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Home / FOOD/DRINK / What Exactly Does GMO Mean?

What Exactly Does GMO Mean?

FOOD/DRINK

What is a GMO

In my quest to better understand what I eat on a daily basis, I have been trying to learn more about our nation’s food sources. I have been noticing a lot of “non-GMO Project” or “No GMOs” on certain foods. I realize that I probably see these more often since I do the majority of my shopping at Whole Foods, but I was still unsure of what a GMO was.

So, what exactly is a GMO and what does it mean if it’s in your food? GMO stands for a genetically modified organism. I don’t know about you, but that term sounds a little scary, especially when you are talking about food.

According to the Non-GMO project:

Agricultural products are segmented into two groups: (1) those that are high-risk of being GMO because they are currently in commercial production, and (2) those that have a monitored risk because suspected or known incidents of contamination have occurred and/or the crops have genetically modified relatives in commercial production with which cross-pollination (and consequently contamination) is possible.

What is disturbing is how pervasive GMOs are in many of the prepared and processed foods, that are eaten in families on a daily basis. This is another reason to really consider switching to a whole foods diet—elimination of a lot of GMO risk!

If you are wondering what foods are at a high risk of being derived from GMOs, here is a list from the Non-GMO project website:

Amino Acids, Aspartame, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbate, Vitamin C, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Ethanol, Flavorings (“natural” and “artificial”), High-Fructose Corn Syrup, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Lactic Acid, Maltodextrins, Molasses, Monosodium Glutamate, Sucrose, Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), Xanthan Gum, Vitamins, Yeast Products

If a lot of the above ingredients sound familiar, it’s because they appear very frequently in prepared and processed foods.

You are probably asking yourself: “What’s so bad about GMOs?” Here is a disturbing quote from the American Academy of Environmental Medicine:

Several animal studies indicate serious health risks associated with GM food,” including infertility, immune problems, accelerated aging, faulty insulin regulation, and changes in major organs and the gastrointestinal system. The AAEM asked physicians to advise patients to avoid GM foods.

I find this really frightening—it’s enough to make me steer clear of these foods and chose products that are non-GMO project certified. While certified organic products are prohibited from using GMOs, they are not routinely tested for them.

If you are interested in learning more about GMOs and using the non-GMO Project database to search for Non-GMO certified foods, visit their website.

So, I guess you can see how I feel about GMOs, what about YOU?

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April 11, 2012 · 10 Comments

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  1. Michaela says

    April 11, 2012 at 8:01 am

    The overwhelming majority of Americans want foods containing GMOs to be clearly labeled yet it’s still not required and probably never will be (how long have people been aware of the risks of BPA and yet it’s still used in most canned goods and other food packaging?!). Monsanto is threatening to sue the state of Vermont if they pass a mandatory GMO labeling law. It’s embarrassing that in America big business is given so much power that a company is openly trying to intimidate a government into submission.

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      April 11, 2012 at 8:04 am

      I agree with you 110% Michaela!

      Reply
      • Samantha says

        April 11, 2012 at 2:27 pm

        It’s more than big business threatening the government though – they’re basically all in bed together. Former CEO’s of places like Con-Agra and Monsanto now work for the USDA and vice-versa. There’s practically no separation between the two entities.

        Reply
        • Jessica says

          April 11, 2012 at 6:15 pm

          I know, it’s really sickening when you think about it. 🙁

          Reply
  2. Courtney Pineau says

    April 12, 2012 at 2:52 pm

    Jessica,

    Thank you for your support and for your efforts in educating people about the dangers of GMOs. Join the Non-GMO Project in taking the Non-GMO Challenge this month! To learn more about the Challenge visit, http://www.nongmoproject.org/take-action/non-gmo-challenge/.

    Best regards,
    Courtney Pineau
    Non-GMO Project, Communications Manager

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      April 12, 2012 at 3:02 pm

      You are more than welcome Courtney! I wish more people knew about the impact of GMOs on our food system and health. I am going to check out the challenge and hope my readers do too! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Sara Wyen says

    April 20, 2012 at 9:48 am

    I know very little about GMO’s, but I do know they are bad for you. Thank you for this information. I will be visiting the site to learn more because I really do not want to be putting that stuff in my body anymore! And your kale-chickpea dish looks amazing! 🙂

    Reply
  4. Emma says

    August 25, 2012 at 1:52 pm

    I came across your blog while researching what GMO means in food. Thanks for taking the time to post. In my quest for information, it is helpful to find both individuals and .org sites who are simply on the same page as I am, looking for facts and full disclosure of valuable information. We are so used to trusting what large corporations do, and how they are regulated by our government. I’m not usually the type to take the time to dig for info, but when it comes to what I’m putting into my body, I need to be.

    Reply

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