Genetically Modified Organisms: What is GMO Food Doing to Us?

As a holistic nutritionist I have been struck by the radical increase in immune, gastrointestinal, and fertility issues that seemingly healthy people are presenting in my office. Over and over again I have educated clients that “convenience” in food has a very high price tag attached to it, and that ultimately the cost of local and organic food is far lower than the cost to our lives when we eat out of boxes, and consume “natural” rather than whole, organic food. While the news about Whole Foods and Monsanto is extremely disturbing, in many ways it is not at all surprising. Pieces of the puzzle are rapidly falling in to place.
WHAT WE KNOW: Effective January 29, 2011, Whole Foods Market, Stonyfield Farms, and Organic Valley collectively surrendered to Monsanto, the corporate giant that claims ownership of all seeds. No blockades exist to prevent the planting of commercialized genetically engineered crops, starting with Roundup Ready Alfalfa. This herbicide resistant strain will ultimately be planted and contaminate millions of acres of soil. Deadly herbicides such as Roundup and 2,4D will be sprayed, nearly doubling the risk of cancer in those areas.
The U.S. and Canada have no regulations or labeling requirements for GMO foods, so unbeknownst to most of us, most processed foods sold in North America contain genetically modified ingredients.
WHAT WE DON”T KNOW: No one fully understands the impact that GMOs have on health or the environment. The European Union, Australia, and Japan are amongst 30 countries currently banning the sale or use of GMOs in food supply.
According to a report released by the Institute for Responsible Technology, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) has dubbed GMOs as unsafe. “The Academy reported that ‘Several animal studies indicate serious health risks associated with GM food,’ including infertility, immune problems, accelerated aging, faulty insulin regulation, and changes in major organs and the gastrointestinal system. The AAEM asked physicians to advise patients to avoid GM foods. Before the FDA decided to allow GMOs into food without labeling, FDA scientists had repeatedly warned that GM foods can create unpredictable, hard-to-detect side effects, including allergies, toxins, new diseases, and nutritional problems. They urged long-term safety studies, but were ignored.”
Subsequent animal studies have revealed a number of frightening findings, such as increased adult and infant mortality rates, decreased fertility, increased cancer rates, and damage to vital organs. There is even more alarming evidence that GM bacteria and organisms can live on in our intestines long after we stop consuming them!
WHAT WE DO KNOW: This is politics as usual with corporate giants. The CEOs of Whole Foods and Stonyfield are buddies with USDA secretary Tom Vilsack, a biotech cheerleader who has spent plenty of time flying around in Monsanto corporate jets. Whole Foods Market, along with United Natural Foods, is a huge purveyor of the ubiquitous so-called “natural” food supply. These “natural” foods comprise a full 2/3 of Whole Foods Market’s multi-billion dollar sales. ALL of Whole Foods’ “natural foods” products containing non-organic corn and soy are contaminated with GMOs. (This includes meats, eggs, and dairy). By contrast, certified organic foods are not allowed to include GMO ingredients.
We know, also, that the vast majority of Americans want truth in labeling. Most Americans distrust GMOs and WANT to avoid consuming these unsafe foods. If we want to, we do have a voice. We can get involved and push back. The Organic Alliance has launched a campaign called Millions Against Monsanto. You can get involved by volunteering, and have the satisfaction of knowing that you are fighting not only for your families, but for future generations. You can also educate yourself and those you care about. The Institute for Responsible Technology and the Non-GMO Project have created a Non-GMO shopping guide. It is available here as a downloadable brochure or as an app at the iPhone App Store.