The Right to Choose

Have you ever wondered if the food on your plate may be a genetically modified organism (GMO)? Maybe walked down the aisles in the grocery store and wondered if your cart was full of genetically modified (GM) food? While animals may not be Genetically Engineered (GE) for the most part, the majority of American livestock are fed GE grains because the two most common genetically engineered crops are corn and soybeans. According to Monica Eng, a Tribune reporter, even Whole Foods Markets can’t help avoid stocking some of their shelves with products that contain GMOs because GM corn, soy, and other crops have become such common ingredients found in processed foods. 

It is reported by the Center for Food Safety that an estimated number of over 70 percent of processed foods found on supermarket shelves contain GE ingredients. In addition, items such as soda, soup, crackers, and condiments all fall into this GE category.

The soybean is an essential component for the protein consumers who are vegan or vegetarian. Food sources such as soybeans, soymilk, tofu, fermented bean paste, and other soy products are common protein substitutes used for those who choose to not eat meat or drink dairy. Further, soy is often used in many processed foods and the majority of animal feed in America. In other words soy is a large component for both the omnivores and vegetarians for protein sources. While omnivores may not be consuming as many soy based products they are getting a large amount of protein from livestock that was most likely fed GE grains.

We have the right to choose. JustLabelIt.org formed a petition and is working to gain one million comments to submit this spring to the FDA on their campaign to require labeling on all GE foods. Interested? Check out this video below...

Sources:

Eng, M. (2011, May 24). With No Labeling, Few Realize They Are Eating Genetically Modified Foods. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved from                    http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/ct-met-gmo-food-labeling--20110524,0,5841902.story

Genetically Engineered Crops. (n.d.). Retrieved March 13, 2012, from Center For Food Safety website: http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/campaign/genetically-    engineered-food/crops/

Just Label It. (n.d.). Retrieved March 13, 2012, from Just Label It Campaign website: http://justlabelit.org/about-ge-foods/ge-crop-history/