In a comment below, Shuna wrote "I feel like I can do nothing against GM [genetically modified] foods and their rise." It's easy to think this. We are all eating genetically modified foods - most likely at every single meal. An astonishing 75% of processed foods contain genetically engineered ingredients. The one billionth acre of GM crops is being planted this month. Over the ten years since the first GM crop, that's a rate of about 190 acres a minute - and this rate is climbing.
Many others do a great job of summing up the genetically modified foods debate - for further information, see the links at the bottom of this post. The question that I would like to address is this: In our everyday lives, how do we avoid these foods if we choose to do so?
You won't find the answer on a label. Genetically modified ingredients are currently not labeled as such, and Monsanto, the largest patent holder of GM seeds, is actively going after companies who claim GM-free ingredients, saying that this claim disparages GM ingredients: If there is a reason to claim GM-free, then obviously something is wrong with genetic modification, right?
Here are some steps you can follow if you'd like to cut down on eating genetically modified foods:
1) Be aware of the major genetically modified crops. They are:
Corn. 45% all corn today is genetically modified.
Canola. 54% of all canola today is genetically modified.
Soybean. 85% of all soybeans today are genetically modified.
Cotton. 76% of all cotton today is genetically modified
When it comes to these crops, when in doubt, buy organic. Foods that are certified organic are not genetically-modified. For my part, I almost always buy organic edamame and tofu after figuring out the above statistics about a year ago.
2) Eat whole, non-processed foods. GM foods show up the most in processed foods. For example, I can reasonably assume that an apple is not genetically modified, whereas apple juice I buy at the store is probably genetically modified if it contains high fructose CORN syrup. Check out your ingredient lists and assume that any food containing a byproduct of the major crops is genetically modified (unless it's organic).
3) When possible, ask companies whether they are using GM ingredients. Send emails, ask company representatives over the phone or in person. You probably won't get a satisfying answer -- most companies that I ask say that, due to labeling laws, they can't be sure that their food is not GM. Asking may get you an answer, but it also lets the companies know that we consumers care. Don't forget to talk to meat providers. Find out what animals are eating - and if they are eating GM corn. Also ask about hormones - as many of them are genetically engineered.
4) Vociferously support the companies not using GM ingredients. The number of companies fighting against GM foods is growing all the time, and these companies need our support in a big way. Here are some ideas.
> Tillamook cheese recently stood up to pressure from Monsanto and is disallowing it's farmers from using a genetically modified hormone - rBST.
> The Shopping Guide created by True Food Now shows what products are not genetically modified..
> Support grocery stores and farmer's markets that have stated policies against genetically modified foods. Here are some to get you started.
Rainbow Grocery policy (San Francisco)
Trader Joe's policy. No GM ingredients in their processed foods.
And remember: what counts is who wins at the end of the day. Even if you choose one or two small steps to take to remove genetically modified foods from your household, it will be a big step toward voting with your fork and dollar and showing companies that we care about genetically modified foods.
If you are interested in reading more about the genetically modified foods debate, here are some suggestions:
Bitter Greens Journal. A billion acres sold (and counting), May 13 2005.
Billings Gazette. Biotech crops achieve billion-acre milestone, May 11 2005.
Organic Consumers Union. Genetically Engineered Food news archive.
New York Times. The Great Yellow Hype, Michael Pollan, March 4 2001.
Sacramento Bee. Seeds of Doubt, June 6 - 10, 2004.
