What’s Non-GMO?

Non-GMO means non-genetically modified organisms. Non-GMO represents foods that do not contain genetically modified organisms. These are foods created by God in their most natural, unadulterated state.

What’s a GMO?

A GMO (genetically modified organism) is the result of a laboratory process of taking genes from one species and inserting them into another species in an attempt to obtain a desired trait or characteristic. They are also known as transgenic organisms. This process may be called either Genetic Engineering (GE) or Genetic Modification (GM); the names and the processing are one and the same.

Many years ago, growers were able to graft trees, breed animals, and hybridize seeds. What has changed?

Genetic engineering is completely different from traditional breeding and carries unique risks.

In traditional breeding, it is possible to mate a pig with another pig to get a new variety; however, it is not possible to mate a pig with a potato or a mouse. Even when species that may seem to be closely related do succeed in breeding, the offspring are usually infertile. A horse, for example, can mate with a donkey, but the offspring (a mule) is sterile.

With genetic engineering, scientists can breach species barriers set up by nature. For example, they have spliced fish genes into tomatoes. The results are plants (or animals) with traits that would be virtually impossible to obtain with natural processes, such as crossbreeding or grafting.

Who Approved GMOs?

The United States is the first country to support and approve GM foods. GM ingredients are considered food additives. Normally in the U.S., food additives must undergo extensive safety studies which include long-term animal feeding studies prior to approval; and if approved, the label of food products containing the additive must be listed as an ingredient. However, if an additive is deemed what is called “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS), the U.S. law dictates that it must be the subject of a substantial amount of peer-reviewed published studies (or equivalent) and there must be overwhelming consensus among the scientific community that the product is safe. GM foods had neither. Although in a precedent-setting move that some experts contend was illegal, the FDA declared that GM crops are GRAS as long as their producers say they are (which they do). Therefore, the FDA has required NO safety evaluations (or labels). A GM food can be introduced to the market without telling the FDA.*

What foods are Genetically Modified?

In the U.S., three major commodity crops are raised predominantly from GMO seed:  field corn (92%*), soybeans (94%*), and cotton (94%*).  *percentages are based on U.S. acreage as of 2015 (USDA)

Almost 98% of Canadian grown Canola is genetically engineered for herbicide resistance. U.S. sugar beet production is estimated to be over 95% genetically modified for herbicide resistance. GMO sweet corn, papaya, zucchini, and yellow summer squash are also for sale in grocery stores, but in far lesser amounts. Genetically modified alfalfa is grown for use as hay and forage for animals.

NEW:  ‘White Russet’ brand potatoes, genetically modified to resist bruising were introduced to some grocery stores in 2015, but are not yet widely available.  Genetically engineered non-browning ‘Arctic’ apples have been deregulated by the USDA and are expected to be on the market in 2016.

Other sources of GMOs:

  • Dairy products from cows injected with rbGH
  • Food additives, flavorings, and processing agents, including the sweetener aspartame (NutraSweet®) and rennet used to make hard cheeses
  • Meat, eggs, and dairy products from animals that have eaten GM feed
  • Honey and bee pollen that may have GM sources of pollen
  • Contamination or pollination caused by GM seeds or pollen

Hasn’t research shown GM foods to be safe?

No. The only feeding study done with humans showed that GMOs survived inside the stomach of the people eating GMO food. No follow-up studies were done.

Various feeding studies in animals have resulted in potentially pre-cancerous cell growth, damaged immune systems, smaller brains, livers, and testicles, partial atrophy or increased density of the liver, odd shaped cell nuclei and other unexplained anomalies, false pregnancies and higher death rates.

Why are children particularly susceptible to the effects of GM foods?

Children face the greatest risk from the potential dangers of GM foods for the same reasons that they also face the greatest risk from other hazards like pesticides and radiation. The reasons are:

  • Young, fast-developing bodies are influenced most.
  • Children are more susceptible to allergies.
  • Children are more susceptible to problems with milk.
  • Children are more susceptible to nutritional problems.
  • Children are in danger from antibiotic resistant diseases.

For more FAQs, extensive information concerning health dangers of GMOs, and what you can do to help end the genetic engineering of our food supply, visit www.ResponsibleTechnology.org. The Institute for Responsible Technology (IRT) was founded in 2003 by international bestselling author and consumer advocate, Jeffrey Smith.

  • Jeffrey Smith is the leading spokesperson on the health dangers of genetically modified (GM) foods.
  • His first book, Seeds of Deception, is the world's bestselling and #1 rated book on the topic.
  • His second book, Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods, provides overwhelming evidence that GMOs are unsafe and should never have been introduced.
  • He also has a DVD called Genetic Roulette: The Gamble of Our Lives. Mr. Smith is the executive director of the Institute for Responsible Technology, whose Campaign for Healthier Eating in America is designed to create the tipping point of consumer rejection of GMOs, forcing them out of our food supply.

The best way to avoid GMOs is to consult the NonGMOShoppingGuide.com and look for products with either the “Non-GMO Project Verified” or the “Certified Organic” seal.

 

Baby Brochure - This is an introductory guide for parents on the health risks of GMOs for children and babies.

 

Health Risks Brochure - Provides the basic facts about the dangers of genetically-modified foods.

Knowledgeable Physicians Tell Patients: Don’t Eat GMOs! – ONE PAGE DOCUMENT - When the American Academy of Environmental Medicine reviewed GMO studies, animals fed genetically engineered (GE) food suffered from gastrointestinal disorders, immune problems, liver and kidney damage, accelerated aging, insulin problems and reproductive issues. Recent research adds tumors and premature death to the list.