I used to assume I could avoid genetically engineered ingredients (also known as genetically modified organisms or GMOs) by reading labels and sticking to “natural” brands.
And I wasn’t alone. According to the Cornucopia Institute’s “Cereal Crimes” report, many consumers wrongly believe that the foods produced and marketed by brands making “natural” claims are GMO-free.
Not true. I was dismayed to learn that my cereal cupboard was brimming with genetically modified corn and soy.
Unless a food is labeled “certified organic” (no GMOs allowed) or boasts a verified non-GMO seal, there’s no way to know about the presence of genetically engineered ingredients in foods.
Thankfully, change is on the horizon, as people across the nation begin asserting their right to know about genetically engineered ingredients in packaged foods.
Last year, Minnesota became one of 19 states considering legislation to require labeling of foods with genetically engineered ingredients.
Genetic engineering is the process of inserting genes from one species into another (for example, fish genes into tomatoes).
Genetic engineering is different than traditional cross-breeding within species, a practice dating back thousands of years. Genetic engineering breaches the natural barriers between species that have existed since life on Earth began.
With the rapid rise of genetically engineered soybeans, corn, cotton, canola and sugar beets, it is now estimated that a majority of foods in U.S. grocery stores contain genetically engineered ingredients.
Labeling advocates have raised concerns about the effects of genetically engineered foods on humans and the land. Animal studies link genetically engineered foods to allergies, immune system disorders, cancers, infertility and other problems.
Cultivation of genetically engineered seeds has led to herbicide- and pesticide-resistant “superweeds” and “superbugs,” which have necessitated the use of stronger and more toxic chemicals to control them.
And, because of airborne pollen, farmers who don’t want to grow genetically engineered crops have had their fields contaminated. In some cases, European Union countries have rejected U.S. corn and soy imports because they contained traces of GMO materials.
At least 50 countries, including China and Russia, already require labeling of genetically engineered foods. Some European countries have taken the additional step of banning GMO cultivation.
In the U.S., support for GMO labeling is nearly unanimous, as reflected by more than 90 percent of people participating in polls regarding this issue.
“This is one issue that cuts across party lines,” says Geoffrey Saign of Right to Know Minnesota, a coalition organizing to support the labeling effort.
“It’s hard to argue against giving people information about what’s in their food,” says Saign.
But labeling measures face stiff opposition from the biotech and processed-food industries. The industry has spent tens of millions of dollars in targeted campaigns to dampen public support for labeling.
And though they have succeeded helping to thwart a small number of state’s labeling efforts, what if the number of states fighting for labeling rose from 19 to 30? Or to 50?
“Right now, people are buying and eating genetically modified foods without their knowledge or consent,” says Saign.
“Minnesotans want to know what’s in the food they buy at the grocery store. Labeling would give us the information we need to make an informed choice. Put it on the label and let us decide for ourselves.”
Nancy Brown is a mother, The Wedge member, nonprofit communications consultant and GMO labeling advocate.
What YOU Can Do to Help Make Labeling the Law in Minnesota
Contact your legislators and urge them to support labeling of genetically engineered foods. This is the single most important thing you can do.
Find out more about Right to Know Minnesota and volunteer to help at www.righttoknowmn.org.
Talk to your friends and family about our right to know.
Shop smart by avoiding processed foods that contain soy, corn, sugar beets, or canola, unless they’re certified organic or have a “Non-GMO Project Verified” seal.
Minnesotans deserve to know what’s in our food!
Right to Know Minnesota is a campaign started in 2011 by concerned citizens to make the labeling of genetically engineered foods (GMOs) the law in Minnesota. We are bringing together farmers, health advocates, families, and others who support healthy foods.
What is genetic engineering? Genetic engineering is the process of inserting genes from one species into another (for example, fish genes into tomatoes). Unlike cross breeding, genetic engineering breaches natural barriers that have separated species since life on Earth began.
Why now? Last year, Minnesota joined more than a dozen states considering bills to require labeling of genetically engineered foods. (See The New York Times article from May 25, 2012)
Why Minnesota? Minnesotans are actively involved in issues of food, sustainability, and health. Minnesota is also rich in farmland and can provide national leadership on this issue.
What’s the plan? The Minnesota bill, based on the California labeling measure, will be re-introduced in the 2012-2013 legislative session. Both Republicans and Democrats strongly support labeling, so we expect to see broad, crossparty support for this measure among Minnesota legislators.
Who’s against labeling? Huge agricultural corporations are spending millions to lobby against disclosure of genetically engineered ingredients. From last-minute threats of legal action to industry-funded front groups, the biotech, pesticide, and processed food industries are doing all they can to undermine democracy in states fighting for labeling requirements.
Why is this issue important?
- We have a right to know what’s in our food. Public support for labeling GMOs consistently tops 90 percent.
- 50 other nations require GMO labeling. Russia, China, and all Eurozone countries require GMO food labeling.
- GMOs are linked to health problems. Animal studies have linked GE foods to allergies, cancers, immune system disorders, and infertility. The American Medical Association has called for mandatory safety testing of GE foods. The American Public Health Association, American Nurses Association, and others have passed resolutions in favor of labeling.
- GMOs put the health of our land at risk because of contamination of non-GMO crops with GMO pollen and the rise of herbicide and pesticide-resistant “superweeds” and “superpests”—necessitating the use of stronger and more dangerous chemicals.
- GMOs are uncontrollable. Farmers who don’t want to grow GE crops find their fields contaminated by GE pollen. European Union buyers have rejected some US soy imports because they contained traces of GMO corn.