What are GMOs?

A Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) is a man-made organism created in a laboratory and patented by a corporation or the USDA. GMOs are created by a process called genetic engineering. Normally cellular DNA is, by nature’s design, resistant to infiltration by foreign organisms. GMOs are not the same as traditional cross-bred plants, which are created by crossing different members of the same plant species to create a superior strain. GMOs are completely different. They are created when a gene from a totally unrelated species is shot into the genetic material of another species. Scientists even use viruses and bacteria – including E. coli – to break the cell wall of plants in order to inoculate them with the new genes.

What are the Risks to Human Health from Consuming GMOs?
Very few studies have been conducted to determine whether genetically engineered foods are harmful to human health and one of the primary concerns is that unlabeled genes in a food may trigger allergies in certain individuals. The combination of genes might also create new, as-yet unknown toxins. The use of GMOs may also lead to antibiotic resistance (there is much evidence to suggest this is true) and finally, they may be linked with a resurgence of infectious diseases. Until these suspicions can be laid to rest, GMOs should not be considered safe for human consumption.

Millions of acres of genetically engineered crops are already planted, and nearly two-thirds of the products on our supermarket shelves contain genetically-engineered ingredients. But the truth is, genetically-engineered foods have been poorly studied (when studied at all) and scientists cannot assure us they are safe for human consumption.

Our Stand - Marlene’s Market & Deli takes an unequivocal stand on the danger of genetically modified foods and supports legislation making labeling of such foods mandatory. We maintain that this is in fact a dangerous and unproven experiment that could irrevocably alter life on our planet. Our ultimate goal is to eliminate genetic tampering with the food supply altogether.

Who is Participating in Labeling of GMOs?
All of the European Union nations, plus Japan, China, Australia and New Zealand, and many other countries now require the mandatory labeling of foods that contain genetically engineered ingredients. Because the United States and Canada continue to plant and harvest GMOs, our citizens are, according to The Campaign to Label Genetically Engineered Foods, “engaged in the largest feeding experiment in human history.” Sadly, most Americans and Canadians are not even aware of this fact.

The risks to human and planetary health are numerous and staggering. We encourage you to learn more by doing research on your own, and by visiting www.thecampaign.org , home of The Campaign to Label Genetically Engineered Foods. You may also want to read Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods by Jeffrey M. Smith. Smith’s first book, Seeds of Deception, is the world’s bestselling book on GMOs. Another important book to read is Your Right to Know, by Andrew Kimbrell of the Center for Food Safety.

The single best defense that we know of to help protect ourselves from GMOs in our food is to eat organically grown food.