GMOs, or “genetically modified organisms”, are plants or animals created through genetic engineering, which fuses and alters the DNA of different species, creating different types of food that are not found in traditional nature. Consumers fear that GMOs are unhealthy and could lead to future ailments and health problems.

Proponents and manufacturers of GMOs like the Monsanto corporation (whose first manufactured product was saccharin) argue that there are several reasons why many companies have chosen to use GMOs, such as a longer shelf life, fewer insecticides, more tolerance to the adverse weather conditions, less crop diseases. and more sales, which drives our economy. The adversaries argue very differently. Some say that an increase in autoimmune diseases, fertility problems, inflammatory diseases, digestive disorders and chronic diseases are increased in part because the body’s natural immune system and its DNA composition are not prepared for the adverse DNA in genetically modified plant foods. , animals and seeds. In fact, GMOs are found in up to 80% of conventional processed foods in the US alone. Here are some other surprising statistics:

• The USDA reports in 2010 that 80% of corn, 90% of soybeans, 94% of cottonseed, 90% of canola seed (used in canola oil), and more than 50% of the Sugar beet crops (used to make sucrose and food coloring) are genetically modified.
• More than 60 countries, including Australia, Japan and all the countries of the European Union have banned or restricted GM seeds and foods. The United States government has approved GMO sales, based on studies conducted by the actual manufacturers of the GMO companies.
• According to ISAAA, “28 different countries grow genetically modified crops. The top three countries in 2012 were: The United States grows 69.5 million hectares of corn, soybeans, cotton, canola, sugar beets, alfalfa and squash, Brazil grows 36.6 million hectares of soybeans, corn and cotton, and Argentina cultivates 23.9 million hectares of soybeans, corn and cotton “
• “ISAAA also notes that GM crops are commonly used as livestock feed. GMOinside.org reports the following statistics:
• 90% of soybeans grown around the world is used for animal feed.
• 48% of American soybeans are used for poultry feed.
• 26% of American soybeans are used to feed pigs.
• 12% of US soybeans are used to feed cattle.
• 9% of American soybeans are used to feed dairy cattle. “
• Many dairy products also contain genetic modifications, such as rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone). In fact, 17% of dairy cattle are injected with rBGH. It’s best to buy your dairy products from a local farm or from a trusted source that offers non-GMO products.

When it comes to labeling, the US is behind most of the world so 64 countries have GMO labeling laws, however the US currently has no labeling law (although about 20 states they are trying). The USDA regulates which companies can claim to use non-GMO foods. Surveys show that most Americans want non-GMO food and supplement labels, to the tune of 91%, according to a recent poll. According to a recent CBS / New York Times poll, 53% of consumers said no they would buy food that has been genetically modified, in case they are told.

Many national and international companies are committed to serving food that is not transgenic in nature. Some of these companies include: Chipotle, Amy’s Organics, Applegate Farms, Ciao Bella Gelato, Earthbound Farm, Organic Valley, Pacific Foods, Stoneyfield Organics, Wild Harvest, and more recently General Mills has removed all GMOs from their original Cheerios cereal ( however, not the rest of the Cheerio lines).

There are several non-GMO advocacy groups and labels, including GM Action Alliance, GMO Free USA, and Citizens for GMO Labeling, if you want to learn more about this growing change in food processing and health.