselves on having choices and making informed decisions. Under current FDA regulations, we don’t have that choice when it comes to GE ingredients in the foods we purchase and feed our families. Now more than ever, food labeling is essential for us to choose whether or not we want to consume or feed our family genetically engineered foods.
Genetically engineered foods are required to be labeled in the 15 European Union nations, Russia, Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries around the world. As an American, I firmly believe I should also have the right to know if my foods have been genetically engineered.
A recent poll released by ABC News found that 93 percent of the American public wants the federal government to require mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods. As ABC News stated, “Such near-unanimity in public opinion is rare.”
I hope you will take into consideration our opinion and the other 93 percent of the American public who want mandatory labeling. Please show your support for the interests of the American people by labeling genetically engineered foods.
8 Things You Can Do
If You’re Concerned About the
Lack of Labeling of Genetically Engineered Foods
1. With just one click, tell the FDA that you support mandatory labeling of genetically engineered food.
2. Look for the USDA Organic seal and buy organic – The National Organic Standards prohibit the use of genetic engineering.
3. Avoid the 5 products that are most likely to be genetically engineered (GE) unless they are USDA certified organic or Non-GMO Project Verified: Corn, Soy, Canola, Cotton, Sugar made from beets (sugar from cane is NOT GMO).
4. When buying produce, look at the PLU # (price look up). If it’s 5 numbers starting with an 8, then you will know it is genetically engineered. If it starts with a 9, it is organic. USDA certified organic per the organic standards prohibits the use of genetically engineering.
5. Eat fresh! While some produce is genetically engineered, most GEs will be found in processed foods containing soy and corn. Eat more fresh vegetables and unprocessed foods. Your body will thank you and you will avoid genetically engineered foods.
6. Download the True Food Shopper’s Guide from the Center for Food Safety for a list of brands with products that claim to be made without genetic engineering (also available via mobile app).
7. Look for products that identify themselves as not genetically modified or Non- GMO, like Non-GMO Project Verified, North America’s first third-party Product Verification Program.
8. When in doubt, ask! Call the manufacturer of your favorite foods and ask if they contain genetically engineered products. This way you get the information you need and you can let the company know how you feel about GEs.
Source: http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/Sugar/data.htm#yearbook , http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5W-5VzA2bM&feature=player_embedded ,http://justlabelit.org/dininginthedark
Chef Gigi Gaggero 