What is a GMO and why care?

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We hear a lot in the news about GMO’s.  Last year the House of Representatives passed a bill blocking states from requiring companies to label foods with GMO’s.  So what is a GMO and why should you care?  If you don’t know, you are not alone.   I recently saw the documentary “GMO OMG” and many are in the same place.  Take a look at the trailer at the end of this article. 

So what is a GMO? 

  • A GMO is a Genetically Modified Organism

What is a Genetically Modified Organism?

  • A Genetically Modified Organism, is a plant or meat product that has had its DNA artificially altered in a laboratory by genes from other plants, animals, viruses, or bacteria. For example, GMO corn is the result of a corn seed that has been taken to a laboratory and had its DNA modified.

Why is the DNA of a food/organism altered?

  • The DNA is altered for many reasons; one good example is a corn seed that is altered so that it can be more resistant to pesticides. 

Why does it matter?

  • One would think a corn seed that is more resistant to pesticides could be a good thing, right? Such alteration would result in a stronger, more resistant seed, no? More corn, more food?
  • The reason why it matters is because it is still unknown how modified seeds impact the human system and health.  Thus, the public is eating corn (or any other GMO) without truly, 100% knowing, what the health risks are.
  • This is why there has been a call to action to label all foods that contains ingredients that have been genetically modified (GMO’s).  This way, consumers can choose whether to take the risk or not of eating a GMO in what they purchase.  The manufacturers of GMO’s do not want to label the foods, because they believe that once labeling happens, sales of these foods will go down and they will be financially impacted.

What can I do today?

  • Given that the health risks of consuming GMO’s are unknown, you probably want to stay clear of foods that contain GMO's.
  • The best way to avoid consuming GMO’s is to only consume foods that are labeled as “organic”.
  • There is a lot of research and information on GMO’s out there.  I invite you to become as educated as you would like on the issue so you can make conscious choices (either at the grocery store or politically when voting).   A good way to start could be watching the GMO OMG documentary.  Below is the trailer!

I would absolutely love to hear from you!  What is your opinion on GMO’s?  Please leave your comments or questions below.  If you enjoyed this post, share it with your friends and family!

Lots of love,

Judith