If you scrutinize food labels, looking for the words GMO-Free, keep reading. Please be aware: the words GMO-Free or No GMOs are often used on foods that do not even have a GMO (genetically modified organism) counterpart. Only a handful of foods have been genetically modified: corn, soybeans, potato, papaya, canola, sugar beets, summer squash, and a new non-browning apple. These foods have acquired specific beneficial traits that can help farmers use fewer pesticides and herbicides, resist plant viruses, or create less waste.
Gerber’s touts Non-GMO on baby foods such as peaches, pears, and bananas—and charges about ten cents more per ounce (about 40 cents more per 4-ounce container). Are they tricking anxious moms into spending more money on Non-GMO products? Is this deceptive labeling and deceptive marketing… ???
While 88-percent of scientists polled by Pew Researchers say GMOs are safe, only 37-percent of American consumers agree (1). Most of us have little education on the costs and benefits of genetically modified/engineered foods. If you want to learn more, I suggest you read “Straight Talk on Genetically Engineered Foods: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions” (2) published by the watchdog group Center for Science in the Public Interest. They report: There is no evidence whatsoever that current GE foods like papayas or sweetcorn, or ingredients made from GE crops such as sugar or corn meal, pose any risk to humans. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the National Academy of Sciences, the European Food Safety Agency, and numerous other international regulatory agencies and scientific bodies have all reached that same conclusion.Also take note, the Russian “fake news” folks have infiltrated GMO messaging to create fears that may not be founded on facts. Listen to this podcast when you get a chance:
https://www.talkingbiotechpodcast.com/141-russias-gmo-disinformation-campaign/
Sally Kuzemchack RD (www.RealMomNutrition) reports other examples of deceptive advertising include:
• Hormone-free chicken. By law, poultry is not allowed to be given hormones.
• Gluten-free. This label can appear on foods that never contained gluten, like “gluten-free potato chips.” Gluten in only in wheat, barley and rye, along with some processed foods with gluten-containing additives.
• All-natural. This simply means nothing synthetic was added. It does not mean the product is organic (3).
When feeling confused about what to eat, keep in mind a good goal is to eat a variety of wholesome foods, so that any potential harmful choices get diluted. (“The dose is the poison.”) Also remember that health includes many controllable factors, such as sleep, exercise, laughter, and love. Enjoy a healthy lifestyle, with or without GMO foods, as you so choose.
Resources:
- http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/07/01/chapter-6-public-opinion-about-food/
- https://cspinet.org/sites/default/files/attachment/biotech-faq.pdf
- https://www.parents.com/recipes/scoop-on-food/what-moms-need-to-know-about-the-gmo-free-food-label/