Genetically Modified Organisms
Are You A Human Guinea Pig?
So what are genetically modified organisms? Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or genetically engineered organisms (GEOs) have had their genetic material altered using genetic engineering techniques. This radical technology, generally known as recombinant DNA technology, use DNA molecules from different sources which are combined into one molecule to create a new set of genes. The genes are then artificially inserted into or deleted from an organism so that the organism is capable of producing new substances or performing new functions.
What’s Wrong With GMOs?
Genetically modified foods on the market have not undergone adequate testing to ensure they are safe to eat and safe for the environment. In fact, current research on genetically modified foods is not done by an independent third party. It is driven by the companies producing the GMO products. Doesn't that sound a bit like putting the fox in charge of the hen house? The broadest application of GMO technology is patent-protected food crops which are resistant to commercial herbicides.
Genetically Modified Organisms Threaten Health and the Environment
The largest share of the GMO crops planted globally is owned by the Monsanto Corporation. In 2007 Monsanto’s trait technologies were planted on 246 million acres (1,000,000 km2) throughout the world, a growth of 13 percent from 2006.  In the corn market, Monsanto’s triple-stack corn (combining Roundup Ready 2 weed control technology with YieldGard Corn Borer and YieldGard Rootworm insect control) is the market leader in the United States.
There was more than 17 million acres (69,000 km2) of triple-stack corn planted in the US in 2007, and it is estimated it could reach 45 million to 50 million acres (200,000 km2) by 2010. In the cotton market, Bollgard II with Roundup Ready Flex was planted on nearly 3 million acres (12,000 km2) of U.S. cotton in 2007. In a scientific study by Professor Robert Belle Roundup was found to be highly toxic and provokes cell division dysfunction; the first stage that leads to cancer. Monsanto Corporation has achieved rapid growth and on January 3, 2008 its quarterly profit nearly tripled, helped by its corn seed and herbicide businesses.
Genetically Modified Organisms: Controlling Our Food
Watch this documentary to find out why genetically modified foods raise unprecedented ethical and social concerns and pose serious threats to the environment, human health, animal welfare and agriculture. “No GM crop on the market today offers benefits to the consumer in terms of quality or price, and to date these crops have done nothing to alleviate hunger or poverty in Africa or elsewhere.” - Nhimmo Bassey, FoE Africa
Genetically Modified Organisms: Myths and Facts
Do you realise you and your family may already be unknowingly eating genetically modified foods because your choices as a consumer are being eroded due to inadequate labelling laws?Myth GM crops such as cotton will not get into our foods. Fact Cottonseed is pressed for oil and used extensively as an ingredient in margarines and cooking oils, particularly in restaurants and takeaway outlets. It is also commonly used in manufacturing snack foods such as potato chips and in mayonnaise and salad dressings. Myth Crops such as cotton and canola are used to feed animals so it must be safe. Fact Many studies show that animals fed with GM feed such as peas, soy, corn or maize have developed health problems such as damaged immune systems and organs and reactions to other allergens, had their growth stunted or have died much earlier than those fed conventional feeds. Myth Food products with GM ingredients are labelled. Fact A typical ingredient list for foods containing genetically modified organisms is: “Wheat flour, soya flour (genetically modified), sugar” BUT some products do not need to be labelled. These include highly refined foods such as sugar or cottonseed oil, processing aids and food additives, enzymes for making cheese and food prepared in restaurants or takeaway shops, or in meat and dairy products from animals that have been fed GM grains. Myth GM crops will eradicate poverty and help farmers. Fact GM crops are unlikely to eradicate poverty because yields are no more than those of non-GM crops, and in the long term often need more pesticides to grow. GM crops are also ineffective in tackling political and economic causes of food shortages. GM technologies do not address climate issues or access to fuel, land, infrastructure and markets. In addition, GM crops are ‘owned’ by companies who can charge poor farmers royalties for crops they would otherwise own. “Governments should resist the economic pressures and show leadership and concern for the long-term health of people and nature.” - David Suzuki Click here for more information on what you can do to "Say No to GMO".
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