Understanding GMO's
GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organisms. In other words, the genes of plants or animals are altered by adding DNA from other living organisms. These new genetically modified organisms would never occur naturally through cross breeding and have, therefore, caused much debate over their safety for both humans and the environment.
The most common GMO foods are:
Because cornstarch and soy protein and oil are found in so many products, it's quite difficult to avoid them. In fact, GMOs are present in 60 to 70 percent of foods on US supermarket shelves, according to Bill Freese at the Center for Food Safety. Currently, GMO labeling is not required so buyer beware! GMO's, however, are strictly prohibited in organic products.
There are many GMO products that are not approved for human consumption but are approved for animal consumption. We humans, in turn, eat the animals or their by-products.
The most common GMO foods are:
- 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)
Because cornstarch and soy protein and oil are found in so many products, it's quite difficult to avoid them. In fact, GMOs are present in 60 to 70 percent of foods on US supermarket shelves, according to Bill Freese at the Center for Food Safety. Currently, GMO labeling is not required so buyer beware! GMO's, however, are strictly prohibited in organic products.
There are many GMO products that are not approved for human consumption but are approved for animal consumption. We humans, in turn, eat the animals or their by-products.