Genetically modified foods are crops where genes from bacteria or viruses are forced into their DNA. The two main categories are those that are engineered not to die when sprayed with a toxic herbicide and those that produce their own toxic insecticide.A problem arises in the former case because crops can be doused in herbicides and even thorough washing may not be effective. And in the latter case no amount of washing, no matter how thorough, can eliminate the insecticide because it’s bred right into the plant.
GMOs bred with genetic pesticides kill insects by poking holes in the cells of their stomachs. Some tests on human cells show similar effects, despite claims by supporters that humans are not affected. And the danger of ingesting herbicides is easy to recognize. Many researchers consider GMO foods to be a source of increased digestive issues in humans, and especially children, causing inflammation and leading to much higher incidences of allergies and other environmental sensitivities since GMOs were introduced in 1996.But substantial independent testing is nearly impossible to create, as scientists critical of GMOs are in danger of losing their funding and their jobs and of having their reputations attacked. What is the effect on people, animals and the environment? Despite assurances from the biotech industry – which, of course, has an enormous financial stake in GMO production – we truly don’t have long-term data yet for either humans or animals. Basically, we’re playing with a potential time bomb.
What kids eat really matters. GMOs are pervasive in processed foods, especially GMO sugar cane, GMO soy, GMO corn (including the ubiquitous corn syrup), as well as cottonseed oil and canola oil. Maybe as much as 80% of the food in a typical supermarket contains GMO ingredients. Eliminating most processed foods from the diet can be a great way to avoid GMOs. A tour with Jeffrey Smith through a health-food market highlights tips for identifying non-GMO foods.Popular opinion can also work toward eliminating GMOs from our food. In May 2013, a loosely organized movement resulted in an estimated two million people protesting Monsanto, one of the leading GMO biotech firms. Many states are holding referendums that would require all GMO foods to be labeled as such. The biotech firms pour money into defeating these measures, knowing that citizens, given the information, would choose to avoid GMOs.