Storehouse Teas are GMO FREE!
What are GMOs or Genetically Modified
Organisms?
GMOs
are organisms that have had their DNA manipulated in a laboratory instead of
crossbreeding or natural selection (crossbreeding by Mother Nature).
Specifically, a portion of the organisms DNA has been removed and the DNA of
another organism has been added. This experimental technology is creating unstable
combinations of plants, animal, bacterial and viral genes that cannot
occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding.
Why
are GMOs a concern? Genetically Modified Organisms
are a serious concern for several reasons:
Bioethics –
At what point does manipulating one organism’s genes with another cross the
line? (What stops science from doing this for inappropriate reasons or with
human genes?) Lack of long-term research – There is zero data available on the
impact long-term consumption of genetically modified organisms has on humans.
The pro-GMO movement likes to say there’s no evidence to speak to the contrary
and that GMO foods are safe. But, the fact is, there’s simply not enough
information.
Health concerns starting to arise in
GMO-fed animals – GMO-fed rats have been shown
to produce smaller litters at smaller weights and develop kidney problems and
large tumors.1 GMO-fed pigs and dairy cows have seen an increase in major
digestive and reproductive problems like stomach ulcers and aborted
pregnancies. Most recently, a study on GMO-fed pigs has shown a higher rate of
severe stomach inflammation in addition to other anecdotal behavior concerns.
Environmental Impact –
One of the most popular GMO products on the market is called Roundup Ready
Soybean or Corn. The name implies what the benefit of this GMO crop is: so
farmers can spray Roundup over the entire field of corn or soybean plants. The
Roundup will kill everything in its path except the GMO-corn or soybean plants.
Great for the farmer, not so great for the soil or beneficial insects. Several
studies have shown negative impacts GMO-crops have on the biodiversity of the
soil and nutrient absorption of the plant. There is also looming concern of
Roundup resistant “super weeds” and pests.
Why
are GMO-fed animal studies important? The digestive system of a pig
is actually very similar to a human’s digestive tract so, often times the
results of animal studies can be correlated to what one might expect to see in
a human study. Animal studies are the early indicators of a food safety
concern.
Where
are GMOs most commonly found? Genetically Modified Organisms
are primarily found in large field crops like cotton, soybeans and corn. Most
of these crops are used for animal feed or fuel but a large amount also ends up
in the food supply.
How can I ensure I don’t consume GMO products? Bottom
line; only buy food that is labeled USDA Certified Organic or NON-GMO Project
Verified. If it is not labeled with either two of these seals and the food
includes corn, wheat, canola oil or other common GMO-ingredients, there is a
good likelihood the food contains GMOs.
What
are other countries saying about GMO products? Quite
simply, many countries have banned GMO crops. Australia, Japan, the European
Union and Peru are a few that have denounced GMOs and banned the use of crops
with genetically modified organisms.
Clickhere to find out more about GMOs
