GMOs

Buy GMO free…

…or at least campaign to be given the choice.

Many people are concerned about possible health effects of food derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The debate over this rages: at time of writing there is little clear information but much to be anxious about.

The potential effects of GM crops on the environment as a whole are enormous. In the past, we’ve slowly learned about the dangers of pollutants such as DDT and heavy metals, which persist in the environment. GMOs don’t just persist, they replicate – interbreeding with existing crops and with wild plants. There is no way to predict the consequences, and there may be no way to stop them once they are set in motion.

  • If you can, refuse to support the GM industry by avoiding buying GM foods.
  • Get involved in the debate. GM Freeze provides many useful GM links, and their GM leaflet provides a good overview of the green perspective. The leaflet is supported by a range of organisations. The UK government held a major public consultation on GM in 2003 and their GM Nation? website provided information on the issues and the findings of the debate.
  • In the EU, if a food contains or consists of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or contains ingredients produced from GMOs, this must be indicated on the label. For GM products sold ‘loose’, information must be displayed immediately next to the food to indicate that it is GM. On 18 April 2004, new rules for GM labelling came into force in all EU Member States
  • One of the most common GM crops is soya, used in many foods – ‘lecithin’ in chocolate and ‘vegetable oil’ are often made from GM soya, for example.
  • GMWatch gives upto date information on GM food and crops.
 

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