GMO is a hot topic these days, but many people have no idea what GMO is.  GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organisms.  Currently we have the option of choosing organic products, which by law are required to be grown and processed without the use of GMOs, or taking the chance on purchased foods being genetically modified.  We also have the right to know what we are eating, and the right to make informed choices about what we eat.

Those rights are being challenged by companies that are producing genetically modified seeds and putting the end product – the plants – the soy, corn, alfalfa ….. into our foods and our animals food. 

There are many organizations working hard to protect our rights.  Many petitions are being signed and sent to our US Senators and Representatives as well as the FDA to protest the use of GMOs in our foods and to get GMO labeling on food product.    Come back and check, as petitions are made available, I will try to get them posted on this page.

Read on to learn about the health challenges which are linked to using chemical pesticides on our crops and foods.

Exposure to 2,4-D has been linked to major health problems that include cancer (especially non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma), lowered sperm counts, liver disease and Parkinson’s disease.  A growing body of evidence from laboratory studies show that 2,4-D causes endocrine disruption, reproductive problems, neurotoxicity and immunosuppression.  Further, industry’s own tests show that 2,4-D is contaminated with dioxins, a group of highly toxic chemical compounds that bioaccumulate, so even a minute amount can accumulate as it goes up the food chain, causing dangerous levels of exposure.  Dioxins in Agent Orange have been linked to many diseases, including birth defects in children of exposed parents; according to EPA, 2,4-D is the seventh largest source of dioxins in the U.S.

USDA approval of Dow’s GE corn will trigger a big increase in 2,4-D use – and our exposure to this toxic herbicide.  Yet USDA has not assessed how much, nor analyzed the resulting impacts on public health, the environment or neighboring farmers (2,4-D is prone to drift and cause damage to nearby crops).  Instead, USDA has once again bowed to the pesticide industry, by giving preliminary approval to still another pesticide-promoting crop that will likely harm people and their children, including farmers, and the environment. USDA claims to be adhering to a scientific process, yet the Agency is blatantly ignoring the science on 2,4-D.

Shop GMO Free
The best way to be sure you are not eating GMO food is to buy organic.  Organic by it’s definition cannot be genetically modified.  If you need more help you can download a GMO shopping guide and tips.  Also available is a free application to use on smart phones and I-pads.  

GMO labeling on the California Ballot
Unfortunately California’s Prop 37 did not pass, but everything is not lost.  As a result of the campaign to force the labeling of genetically modified foods, a large number of people are now aware of GMO’s and the dangers they present.  Progress is being made daily to educate people about GMO’s, what foods they are in and how to identify foods that are genetically modified.

Fresh fruits and vegetables have a code on the sticker.  If the number begins with ‘9’ it is organic.  If it begins with a ‘4’ it is not organic and can contain pesticides and herbicides.  If the label begins with an ‘8’ it is genetically modified.  

START READING LABELS TODAY!