Reposted from 1/14/16
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I don’t know about you, but I don’t think it’s unreasonable to want to know is what’s in my food. However, there are lots of companies who make our food that don’t agree, such as the folks at Kashi, Larabar, General Mills, Kellogg’s, Silk, PepsiCo, Coca-cola and others. None of these companies support GMO food labeling.
In contrast, Campbell’s Soup CEO, Denise Morrison has been outspoken regarding hot button issues with consumers such as the labeling of GMO foods. In a message posted this last week, she says, “We have always believed that consumers have the right to know what’s in their food.” While I’m not necessarily a fan of Campbell’s products as they have many chemicals and high sodium in their products, I do admire their transparency as they distance themselves from other deceptive food companies. What are GMO foods anyway and why do they matter? GMO stands for genetically modified organism and there is GE which means genetically engineered. Modern usage of GMO actually refers to genetically engineered crops where, in a laboratory, the DNA from one organism is spliced into the genes of another organism, or even another species, to give it new or different traits. The resulting combinations are plants and
 animals that do not naturally exist in our environment. For example, most GM crops grown today have been developed to resist certain insect pests. They make them“Round-Up Ready” which means they already have harmful herbicides already in the seeds before they even go into the ground. While this and other Genetic Engineering may seem to make sense on the farmers’ end producing higher yields and reduced maturation times, it can mean trouble for the consumers who get the transfer of resistance of antibiotics and allergens. The problem is that genetically modified foods affect the human physiology.There is a reason why soy allergies have skyrocketed by 50% with most soy being genetically modified. As a result, there are many who believe that the epidemic of allergies, asthma, skin problems, and chronic ailments are due to GM foods. There have been 19 studies with animals that link GMO with organ disruptions. There is also a reason why in the European Union, if a GM product is .9 percent or more it must be labeled as a GMO food. In the US, GMO labeling is not required, which has been bought and sold by agri-business. However, consumers have been fighting back for our right to know what’s in our food. I support and donate often to the Environmental Working Group works tirelessly to protect us and to force more transparency for consumer goods.
In particular, the bio-chemical industry is fiercely going after two crops, corn and soy, because of their high demand for use throughout our processed goods and biofuel industries. Therefore, especially for Corn and Soy, only buy USDA organic. Unfortunately, these 2 crops are in virtually all of our processed foods found in the “center portion” of the supermarket.
Try to shop the perimeter for one-ingredient food and buy organic when you can. Also be sure to fight for your right to know what’s in the food you buy by demanding better food labels. As consumers, we can demand transparency by buying or not buying certain products.
Let’s have a conversation on Jill the Health Coach FB page!
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All material in this newsletter is provided for information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this publication;instead readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. The information provided has not been approved the Food & Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness or disease.
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“It is our choices that show what we truly are
far more than our abilities.” 
Live well and love more,
Jill Gordon
CHHC, HHC, CNHP,
Digestive Health Specialist
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