Did you know that about 80 percent of processed foods in stores today contain ingredients created through complex laboratory methods? In other words: The majority of processed foods found in your cabinet would never be found in nature.
You might be thinking, “Well, duh. It’s processed!” And that’s a valid point. What’s shocking, however, is that genetically modified foods, more commonly known as GMOs, have never undergone vigorous independent testing to assess their health effects. What’s worse, some data even suggests GMO’s are making us sick. According to Rodale, GMOs have been linked to skyrocketing allergy rates, accelerated aging, digestive diseases, and organ damage. Plus, pesticides used in conjunction with GMO seeds often wind up inside our food!
But soon, we may discover the truth about GMOs. Last week, the American Medical Association (AMA) called for mandatory GMO safety assessments before more GMO-containing foods are put in grocery stores. They also called for mandatory labeling on food packaging. Food manufacturers currently don’t have to disclose GMO ingredients, so you might not even know what you’re eating contains potentially harmful ingredients.
The statement, signed by more than 90 percent of Americans and health organizations, including the American Public Health Association, American Nurses Association, American Academy of Environmental Medicine, and the British Medical Association, states:
“In the face of scientific uncertainty, labeling is a common risk management tool and one that could help track any potential adverse health effects. Our support of labeling also takes into consideration the fact that consumers want to know whether there are genetically engineered ingredients in their food, and they have a right to know. We stand with the 90 percent of Americans who want mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods.”
Rodale suggests checking food labels for organic certification, buy food verified by the Non-GMO Project, or just avoid processed foods all together – at least until GMO labeling and safety testing goes into effect.
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