California is on the leading edge of the food fight once again. With their historic Proposition 37, the state is putting the presence of genetically altered foods and the need for labeling of these foods front-and-center for voters. While many consumers state they want to know about genetically altered foods, there is little understanding of what the term means, who is behind the fight against this type of food label and what the presence of GMO foods can mean for you.
Simply put, GMO stands for genetically modified organism. This means any product, animal or plant, that has been genetically altered for any reason.
What many consumers do not realize is that genetically altered foods are already present in our food system. The majority of corn products contain corn that has been genetically altered to produce higher yields and for pest and disease resistance. The same is true for the majority of wheat that is farmed in the United States. GMOs are also present in the majority of soy products from the United States, since soy beans are also genetically altered for the same reasons.
GMO labeling is required in more than 40 countries around the world. The list includes the European Union, Japan and many other countries. Alaska has a GMO food labeling requirement, but it is limited to seafood and shellfish.
Who is Fighting GMO Labeling Requirements?
The list of companies fighting the proposed law requiring GMO labeling in California may be surprising. While Monsanto is a well-known agribio company, other companies that produce and sell genetically altered seeds include E.I. Lily, BASF Plant Science, Dow Agrosciences, Bayer Cropscience and Syngenta Corp.
Large agribusiness food companies joining the foray against the law include ConAgra, Pepsi (owner of Naked Juice), Coca Cola (owner of Odwalla, Simply Orange, Honest Tea), Kellogg (Kashi, Gardenburger, Morningstar Farms) and Dean Foods (Silk Soy Milk). These companies and many others invested in the continued use of genetically altered food ingredients have contributed literally millions upon millions of dollars in a fight against the proposed GMO labeling law.
Why are They Fighting?
The reasons for large agribusiness companies fighting the proposed GMO label law is simple – money. If the law passes in California, it is extremely likely other states will follow, resulting in a national sea-change in how foods are labeled and the information consumers are provided regarding their foods.
Food producers will be required to change every single label that contains GMO ingredients. Additionally, consumers may begin to demand changes in what kinds of foods are available. These factors could result in substantial losses in various ways to producers of highly processed foods, from the seeds that are used to grow foods to how they are labeled and marketed to consumers.
Scientists from the American Academy of Environmental Medicine have found recently that GMOs are not nearly as safe as been suggested by food production companies. Their research suggests that GMOs can be contributed to fertility problems, immune system dysfunction, insulin regulation problems, gastrointestinal problems and many other health conditions.
The more information consumers have at their hands when it comes to food, the more able they are to make conscious choices according to their own personal needs.
How do you feel about GMOs? Let us know how you feel about the proposed California law by leaving a comment.
– The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com