What does GMO mean??

By Lisa VanWilliams

The definition of GMO is a genetically modified organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. Organisms that have been genetically modified include micro-organisms such as bacteria and yeast, insects, plants, fish, and mammals.

Are you ok with giving your family altered food? If you buy processed foods, you might be purchasing GMO products without even knowing it.  It's a science that has pro's and con's. Why would you want to alter anything natural?

WebMD did an article where they listed the risks and benefits of this concept.

Risks include:

• Introducing allergens and toxins to food
• Accidental contamination between genetically modified and non-genetically modified foods
• Antibiotic resistance
• Adversely changing the nutrient content of a crop
• Creation of "super" weeds and other environmental risks

Benefits include:

• Increased pest and disease resistance
• Drought tolerance
• Increased food supply

The big debate right now is regulation. Should producers be required to tell purchasers the item they are buying was modified? Is this genetic altering an ethical practice? Most importantly, is the food safe? Right now, they do not have to tell you. Some companies are stepping up to the plate and doing it voluntarily and others are keeping quiet because they are afraid of consumer rejection.

Check out the NON GMO Project website and find out if your favorite products are on the list or not.
What is the NON GMO Project? The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit organization committed to preserving and building the non-GMO food supply, educating consumers, and providing verified non-GMO choices. They believe that everyone deserves an informed choice about whether or not to consume genetically modified organisms.
http://www.nongmoproject.org/