A Look at Genetically Modified Organisms

A genetically modified organism is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. In other words; A GMO is the result of a laboratory process of taking genes from one species and inserting them into another in trying to get a desired trait or characteristic. Examples of some common organisms that have been genetically modified include bacteria and yeast, insects, plants, fish and even mammals. GMO's are the source of genetically modified foods as well. It is at this level that many consumers become concerned.

The question most commonly asked is; are genetically modified foods safe? What are the long-term health risks associated with consuming GMO products? Are the advantages worth the potential risks?

As the world's population continues to grow ensuring that there will be an adequate food supply is becoming a challenge. GM foods are believed to meet this challenge in several ways. The advantages of GMO crops include pest resistance, herbicide tolerance and disease resistance, which result in less chemical application, and danger of agricultural waste run-off also making the cost of production less. Additionally GM seeds help with cold tolerance and drought resistance. Advocates for GM foods argue that they are better for the environment, because farmers can cut their use of pesticides and herbicides and the residual levels of these chemicals in the environment.

The main argument in favor of GM foods is the nutritional value. Famine and malnutrition are all too common in third world countries, where people rely on a single crop as their food source, such as rice. Rice does not contain adequate amounts of all the necessary nutrients to prevent malnutrition. If rice could be genetically altered to contain added vitamins and minerals, nutrient deficiencies could be alleviated. Studies are being conducted at this time to do just that. Corn, wheat, rice, canola, chicory, squash, potato, soybean, alfalfa, tomatoes and cotton are some of the crops that have been genetically modified to make them resistant to insects and viruses and more able to tolerate herbicides.

Modified genes are used in an early stage of the plants growth process and may, or may not be present in the end product. Nonetheless, gene products such as, photochemicals, may stay in the food chain. The implications for human health are unknown.

The unknown impact of Genetically Modified Foods on our health brings us to the opposing side of the debate. Some of the arguments against the use of GMO are that the safety of these products is not yet verified and that very little is known about the long term health effects on both humans and animals who consume them. Every day, millions of people consume Genetically modified foods with no thorough research of the potential risks to human health.

Researchers have raised the concern that food and water contaminated with genetically modified material could increase the risk of malignant tumors in humans. Other studies have suggested a link between GMO foods and cancer. There is also the concern it could cause new allergy outbreaks in people. One known example of this was a genetically engineered soya bean, containing Brazilian nut protein, which turned out to cause severe allergies in humans and was withdrawn from production.

Without proper labeling laws in place, there is concern that the consumer is no longer aware of what they are eating, which could cause serious issues for those with dietary restrictions, not to mention moral and ethical consideration for vegetarians and vegans.

A study conducted in 2008 showed that feeding mice engineered food for 30 days caused an immune reaction and altered the number of cells that regulated the immune function in the body. Although not proven at this date, it is suspected that similar alterations caused in the human immune system as well.

Modified genes in engineered crops that are resistant to pesticides can transfer to insects and pest. As a result, super-bugs are created that cannot be controlled with normal levels of pesticides. The strength of the chemical used to fight pests must increase, as their resistance grows. This would create a problem in controlling their reproduction and damage to crop production in the future.

The belief is that the altered genes in engineered food will multiply through the generations passing along unknown damaging traits to the future population. Once discovered, it would be too late to recall the product. The effects of genetically modified food could be irreversible. Too little is known about the effects on the human body.

No matter which side of the debate you may fall on, it is always good to know the facts and go into the marketplace as a smart consumer. There is a movement to force product labeling that includes information about GMO's. Organic gardening and farming is becoming big business. With concerns about food and environmental allergies on the rise, more and more people are looking for organically grown products and not just the food they eat but the clothing they wear and the linens the sleep on. In the 1990's the Egyptian Government converted all of Egypt's cotton crops to organic.This means the consumer may be certain that their Egyptian cotton products come from a non GMO seeds.

Visit us at http://www.organiccottonstore.com for all you organic cotton products, including clothing for your baby and infant.

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Genetically Modified Foods - An Asset to the World

Despite the controversy surrounding genetically modified foods they are beneficial both to humans and the environment. Genetically modified plants can repel harmful insects while at the same time producing more fruit. They are better for the environment, are healthier, and are cheaper than organic foods. Nowadays, organic foods simply aren't efficient enough so they cost more and are more difficult to produce than GM foods. While this creates a new market for people that are against genetically modified foods, for the average person it is impractical. GM foods are the foods of the future and they are here to stay.

GM foods are classified as any species of plant or animal that has had its DNA altered. The alteration usually produces desirable traits found either rarely or not at all in the original species. The DNA can either be modified by either allowing a dormant gene to be expressed or by "splicing" which is a process that allows a DNA segment with desirable traits to be cut from its strand and inserted into the DNA strand of the organism to be genetically modified. Through this process many benefits can be gained.

One benefit is that GM crops take far less time to grow and become fertile. Another is that they can also be adjusted to better withstand the never-ending onslaught of pests such as bugs, as well undesirable weather. This means an increase in production which means that people can get what they want when they want it, a very good thing in today's fast paced world where many people are accustomed to instant gratification. Also, GM foods are arguably better tasting than some of their natural counterparts and also have a much higher chance of being an overall better product. Despite all these things there are still people with arguments against GM foods. However, it cannot be denied that genetically modified foods are a worldwide trend and carry with them many benefits.

Some arguments against GM foods are the potential for allergic reactions, the effect that GM foods can have on their environment, and lastly the ethics surrounding the science. Of these surely all the scientific arguments can surely be solved. One of the arguments in question is the fact that GM foods carry some risk of causing allergic reaction. The reason for this is that there is a very slim chance that the DNA segment that is cut during the splicing process contains code that produces proteins that people can be allergic to. So basically if someone who was allergic to peanuts ate a piece of bread that was made from GM wheat that that shared DNA with a peanut that person might have an allergic reaction (if he was extremely unlucky).

This problem can be solved by manufacturers listing possible allergens in their products on the can or box the product comes in. If the product in question happens to be some sort of produce or other product that does not come in a box, can, or other container that can be labeled other arrangements can surely be made. A second argument regarding GM foods is their impact on the environment. Genetically modified foods do have an impact on the environment but it is not decidedly negative. While genetically modified foods may negatively affect some parts of the ecosystem this is not known for sure. One thing that is for sure is that many forms of GM crops are poisonous to certain pests that would otherwise wreak their havoc not only in other crops but in nature too.

One of the last and most tricky arguments against GM foods is the question of morals. Is God really okay with us tampering with his creations? Well regardless of the answer to this question we have been doing exactly this for thousands of years. Originally corn when mature grew to be only about 3-4 inches in length. We have been using selective breeding to obtain desirable traits in both crops and livestock since ancient times by modifying DNA directly we are just speeding up this process. In the beginning, God said that all the plants and creatures of the earth were ours, and now we are just finally beginning to scratch the surface of what that truly means.

Though many people have expressed their dislike of GM foods it cannot be denied that all around the world these foods are making a difference. Farmers no longer need to use pesticides on their crops because they have been genetically altered to be resistant to a number of pests. Farmers also no longer need to worry about the effects of cold or freezing weather on some of their crops. Frost can destroy seedlings which can in turn ruin entire harvests. However, with the insertion of an antifreeze gene found in many species of cold water fish these plants are able to tolerate these harsh conditions.

Furthermore, since plants can also be modified to be both hardier and more fertile more crops can be produced using a significantly lower number of seeds. Another helpful modification found commonly in GM crops allows them to be resistant to Glyphosate more popularly known by its commercial name: Roundup. Glyphosate is an herbicide that kills all plant life with the exception of the GM foods that have been tailored to resist it. This resistance means that farmers only have to use one herbicide to wipe out any and all undesired plant life instead of using many that target only certain threats. But, genetically modified foods are not only helping farmers and the average person they are helping people out all around the world.

One of the most notable accomplishments of genetically modified foods has been the creation of "Golden Rice". This rice is a variation of Oryza sativa rice and has helped to address the issue of malnutrition in third world countries by boosting levels of both Vitamin A and iron. In Oryza sativa rice the edible part of the rice contains no Vitamin A or iron. However, Golden Rice addresses this problem by biosynthesizing iron and beta-Carotene, a red-orange pigment commonly found in plants and fruit. It is a form of Vitamin A and is what gives carrots and sweet potatoes their orange hue. The impact of this rice on third world countries has been astounding and has prevented the deaths of thousands or possibly even millions of children who could have died from malnourishment. With genetically modified foods the possibilities are seemingly endless and the potential to do good is astounding as the dream of a world without hunger or disease suddenly becomes more and more a reality.

Modifying rice to produce Vitamin A and iron is just the beginning. In the near future it will be possible to administer vaccines and other medications through GM foods as well as essential nutrients. These edible vaccinations hold the potential to wipe out malaria and other deadly diseases so commonly found throughout our world. Future GM foods could also make possible the elimination of naturally occurring allergens and non-nutritional compounds. This would mean that all foods would be healthier and that none of them would cause allergic reactions. Some future applications of genetically modified crops go beyond the kitchen with

GM crops making the production of biodegradable plastics, diesel fuel, and more durable cotton and linen products a possibility. Also in the near future game fish may be genetically modified to grow faster thus helping repopulate the sea with different species of overfished fish. All these benefits and more are not so far out of our reach. GM foods have the potential to change the world for the better, to make it a healthier place to live. And once we reach this future who knows where we will be able to go from there.

Genetically modified foods are an asset to the people of the world. GM crops dramatically increase production. They also ensure that no blight, whether it be drought or frost, should be detrimental to a harvest. This technology has already begun to save lives by fighting malnutrition and has the great potential in the medical field. Soon we will be able to send vaccinations and other medicines via seeds that will grow to produce fruit with the medication in them. These foods have the potential to make us healthier and thus lengthen our lives. And while controversy will for a long time surround genetically modified foods, we have been using them since 1994. The precursor to genetic modification, selective breeding, began thousands of years before this date and is the reason for many of the common species of plants and animals today.

Genetic modification is merely another scientific advance such as many others that will, as they did, change the world. Genetically modified foods are just one aspect of this advance but they are a big part of it because of the huge impact that have on both everyday life and the lives of others. GM foods are the foods of both today and of the future. Despite some opposition to this fact it cannot be denied that these foods have benefits both in the long and short term. In short, GM foods are extremely beneficial and are here to stay.

Genetically modified foods are a good thing. They have many benefits and GM crops themselves can have other applications besides food. The potential of genetic modification is just barley being tapped. So many things are possible now that the building blocks of life are able to be shifted, changed, and replaced. What is being done now will be remembered as the start of a global phenomenon that will have forever changed the world for the better. Genetically modified foods will make a future without hunger, disease, and malnourishment a real possibility. The technology itself will go even further than this because genetically modifying plants and animals for food is only one small part of the overall picture.

The use and production of medicine, fuel, plastics, metals, and countless other things will be forever changed by this technology. The benefits of GM foods are seemingly endless. They will continue grow in popularity and in the near will be even more common than they are now. These foods will be continually improved so that from the time they are planted to the time they are eaten they are as wholesome as they can be. These are some of the reasons why genetically modified foods are so beneficial and they will go on to change the world for the better.

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The Truth Behind Genetically Modified Fruits and Vegetables

Genetically modified foods, or GM foods, are any kind of food that has purposely had specific changes made to its DNA. These changes have been made by humans and are not brought about by natural mutations over time.

Organisms, including the fruits and vegetables that we eat everyday, change over time, naturally, through mutations caused by new chemicals, radiation, and other factors introduced to their environments. Typically, these natural changes are beneficial to the organism and make them more likely to survive and thrive in their environment.

GM foods, however, have been forced to change, unnaturally, by factors introduced to them through human interaction. With GM foods, certain genes in the organisms make-up are purposely removed or introduced to the organism's DNA. This is certainly not natural selection, and it is most certainly a questionable practice.

The theory and reasoning behind GM foods is such: If humans can manipulate nature, and produce foods that are "better" for us, then the end result will surpass the questionable means and we (humans) can benefit from these "better" foods.

The major problem is, these foods are not better for us. In fact, many studies have shown that GM foods are less nutritious and can actually be harmful to humans and other animals. Lab rats, fed GM foods, were shown to develop lesions in their stomachs and other intestinal problems. GM foods have also been shown to cause liver, kidney, and heart damage in mammals.

In addition to the physical side effects caused by GM foods, the fruits and vegetables themselves lack the nutrients you find in naturally grown foods. Some of these include calcium, iron, phosphorus, and vitamin C. Studies have shown a steady decrease in these nutrients, along with many others, over the last 2 decades. What is the point of eating fruits and vegetables if you're not getting any of the nutrients normally derived from these plants?!

Now, I understand that test results can be skewed, there can by ulterior motives by scientists, people see the results they want to see, and so on, but here's a good question: When is the last time you heard of natural, organic foods causing issues like this in humans and other animals? How about never?

I also understand the argument that GM foods grow quicker, are hardier, produce more crop, and can be controlled more easily by humans. The draw to this is that more people can be fed, quicker, and world hunger can be dealt with more efficiently. However, these foods being produced are not healthy. We are feeding 3rd World Country populations with foods that have terrible long-term effects. A full belly today can result in health issues down the line--shortly down the line.

Yes, having foods that grower faster, produce a larger yield, and can be grown less expensively (less fertilizer, water, pesticides, etc.) is a tempting thought, but there are better, healthier ways to produce good foods. It may take longer, it may involve more money and energy in the beginning, but we owe it to ourselves and our fellow humans to find means to produce good, healthy foods. There is no benefit in producing faster, larger crops of fruits and vegetables if the produce has half the nutritional value and can cause unhealthy side effects.

I am a huge proponent of growing your own fruits and vegetables at home. I completely understand though that not all of us are fortunate enough to have the time, space, or energy to do this. If you're not able to grow your own foods, please, I beg you, buy organic when you go to the grocery store. It may be a little more expensive, but the extra money you are spending is paying for all the vitamins and minerals that you would be missing-out on if you buy GM foods.

Take the time to do some research and read-up on genetically modified foods, including livestock, not just produce. Make it a well-rounded study--don't just look at facts that support one side. An intelligent debater knows and understands both sides of an argument. I encourage you to educate yourself on the subject. I think you'll find, if you do, that it will be apparent to you that GM foods are NOT the way to go!

http://www.growlikecrazy.com/

My number one focus is growing my own food. I don't think that really counts as a hobby. For some people it is, but for me, growing my own fruits and vegetables and saving my own seed is the key to survival. The only person you can count on is yourself, if you ask me. The government is trying to "help" us all with GMOs and welfare, but it's all a crock. We need to know how to survive on our own.

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What are Genetically Modified Foods?

Should patents on plants, animals and humans, as well as patents on their genes be allowed? Our ability to alter the genetic blueprint of animals and plants is in the process of changing many aspects of science and medicine. Many people see this as beneficial others see this as tampering with nature.

But what about genetically-modified (GM) food? Do we want to eat such food? And is it really such a big deal?

Genetic engineering enables scientists to create plants, animals and micro-organisms by manipulating genes in a way that does not occur naturally.

A recent GM Nation report concluded that the general public is overwhelmingly against GM technology, with feelings ranging from suspicion and skepticism, to hostility and rejection; there are, it was said, many more people who are cautious, suspicious or out rightly hostile about GM crops than there are supportive towards them.

Anxiety in society over genetically modified food is understandable, fueled by a variety of causes - consumer unfamiliarity; lack of reliable information on the current safeguards in place; a steady stream of negative opinion in the media; opposition by activist groups; growing mistrust of industry; and a general lack of awareness of how our food is produced. The scientific community has not adequately addressed public concerns about GM foods, nor has it effectively communicated the value of the new technology.

The Royal Society, the UKs premier scientific body has pointed out the total lack of evidence that genetically modified crops cause harm to humans. But you'd never have guessed that from the often negative media coverage.

When considering genetic engineering, it should be remembered that almost every living thing that man exploits has been genetically-modified in some way. The crops we use for food, the animals we eat, our pets and the plants in our gardens are radically different from those that existed in the so-called natural state.

Thousands of years of selective breeding have improved the yields of crops, the milk production of cows, the quantity of meat on cattle and the sizes and colours of our flowers and dogs.

But because of commercial interests, the public is being denied the right to know about GE ingredients in the food chain, and therefore losing the right to avoid them despite the presence of labelling laws in certain countries. GMOs should not be released into the environment as there is not adequate scientific understanding of their impact on the environment and human health. Genetic pollution could be a major threat because GMOs cannot be recalled once released into the environment. Labelling of all products with GE ingredients doesn't appear to be happening at the moment which is important for those people that want to avoid them.

Now my final thoughts… few would deny the benefits of modern genetic engineering in medicine. The use of genetically-modified bacteria to produce drugs such as insulin has been a revolution in medicine and saved the lives of millions. GM crops have also been hailed as the saviors of developing countries as they can be modified to prosper in dry, arid countries where there is little rainfall. There seems to be both negatives and positives to GE and GM foods….ill let you decide which path you choose!

Find Organic GM Free Food in the Green Directory.

Davinos Greeno works for the organic directory. This green directory lists 100s of Organic Food and Drink Companies and Eco Jobs [http://www.jobs.guidemegreen.com] and Community Videos [http://www.videos.guidemegreen.com]

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Genetically Modified Foods - What Are They and Why Should We Be Concerned?

Genetically modified foods, also called GM foods, are animals or plants that are genetically modified by inserting DNA from another organism to produce an end product with certain desirable traits. The DNA, or gene, is taken from a different species than the one that it is being inserted into.

GM foods, are used to make foods resistant to herbicides, pesticides and insects. Also, they are used to prolong ripening time and increase yields. Some products are being "enriched' with added vitamins. Enriched products is another topic altogether. For this article, I'm going to stick with the controversies surrounding genetically modified foods.

Most of the benefits of GM foods are for everyone involved except the consumer. Producing GM foods is expensive, who pays for it? The consumer pays for the cost. Food prices have been increasing at alarming rates since the 1990's when GM foods were first introduced. We have been consuming them for 17 years. Most people don't even know these foods exist, let alone that they are consuming these foods every day. Most are not labeled as such. If you buy processed foods, you are consuming them, as processed food companies buy GM foods because they don't spoil as quickly.

There are two areas of concern known to human health. One is that allergic reactions to the GM foods could develop in certain individuals. The second one is that the bacteria in the human stomach and intestines could become resistant to antibiotics due to a marker gene used in certain GM foods that are consumed.

Do you think that the recent years of antibiotic resistance to certain bacteria has anything to do with the widely use of these? It is something to think about. Also, something else to think about, why are so many children today suffering from allergies?

Another area for concern is that when these GM plants and animals breed, they pass on the newly introduced genes to their offspring. What kind of plants and animals will develop generations later? How do we know that the genes that are introduced into these plants and animals are not being introduced into our own genes? We are what we eat. How do we know that it is safe to eat these foods? How do we know that modifying certain foods doesn't take away from their original nutritional value? These are many questions that have alternative health practitioners concerned, and so should we!

I believe God created everything we need on this earth for our survival and health. God created things how he intended them to be. I think genetically modified foods are harmful to human health in ways that haven't been discovered yet or proven.

As a consumer, we should have a choice whether to purchase GM foods or not to purchase them. We don't have a choice, because they are not marked or labeled as so. The only way to be sure that you are eating non-genetically modified food is if you purchase organic foods or home or locally grown foods. But sometimes that is not always possible.

There are other areas of concern with the use of GM foods that I have not covered. If you are interested in learning more about this subject, I have included some links that you might find helpful.

http://organicconsumers.com
http://www.psrast.org

Heather Mankey, Alternative Medicine Major

[http://www.cureremedies.net]

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The Deception Behind Genetically Modified Foods

Genetically modified organisms have had their DNA altered by genetic engineering called recombinant DNA technology. There are several ways to produce GMO's. Genes can be transferred artificially from one organism to another through a process called cisgenesis or genes can be attached to a virus and artificially introduced from one species to another through a process called transgenesis. This allows plants to become more tolerant to high levels of herbicides and less susceptible to diseases caused by viruses. Through Genetical engineering the toxin Bacillus Thuringiensis has been inserted into corn and other crops so they can produce their own pesticides against insects. Genetically modified foods have been in the market since the 1990's, and there are no laws that require them to be labeled. For some time consumers have been eating GM foods without knowing, and they fear that the same alarming health effects that are being seen in laboratory animals, could in time manifest themselves in people too. Data has shown that animals fed GM foods are exhibiting infertility, developmental problems, organ damage, toxicity and death.

DANGERS OF GMO's.

1. Creation of new viruses and new diseases.
2. New toxins and toxicity.
3. Allergies.
4. Antibiotic resistance.
5. Increased use of chemicals.
6. Side effects and artificial traits will be passed to future generations.
7. Damaging effects will be irreversible.
8. Creation of new weeds resistant to herbicides.
9. Pollution of food and water supplies with chemicals.
10. Decrease in nutritional value.

HOW TO AVOID GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS.

1. Buy 100% organic. By law organic products can not use genetically engineered ingredients.
2. Avoid canola, soy, corn and cottonseed oil. They are the most common GM foods.
3. Read labels.
4. Look at the PLU codes on produce (the stickers on fruits and vegetables). If the code begins with the number 4 it means it is conventionally grown, beginning with 9 means organic and beginning with 8 means GMO.
5. Buy fresh foods since most processed foods are made with genetically engineered ingredients.
6. Instead of buying packaged snacks, make your own.
7. Plant a garden.
8. Learn to cook.
9. Pack your kids lunches.
10. Write to congress and request mandatory GMO labeling laws.

COMMON GMO FOODS.

1. Soy beans
2. Corn
3. Canola.
4. Cotton seed oil
5. Alfalfa
6. Hawaiian papaya
7. Tomatoes
8. Zucchini
9. Sugar
10. Russet potatoes
11. Animal products and dairy from cows treated with RBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone) or cows that are eating GM feed.

I'm a specialist in fitness nutrition, personal trainer, author, dietetic technician and an R.N.

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What is Genetically Modified Food?

An estimated 60 to 70 percent of all foods on supermarket shelves today contain genetically modified ingredients. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, by the time you read this, 85 percent of the soybeans planted in the United States and up to 45 percent of the corn will be genetically engineered. It has been estimated that 70-75 percent of processed foods on supermarket shelves including soda, soup, crackers, condiments, baby food, pancakes, candy bars, and condiments contain genetically modified ingredients. That means if you are eating foods that contain vegetable oil, soy products like soy burgers, or any foods that are made with cornstarch, corn syrup, corn oil, or soy derivatives, there is a good chance that you are putting food that's been genetically modified into your body.

The scary thing is that there's no way to know for sure
The government has not implemented a regulations system that would require producers of GM food to tell consumers that a food has been genetically altered or that it contains GM ingredients. What's more, under current law biotech companies don't have to inform the FDA or perform human testing before introducing a new genetically engineered food product. As a result, GM foods are flooding the marketplaces and millions of unsuspecting consumers are purchasing and consuming unlabeled genetically modified foods. Don't be one of them! See below for tips on how to avoid eating GM foods.

How are foods genetically modified? Genes can be likened to blueprints for each organism. Due to major advances in technology, scientists are now able to select genetic material from organisms such as plants, animals, or even microbes, and insert it into the permanent genetic code of another.

For example, a gene found in flounder that enables them to survive in cold water was transplanted into tomatoes so that they would become resistant to frost. Genes from soil bacterium are transferred into foods such as corn and canola so that they repel insects. Other examples of our tampering with Mother Nature include: Potatoes that contain bacteria genes, "super" pigs with human growth genes, fish with cattle growth genes, and thousands of other plants, animals, and insects.

These genetically modified creations are then being patented and released into the marketplace without having any idea about what the long term effects will have on the environment, ourselves, and our children. Several studies over the last decade reveal that genetically modified foods can pose serious health risks to humans, domesticated animals, wildlife and the environment. The effects on human can include: higher risks of toxicity, resistance to antibiotics, suppression of the immune system, and even cancer. The impact on the environment as a result of using GMO's in agriculture could lead to contamination of non-genetically modified life forms and biological pollution which could completely through off Nature's delicate balance.

The bottom line is: We need dozens of years of research before we start tampering with DNA because we don't know what's going to happen. How much do we know about genetics, anyway? DNA was just discovered fifty years ago. We need to seriously contemplate the implications of what tampering with Mother Nature could cost us. We could be destroying elements in our ecosystem permanently by introducing untested genetically modified foods and organisms. I suggest that you join me in the fight against genetically modified foods. The most powerful way to do that is NOT support GM products. Here are some tips on how to avoid these products.

How to avoid eating GMO foods:

Eat organic.
The Organic Food Production Act stipulates that food labeled organic cannot contain any genetically modified organisms.
Buy local. Shop at farmers' markets where you can buy direct from local growers. Ask them how they treat their crops.
Stop eating processed foods. Many processed foods include derivatives of corn, soy, and canola, which more than likely come from genetically modified plants. Buy whole foods like fruits, vegetables, sprouts, and grasses instead.

Read Food Labels.
If ingredients come from corn, soy, or canola, put the food back on the shelf. Look for labels on foods that say, "This product does not contain genetically modified organisms."
Get Involved.

Demand that proper labeling for genetically modified foods is required so people know what they are putting in their bodies.

The following foods listed below are currently being tested by the biotech industry in field trials in an attempt to create gene-altered varieties.

Fruits: Apples, Cherries, Cranberries, Grapefruit, Kiwi, Melons, Papayas, Pears, Persimmons, Pineapples, Plums, and Strawberries.

Vegetables: Bell peppers, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, corn, cucumber, lettuce, mustard, olives, onions, peas, potatoes, radishes, squash, sweet potatoes, cherry tomatoes, watercress

Dry Foods: Barley, beans, soybeans, coffee, lentils, oats, popcorn, rice, sugar, and wheat.
Nuts and Seeds: Flax, peanuts, sunflowers, walnuts.
Remember: Say NO to GMOs!

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