Seeds of Deception: How To Avoid GM Foods

Genetically Modified foods may have an impact on our mental and emotional health, something that is not evaluated in most traditional food safety assessments.

One Dutch experimenter just happened to notice that, besides weighing more, mice fed GM corn “seemed less active while in their cages,” and were “more distressed” than the other mice. “Many were running round and round the basket, scrabbling desperately in the sawdust, and even frantically jumping up the sides.”

Barbara Reed Stitt, author of “Food and Behavior,” was able to modify the “rude, obnoxious, and ill-mannered” behavior of students from a school in Appleton, Wisconsin simply by changing their diet. GM foods were taken off the menu.

Genetically Modified foods are finding their way in increasing numbers into the marketplace. Find out how to avoid them here:

1. Currently, the major genetically engineered crops are soy, cotton, canola and corn. Other modified crops include some U.S. zucchini and yellow squash, Hawaiian papaya and some tobacco. There may also be some remaining GM potatoes in the form of starch, but Monsanto is no longer marketing them. The GM tomatoes have similarly been taken off the market. China, however, has commercialized GM tomatoes, as well as cucumbers and a variety of pepper. US Dairy products may contain milk from cows injected with rbGH. And both meat and dairy products usually come from animals that have eaten GM feed. Even honey and bee pollen can contain GM sources.

2. There are genetically modified food additives, enzymes, flavorings, and processing agents in thousands of foods on the grocery shelves as well as health supplements. For example, the rennet used to make cheese is often a genetically engineered version. It is not allowed in organic cheese. Aspartame, the diet sweetener, is a product of genetic engineering. And GM bacteria and fungi are used in the production of enzymes, vitamins, and processing aids (xanthan gum, for instance, is a product that may be derived from a GM process).

3. Watch out for GM foods in oils: Soy, corn, canola or cottonseed. Unless the oil specifically says “Non-GMO” or Organic, it is probably genetically modified. Non-GM substitute oils include olive, sunflower, safflower, butter, almond, and just about any other oil available. For each type of food there is usually a brand that is non-GM. These are often found in health food stores.

4. Does Organic Mean Non-GMO?
The new rules do not allow a crop to be called organic if it is genetically modified. But organic certification does not require GMO tests.

Read more: Food, Green Kitchen Tips

Adapted from Seeds of Deception, by Jeffrey M. Smith (Chelsea Green, 2003). Copyright (c) 2003 by Jeffrey M. Smith. Reprinted by permission of Chelsea Green.
Adapted from Seeds of Deception, by Jeffrey M. Smith (Chelsea Green, 2003).

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

bharathi A.

3:25PM PST on Feb 8, 2012

Thanks for sharing.

send a green star

3:24PM PST on Feb 8, 2012

Thank you!

Tracy G.

7:59PM PST on Feb 6, 2012

Kristina C.

12:38PM PST on Feb 6, 2012

GE substances have long invaded our soil and water - and we don't even know the consequences yet. GM foods are everywhere and our trash with the same modifications is carelessly filling our landfills - and that is just here! Many less industrial countries don't even have any laws and are importing foods bought and donated from highly industrialized countries and the same is happening there. I strongly believe that we are altering nature the way we know it and one day soon will have to pay for it.
The GM food companies are only about the money! Scary! Scary!

Please sign my petition: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/give-a-pitbull-a-chance/

Alana M.

6:30AM PST on Feb 6, 2012

All products for use and consumption need to be properly labled and in plain english so that consumers have the can clearly see their choice and decide what they wish to consume.

In other words, STAMP it GMO!

Jennifer C.

4:00AM PST on Feb 6, 2012

Chris B.

3:25AM PST on Feb 6, 2012

Big Pharma's has a huge investment into GM scum foods. BF researches and produces so-called cancer drugs - so it is in its interest to also manufacture cancer causing foods. Its called the Idiot Cycle. There's another excellent film about it. Google search for "The Idiot Cycle" on the web, Wiki, and YouTube. "The Idiot Cycle, a 2009 French-Canadian documentary, alleges six major chemical companies are responsible for decades of cancer causing chemicals and pollution, and also develop cancer treatments and drugs. It also argues these companies own the most patents on genetically modified crops that have never been tested for long term health impacts like cancer." Now my suggestion here is that all folks email *everyone* they know to view the previews on YouTube and also purchase the DVDs "Scientists Under Attack" and "The Idiot Cycle" and then hold screenings in local community centres and student unions to alert as many people as possible about this scum food.

Erin C.

11:04AM PST on Feb 5, 2012

I called the FDA, to see who I could talk to about the mandatory labeling of GMOs. I talked to Jeannie Ertter-Prego. She told me she could send me documents about labeling GMOs and I can then send in my comments to the address given in the PDF. The document ended up being a propoganda filled rant that made me even madder. So, please if you have 5 minutes, write a quick letter to this address and demand the GMOs be labeled.
Division of Docket Management(HF-305)
Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061
Rockville, Maryland 20852

You have to mention the docket number FDA-2011-P-0723 in your letter so that it goes to the right person. The ONLY way for things to change is for people to start demanding it.

Also, if you would like her email it is Jeannie.Ertter-Prego@fda.hhs.gov. She was very responsive and helpful.

teresa r.

8:50AM PST on Feb 5, 2012

whare is the FDA????? this suckers are corrupt....money and power is what is all about....monsanto is the monster here NO consciense!!!!! thank you for the article keep them coming.

Danuta W.

7:30AM PST on Feb 5, 2012

thanks for sharing