GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are plants or animals that have been genetically altered and does not occur organically in nature. Basically, GMOs are engineered to withstand herbicides and/or directly produce an insecticide which have been linked to serious health risks in humans and proven harmful in animal studies.
In more than 60 countries around the world including Australia, Japan and all of the countries in the EU, harsh restrictions have been put in place or a ban on the production and sale of GMOs. This is not the case in the USA. Sadly, there isn’t even a mandate to label GMOs!
As consumers, we do what we can to stay up to date on the list of products that have been genetically modified but this can prove to be challenging since that list changes frequently.
Below is a list of high-risk GMO products as of December 2011 (via http://www.nongmoproject.org):
- Alfalfa – first planting 2011
- Canola – approx. 90% of U.S. crop
- Corn – approx. 88% of U.S. crop in 2011
- Cotton – approx. 90% of U.S. crop in 2011
- Papaya – most of Hawaiian crop; approximately 988 acres
- Soy – approx. 94% of U.S. crop in 2011
- Sugar Beets – approx. 95% of U.S. crop in 2010
- Zucchini and Yellow Summer Squash – approx. 25,000 acres
- Animal products (milk, meat, eggs, honey, etc.) because of contamination in the feed
Flax and rice have also been known to be genetically modified but has not been verified yet
Avoid GMOs by sticking with certified organic, certified non-GMO verified and locally grown foods that are produced naturally without biotechnology.
If you’re visiting a local farmers market, also be wary of GMO products. Some communities have banned GMO products from being sold in their farmers markets but others tolerate GMOs and ask that the farmers label their products appropriately.
Labeling GMOs need to be MANDATORY in every state but it is currently not mandatory in any of the 50 states.
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