Before we look at what they are, the reason for this article is that there is concern about genetically engineered (GE) foods and the fact that the US and Canadian governments have enacted legal mandates and agreements that foods and food products that contain GE foods “Do Not” have to be identified. Yes you read that right, our Government has decided and passed legislation that allows companies (big Corporations by the way) to hide the fact that they use and include GE food products from the citizens of Canada.
While most of European and many other countries in the world have made it mandatory to label foods and food products containing GE food products, our government has cow-tied to the US and big business to hide this vital information from us. In addition the US and Canadian governments have actually taken steps to try and punish countries that pass legislation mandating companies to label the use of GMOs in the foods they produce. One might ask who really controls these government agencies.
Despite the strong-arming of the US and Canadian government agencies, over 40 countries have pass mandatory labelling laws identifying GE foods and foods containing them. But here in Canada you are not allowed to know this important and potentially health threatening information.
In a 2003, yes as far back as that, a Decimal poll was taken and despite the fact that almost 90% of Canadians are for mandatory labelling of GMO foods and food products, the government agencies decided to protect big business from having to disclose their use of GE foods.
Why is that?
If we look again to Europe and the other countries where mandatory labelling of GE foods, what occurred was that the GE products went un-purchased? This of course was a serious loss of business for many multinational food and food product corporations. Is it possible this is the reason why our Government has come out on the side of these corporations by not mandating that GMO foods be labelled as such here in Canada?
So what are genetically engineered foods?
GE foods are food products that have been genetically modified; better known and referred to as genetically modified organisms (GMOs). GMOs are created by taking the original genes from an organism such as a bacterium, a virus, an animal or plant and splicing or inserting them into another organism or species. The result is a new organism that would not naturally appear in nature, though it may be similar to an existing organism, it has been un-naturally created by science.
When we speak of food products we are talking about plants and food products that contain or are made of genetically engineered (new genetically created organisms) organisms (GMOs). Some of the most common GMOs in North America, specifically in Canada are; Corn, soy, canola, cotton, and soon to be live Salmon. Many food products on the shelves of grocers are processed products made with or containing GMOs. Because they do not have to be identified, they enter your food supply and increase the profits of the companies that own these GMO products. It is estimated that 70 % of the processed foods in Canada or that come into Canada contain GMOs.
One of the main corporations conducting genetic engineering is the multibillion dollar corporation Monsanto, and do you know that they legally hold patents on their GMOs? Yes that’s right, they created these GMOs and so they own them. They own the seeds, they own the technology, and they own these genetically altered plants the farmers grow. This is big business; Monsanto makes large sums of money from the licensing and sale of their GMOs, and if you think they take it lightly then you should read the following, law suits Monsanto brought against a Saskatchewan farmer.
What is the concern?
- Millions of acres of land in Canada has been used and affected by GMO crops
- Risk to our Environment and the ecological systems that may not be reversible
- Health risks such as development of antibiotic resistance, increase allergies and allergic reactions, irrevocable nutritional depletion and changes, creation of new toxins, and on and on.
Are you ready for more shocking news?
One of the reasons you may want to close your eyes and brain to this subject is that so much of what you are currently consuming contains GMOs. Oh and you don’t know it do you? From fast foods at your favourite fast food place to the food you buy on the shelves of grocers. And this information is deliberately being kept from you. GMOs have become so pervasively used that it is difficult not to buy foods that do not contain them, that’s the extent that this possible attack on us has gone left unchecked or even recognized, some may say even perpetrated on us by our very own government.
For a look at the extent and the options you can down load a detailed document from Green Peace called How to avoid Genetically Engineered foods. But get ready for a shocker, as many of your favourite foods are most likely on the list!
What YOU can do
You can continue to sit back and remain un-informed or worst uncaring as to what you are eating, that is one option. But, if you are concerned, then you can do something about it, it’s as easy as supporting a cause like Green Peace’s no GMO, or you can write to your MP and let them know you want mandatory labelling of GE/GMO foods and food products.
In addition you can take steps by buying certified organic foods as much as possible, as organic foods by law and definition cannot contain GMOs. Look for companies that willingly do not use GMOs in their products, and stores that do not sell GMO products.
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With thanks and gratitude Clayton
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