By Betty Murray
GMOs banned but not US. Take it from Hungary: genetically modified foods are not safe, and should be banned, or better yet — burned. The U.S. should follow the lead of Hungary, which set at least 1000 acres of farmland ablaze to destroy maize that was found to have been grown with genetically modified seeds. Hungary isn’t alone in its efforts to ban GMOs.
In fact, while GMO’s can be found all across the United States and Canada, many countries have enacted a partial or complete ban on genetically modified crops.
Here’s a brief overview of other countries’ view on GMOs:
• South Australia has a ban on all genetically modified crops.
• While he Japanese people are against GMOs, genetically modified canola has been found growing wild in areas of Japan.
• No genetically modified foods are grow in New Zealand.
• Cultivation and sale of GMO maize is banned in Germany.
• Ban on the cultivation of genetically modified crops, and voluntary labeling system to identify GMO foods in Ireland.
• Ban on the cultivation and sale of GMO crops in Austria, Hungary, Greece, Bulgaria and Luxembourg.
While these and other countries have at least partial bans on GMOs, the U.S. government has widely accepted and approved GMO crops such as corn, canola, soy, alfalfa, zucchinis, beet sugar, and tomato varieties.
A 2009 study on genetically modified foods showed that rats fed genetically modified corn developed kidney and liver problems. This same corn can be found in grocery stores. Other health problems found in animals that were fed genetically modified foods include: increased allergic reactions, mouth lesions, cough, bloating, diarrhea, sterility, altered sperm cells and changes in embryo development.
Fully aware of the health risks of genetically modified foods, the Obama administration has approved three genetically modified crops from biotech corporation Monsanto, which produces the common pesticide RoundUp. Crops approved by the FDA include RoundUp Ready alfalfa, sugar beets and corn for ethanol production.
Even though these foods could cause health problems for consumers, there is no pressure for genetically modified foods to be labeled in the U.S. The best alternative to avoid genetically modified foods is to buy organic foods, which are not modified or sprayed with pesticides. However, truly organic foods are grown in pesticide-free soil as well, meaning foods grown on an “organic” farm, which is in close proximity to a farm using pesticides, may be contaminated through the soil.
Take a stand for your health and the health of your families. Sign this petition against the recent Obama decision, and pressure the government to require proper labeling of genetically modified foods.
Betty Murray, CN, IFMCP, CHC is a Certified Nutritionist & Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner with the Institute for Functional Medicine founder of the Dallas-based integrative medical center, Wellness and founder of the Metabolic Blueprint wellness program. Betty’s nutrition counseling practice specializes in metabolic and digestive disorders and weight loss resistance. A master of the biochemistry of the body, Betty teaches her clients how to utilize nutritional interventions to improve their health. Betty is a member of the Institute of Functional Medicine and the National Association of Nutrition Professionals.
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