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Genetically Modified Foods (GMO) - Another Nail in Our Coffins
Charlie Parker
MSNBC is conducting a survey: Do you believe genetically modified foods should be labeled?: http://health.newsvine.com/_question/2011/02/25/6131050-do-you-believe-genetically-modified-foods-should-be-labeled
This is an article I just wrote for our local newspaper which will be published this month. Most people are unaware of the effects of GMO foods.
White Mountain Independent:
Genetically Modified Foods (GMO) - Another Nail In Our Coffins
Investigative Report By: Charlie Parker
Welcome to our world of GMO foods. If you shop at a conventional supermarket, you may be putting more than Cheerios and potato chips in your cart. Between 60-70% of the food you buy probably contains genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Since foods which contain genetically modified organisms are not required to be labeled as such, fastidious label-readers may see a list of 'Nos' (No sugar, no additives, no preservatives) and unwittingly toss something into the cart that contains "blind" GMO.
So what are Genetically Modified Foods? Quoting from a report by The World Health Organization; "organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in such a way that does not occur naturally." This is known as "genetic engineering", "biotechnology" or "recombinant DNA technology" which, in layman’s terms, means they are mixing DNA of one life form with another life form usually resulting in a mutation. GE crop technology abrogates natural reproductive processes. The commercial seeds produced by Monsanto have now come to be known as Terminator (seeds that can be planted once only). Studies by the WHO also indicate serious health risks associated with GM food consumption including infertility, immune system dysfunction, accelerated aging, insulin regulation and changes in the liver, kidney, spleen and gastrointestinal system” just to name a few.
The most recent firestorm has been within the last year or so with the sudden and catastrophic health issues arising with the use of GM alfalfa and Bt cotton. Most particularly affected are farm animals, cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, etc. Out of nowhere, if you will, are sudden and unexplained sterility problems and deaths in large numbers. In an report posted by Dr. Mercola : (http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/03/25/doctors-warn-avoid-genetically-modified-food.aspx ) which states; “GM corn and cotton are engineered to produce a built-in pesticide called Bt-toxin—produced from soil bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis. When bugs bite the plant, poison splits open their stomach and kills them.” Continuing, “In India, animals graze on cotton plants after harvest. But when shepherds let sheep graze on Bt cotton plants, thousands died. Investigators said preliminary evidence "strongly suggests that the sheep mortality was due to a toxin. . . . most probably Bt-toxin."
The only published human feeding study revealed that even after you stop eating GMOs, harmful GM proteins may be produced continuously inside of you. Genes inserted into GM soy transfer into bacteria inside your intestines and continue to function. If Bt genes also transfer, eating corn chips or any GMO foods for that matter, might transform your intestinal bacteria into a living pesticide factory.
An article from The American Academy Of Environmental Medicine http://www.aaemonline.org/gmopost.html stated; “Therefore, because GM foods pose a serious health risk in the areas of toxicology, allergy and immune function, reproductive health, and metabolic, physiologic and genetic health and are without benefit, the AAEM believes that it is imperative to adopt the precautionary principle…”.
Within the last few years GMO seeds have been ban in many foreign countries. Losses in farm animals and crops have gone through the roof. Further, American crop yields are heading to the basement due to pollen cross contamination with Heirloom (organic) crops. In January of this year, 2011, Wikikeaks ( article: http://blog.friendseat.com/wikileaks-cables-on-monsanto-gm-crops/ ) released the (usual) corporate / government ties (called conspiracy) relating to the health hazards of GMO’s and how the European countries have refused GMO seeds for the above reasons. This has resulted in the strong-arm tactics prevalent with current events.
In an article from Non - GMO Shopping Guide (http://www.nongmoshoppingguide.com/about-gmos.html) list which GMO food are the worst, which are: commercialized GM crops in the U.S. include soy (91%), cotton (88%), canola (88%), corn (85%), Hawaiian papaya (more than 50%), zucchini and yellow squash (small amount), and tobacco (Quest® brand). About half of the sugar beets grown for sugar in 2008 were GM and current projections are that about 90% grown in 2009 will be GM. The ‘trickle down’ effect also includes products derived from the above, including oils from all four, soy protein, soy lecithin, cornstarch, corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup among others. And lets not forget:
meat, eggs, and dairy products from animals that have eaten GM feed (and the majority of the GM corn and soy is used for feed); dairy products from cows injected with rbGH (a GM hormone); food additives, enzymes, flavorings, and processing agents, including the sweetener aspartame (NutraSweet®) and rennet used to make hard cheeses; and honey and bee pollen that may have GM sources of pollen. Non-food items that may contain GM ingredients include cosmetics, soaps, detergents, shampoo and bubble bath. Genetic Engineering: An Affront to Religious Principles http://www.biointegrity.org/ge-relaffront.htm “The false claims and faulty procedures of the biotechnicians not only affront genuine science, they affront religion as well. From a religious perspective: By insisting that forced, piecemeal gene-splicing is substantially equivalent to sexual reproduction, and by attempting to trivialize the multiple barriers against cross-species gene flow, bioengineers denigrate the presence of purpose in nature. By sundering these barriers without sound safeguards, they display irreverence toward the Creator and an irresponsible attitude toward the creation.”
US Embassy Lobbied Pope to Approve GM Crops: http://blog.friendseat.com/wikileaks-cables-on-monsanto-gm-crops/ “John Vidal, environment editor for the Telegraph writes: Cables from the US embassy in the Vatican show that the US believes the pope is broadly supportive of the crops after sustained lobbying of senior Holy See advisers…The US state department special adviser on biotechnology as well as government biotech advisers based in Kenya lobbied Vatican insiders to persuade the pope to declare his backing.”
To say that GMO foods are controversial and dangerous is an under statement to say the least. The subject begs the question; are GMO’s an unknown form of bio-terrorism against humanity itself? And if so, by whom and why? Enough said….
Other Ref.: Pathogens Allegedly Found in Major U.S. Food Staple http://www.deathandtaxesmag.com/56379/pathogens-allegedly-found-in-major-u-s-food-staple/
March 2, 2011