All you need to know about GMOs
A primer on GMOs
GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are 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).
Monsanto's GMO corn threatens biodiversity.
© Statchett
Genetic engineering is quite distinct from selective breeding. The long-term effects of GMOs on our health and our planet’s biodiversity are unknown. According to the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, several animal studies revealed a long list of disorders resulting from consumption of GMOs, including:
- infertility
- immune dysregulation
- accelerated aging
- dysregulation of genes associated with cholesterol synthesis
- faulty insulin regulation
- cell signaling
- and protein formation, and changes in the liver, kidney, spleen and gastrointestinal system.
More than 70% of the foods on our supermarket shelves contain derivatives of the eight GM foods on the market soy, corn, oil from canola and cottonseed, sugar from sugar beets, Hawaiian papaya, and a small amount of zucchini and crook neck squash. Most bird seed and livestock feeds contain GMO ingredients.
At this time, food producers are not required to label foods containing genetically modified ingredients in Canada or the United States. The only way to avoid GMO foods is to purchase Certified Organic processed foods, and to buy fresh foods directly from the food producers that you trust aren't using GMO seeds or animal feed.
Recommended Movies
Sometimes it is easier to watch a movie or documentary on the subject. There are a handful of movies out there that are great for learning about GMOs. This may also work well if you want to recommend a movie to someone who is more of a skeptic. Here are the movies we recommend that you watch to get an idea of how GMOs are a part of our lives already.
- Food Inc
- Future of Food
- The World According to Monsanto
Take Action
Have you read enough? Are you ready to take action?
Steps to a safer, GMO free world.
- Write a letter to your MP demanding GMO labeling. Click here, copy and paste in word, print and send to Ottawa or take action with cban
- Buy organic foods, Organic producers are not allowed to use GMOs
- Support local Farmers. Ask them if their food is GMO free.
- Follow this great guide and demand that your grocery store caries GMO free food
- Stay informed on issues, tell your friends why GMOs need to be stopped.
More Information
We have scoured the web to find some interesting and useful pages about GMOs. Here is a small list, if you want a full list, visit our GMO Resource Page.
