Genetically Modified Foods scare the hell out of me. Especially the insertion of bacterial genes into crop DNA that makes the entire - yes EVERY CELL of the plant - poisonous to an entire family of insects. Bt is a bacteria used to control caterpillars. I use it in my garden SELECTIVELY if I have caterpillars destroying a crop. But when the gene is inserted into a plant's DNA, then that whole field of cotton, corn, or whatever, is poisonous to ALL caterpillars (including the ones that become butterflies!).Here is a guide to IDENTIFYING GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS in the grocery store. I will use this and be certain to NEVER give the growers who use this technology my money. The following was copied from Howard Garrett (A respected Dallas Garden Expert and speaker):
"Many consumers don’t realize that the FDA does not require genetically modified food to be labeled. That’s because the FDA has decided that you don’t care if the tomato you are eating has been cross bred with frog genes to render the tomato more resistant to cold weather. Some consumers may not be concerned with eating “Franken Food”, but for those who are, here is how to determine if the fruits and vegetables you’re buying are (GM) genetically modified.
For conventionally grown fruit (grown with chemicals inputs), the PLU code on the sticker consists of four numbers. Organically grown fruit has a five-numeral PLU prefaced by the number 9. Genetically engineered (GM) fruit has a five-numeral PLU prefaced by the number 8.
Example: A conventionally grown banana would be 4011. An organically grown banana would be 94011. A genetically engineered banana would be 84011.
These tips are especially important now that over 80% of all processed foods in the US are genetically modified. Many countries in the European Union have been banning GM products and produce. They include Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary and Luxembourg. However in the US and Canada, food manufacturers are not required to label if their food is genetically modified or not. "
Here are some of Howard's guidelines for steering clear of GM foods in your diet, if that is your choice ...
Here is a link to Howard Garrett's Website page about avoiding GM foods.
FIGHT THE POWER:)
