What are GMOs?
GMOs, or “genetically modified organisms,” are plants or animals created through the gene splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, or GE). This experimental technology merges DNA from different species, creating unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and viral genes that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding.
Virtually all commercial GMOs are engineered to withstand direct application of herbicide and/or to produce an insecticide. Despite biotech industry promises, none of the GMO traits currently on the market offer increased yield, drought tolerance, enhanced nutrition, or any other consumer benefit.
Meanwhile, a growing body of evidence connects GMOs with health problems, environmental damage and violation of farmers’ and consumers’ rights.
Ok, so let’s get this straight. Large corporations are rallying together against citizens in our country to prevent GMO labeling. If there was a label presented, chances are people would make better choices against food that has been altered and could cause harm to their health. In November, voters in the nation’s most populous state will decide whether to require labels on food and drinks containing so-called GMOs, or ingredients that come from plants whose DNA has been manipulated by scientists. PLEASE MIND: More than 40 countries around the world already have some requirements for labeling of genetically engineered foods. GMOs are deeply unpopular in Europe, which has strict labeling rules and bans many genetically engineered crops.
To fight the initiative, seed giant Monsanto Co, soda and snack seller PepsiCo Inc and other opponents of the labeling measure have put up $25 million already and could raise up to $50 million. Foodmakers, like car makers, know that what starts in California has a fair chance of becoming the national law, or at least the national norm.
If a company like Kellogg’s has to print a label stating that their famous Corn Flakes have been genetically engineered, it will be the kiss of death for their iconic brand in California…and everywhere else.Money is flowing in from around the country and opposition fundraising is outpacing that of supporters by a factor of more than eight-to-one, according to filings with the California Secretary of State.
Contributions from PepsiCo, Kellogg Co, Hershey Co , Hormel Foods Corp, General Mills Inc, Pinnacle Foods Group, Cargill Inc and ConAgra Foods Inc have come fast and furious in recent weeks.
But the big money is coming from the likes of Monsanto, the world’s largest seed company and the first to introduce genetically engineered products to farmers.
I encourage you to do your research on this initiative if you care at all about what you put in your mouth for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is no reason GMO foods shouldn’t be labeled if they are “not causing any health problems” or if large corporations didn’t see some detrimental decline in GMO foods.To use the excuse of more tax and food costs is ridiculous, considering the fact that if you eat these foods and they make you sick- you now have the medical costs as well as prescription drug costs to deal with.
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