" Modify ... "

Can't stop thinking

That's all that matters 

Eventually

Can't stop feeling 

And re-arranging

That's all i'm thinking

In the end

Modify as i levitate

You can open the latch

But you'll never give in

All you really need

All you really want

Anything you want to

Your secrets safe with me

~ Collide ~ Modify ~

***

Some of you may be aware of all the discussions surrounding genetically modified organisms or GMOS.  And with the list of genetically modified food ingredients growing at an alarming rate, why all the talk?

First:  it is important to understand what are GMOs ....

GMOs are genetically engineered.  They are an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.  These techniques use DNA molecules from different sources, which are combined into one molecule to create a new set of genes.  This DNA is then transferred into an organism, giving it modified genes.  Basically the genes of one organism have been "cut out" and then "pasted" into another organism. 

Second:  it is important to understand why GMOs exist ...

Contrary to what Big Agra companies state, genetically engineered plants exist due to greed.  Yet they will tell you how GMO foods are perfectly safe with benefits such as lower cost crops, more productive farms, resulting in healthier foods.  For further information research Monsanto technology fees for usage of their GMO seeds. 

Third: why should we be concerned about GMOs in our food supply ...

Genetically engineered plants have had either genes from bacteria or viruses, or genes that make plants resistant to toxic chemicals like the herbicide Roundup, spliced into their DNA.  These genes were never part of the human diet until the first GMO plant was created in 1996.  As well, to date, there have been no long-term human safety studies conducted on GMOs.  Therefore, without any scientific evidence to prove that they are safe, it defies common sense to compromise our health.

It is estimated that as much as 70% of our processed foods on grocery store shelves are “modified”, largely due to the main ingredient, soy.  Half of North America's soy crop is genetically engineered. Sadly, "Health Canada would require labelling of GM food products if there was a clear, scientifically established, health risk or significant nutritional change, which could be mitigated through labelling.  To date, "Health Canada has not identified health risks associated with GM foods that have been approved for sale in Canada" ... therefore, "voluntary labelling and advertising of foods that are and are not products of genetic engineering was developed to address non-healthy and safety labelling".

I am an advocate for organic foods, as my medicine is my food and my pharmacy is FARM-acy.  I believe we all have a right know what we are putting in their mouths and any labelling would at least provide us with information so we can make our own decisions about what we are eating.  

In the meantime, Greenpeace Canada provides us a valuable shopper’s list of GMO-free foods.  Do your own research and make the best choice for your best health.