Is GMO on the Label?

GMO: Genetically Modified Organism. Biotechnology has been touching our food for decades and GMOs are the result. Plants that withstand chemical pesticides, yield larger fruit, produce more vegetables and grow in unlikely conditions, move from the super market shelves to our dinner tables without detection. Animals that possess giant breasts, meaty shoulders, rotund butts and the pinkest flesh have gone from farm to 'Friday's Menu' as well. GMOs may look and taste delicious, but they create a few problems along the way.

Genetically Modified Organisms were created to "withstand direct application of herbicide and/or to produce an insecticide." They may ward off bugs and tolerate chemicals but they do not offer a nutritionally superior product. Interestingly enough, they aren't even labeled! As we are meandering through the grocery store we may not be able to tell which foods have been engineered and which are the real thing.  The problem with that is not knowing where our food comes from - Earth or Engineer?

Why does that matter? Is Genetic Engineering (GE) of food safe?  "This experimental technology merges DNA from different species, creating unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and viral genes that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding."  I don't know much about the science, nor do I understand all of the repercussions of GE, but if a food is designed to withstand herbicides and pesticides I know it is being doused with the chemicals it is modified to withstand.  Do I wish to eat such a food?  There is the question, dear reader...

How do we steer clear of GMO's?  Though it may not be this simple, look for 'Organic' or '100% Organic' on the label or brand of the foods you consume.  'Natural' is another word to look for when choosing fresh foods to put into your body.  Ask your local growers if they are part of the NonGMO project.  Do a quick internet search to find out if your favorite brands of bread or potato or chicken or pork are NonGMO verified.  Education is the key~    

Just as the labels in our T-shirts tell us if they came from across the globe or the USA, so should your food be labeled to tell if it is laboratory grown, genetically modified, or locally cultivated.  Because GMOs are not labeled, a bit of detective work is necessary....  more investigation is needed~
Yesterday I gave unsolicited advice to a friend who expressed a desire to lose weight.  I suggested she eliminate all processed food and fatty meat.  She then asked, "What would I eat?"  I said, "Eat real, whole, naturally occurring foods, add a vitamin, drink plenty of water, and remember to wash your hands."  I wonder if she will take my advice?  

Anna~

 (Maybe I should make her a menu?)