Why Are There Genetically Modified Organisms in My Food?

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are found in six out of ten processed foods at the supermarket.  Genetically engineered crops became available to farmers in 1996.  70% grow in the US.  81% of soybeans, 71& of cotton, and 40% of corn grown in the US is genetically engineered.  

Corn, soy, canola, and some cottonseed turn up in processed foods as oils.  Biotech soy binds hot dogs and is in some nutritional supplements such as protein extracts and Vitamin E.  Ground corn is in foods like taco shells and chips.  Other corn-based ingredients include cornstarch, flour, dextrose, maltrose, baking powder, and high-fructose corn syrup.  Most corn and soybeans end up in animal feed, so meat and poultry comes from animals raised on biotech feed.  

Buying organic is one way to avoid genetically engineered foods. Another way is to shop at the three chains that refuse genetically modified ingredients in their private-label products-Whole Foods, Wild Oats, and Trader Joe's.  Yet another is to shop local.  Go to Farmer's Markets and get to know the people producing your food.

Check out these websites to become better informed about your food:

Environmental Working Group

Food First

The Campaign to Label Genetically Engineered Foods

Organic Consumers Association 

If you want to download a Shopper's Guide listing non-genetically engineered foods, go to http://www.TrueFoodNow.org.