voltage-elbow
Earth Holistic Health Nutrition

Genetically Engineered Foods

Mar 23, 2007
by Linda Anderson

wheat fieldThe following text is from a flyer offered by my local health food store, Vitamin Cottage:

(Note: links added to this article are from my research and clarification only, except where www is mentioned in the text.)

“What is genetic engineering? Genetic engineering is a laboratory technique used by scientists to change the DNA of living organisms. The molecular biology of an organism is being altered by means not possible under natural conditions. This gene manipulation creates what is called genetically modified (GM) foods.

Health Hazards of Genetic Engineering

  • Adverse health effects – A scientist, Arpad Pusztai, found GM potatoes damaged the kidney, thymus, spleen, and gut of young rats. Also, contrary to the claims of proponents, GM crops have not been proven safe.
  • Increased pollution of food and water supplies.
  • Allergic reactions – Genetic engineering may transfer new and unidentified proteins from one food into another, triggering allergic reactions in susceptible people.
  • Decreased nutritional value – A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that concentrations of phytosterols (beneficial compounds thought to protect against heart disease and perhaps certain cancers) was lower in genetically modified soybeans than in traditional strains.
  • Unsafe track record – Recently it has been found that GE (Bt) corn produces a toxin that kills not only the intended pests bu also monarch butterflies.
  • Unpredictable, permanent changes in the nature of our food.
  • Cross-pollination – GMO crops can easily cross pollinate with organic crops, thus making organic food not technically organic.
  • Irreversible damage – Unlike chemical contamination, gene pollution can never be cleaned up.

Genetically Engineered Foods

Biotech companies have already planted millions of acres with genetically engineered crops. The FDA estimates that within the next few years 150 new genetically engineered foods will be approved for sale. It is estimated that 70% of the “convenience foods” on your grocery shelves contains some genetically engineered ingredients. The following is a list of the most common GE foods: Soybeans, corn, potatoes, canola, cotton, and tomatoes. Dairy products are also often affected because many cows are being treated with rBGH (a genetically altered recombinant bovine growth hormone) to make them produce more milk.

Inadequate Testing and Labeling Standards

The FDA allows genetically engineered foods to enter the market without requiring any testing. Since genetically engineered foods are sold unlabeled, there is no way to tell which tomatoes, potatoes, corn, etc. have been genetically engineered. Without labels, our public health agencies will be unable to trace problems back to their source. Without long-term studies no one know if these foods are safe! The health consequences will be discovered only by trial and error.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act

This bill was proposed by Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), and seeks to label Genetically Engineered Foods, foods produced with Genetically Engineered Materials (G.E.M.), and foods that contain Genetically Engineered ingredients.

This label would apply to the following:

  • Genetically Engineered Material (G.E.M.). This is a food injected or treated with G.E.M., and/or an animal from which food is derived and has been fed G.E.M., or
  • A product produced with G.E.M. This is a food injected or treated with G.E.M., and/or an animal from which food is derived and has been fed G.E.M., or
  • A combination of the above mentioned Genetically Engineered Foods.
  • Types of products that will be labeled include: Canned or frozen vegetables that contain G.E.M.; fresh or frozen bread that contain G.E.M.; packaged meal starters; fresh or frozen meat that was given G.E.M. feed or injected with engineered hormones; products processed from an animal that was injected with engineered hormones (i.e., cheese, butter, yogurt); any product that was direcdtly injected with G.E.M. (animals and plants) or any product produced from that product (food served in restaurants, prepared foods, etc. are not included).

When passed, consumers will no longer have to guess if the product they are purchasing contains a Genetically Engineered ingredient, a clear, prominent label would alleviate confusion on ingredients. Sending letters [to your state representatives] on this topic is very important.”

This article is presented here to provide an opportunity for you to explore further research.

I would also highly suggest viewing the DVD, The Future of Food, available from this web site or, if you are a subscriber, from Netflix.

Here are some additional resources from the FDA on the subject of safe GE foods:

Genetic Engineering: The Future of Foods? FDA, Nov/Dec 2003

Are Bioengineered Foods Safe? FDA, Jan/Feb 2000