GMOs can be a danger to health

Lee Santa’s letter (Nov. 12, Daily Bee) regarding GMOs (genetically modified organisms) is an important one. I agree in this case, the total impact of GMOs on human health is years away. It becomes critically important for consumers to educate themselves on GMOs and avoid them. Many countries in Europe, Australia, and Japan have banned the practice or enforced proper labeling so consumers can choose.

Packaged foods are the most modified products (80 percent). Ninety percent of corn crops and 93 percent of soy crops are GMO. Animals finished off in confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are fed soy and corn food to fatten them up. Farmed fish are fed GMO corn and soy foods also. We then get these ingredients when we consume these foods. About 95 percent of sugar beet crops are GMO. These foods are added to sweeteners and are in many processed foods. Most fruits and vegetables are free from modification, however, zucchini, yellow crook neck squash, Hawaiian papaya, sweet corn, and Arctic apples are allowed to be genetically modified (Bottom Line Secrets). Note also that our most popular breakfast cereals are corn based and sweetened.

We consumers do not know what has been injected into our foods; it could be bacteria for resistant properties, or herbicide/pesticide resistance genes, or ingredients promoting rapid unnatural growth for increased crop yields. Our best defense for health is to avoid these foods. Purchase as much as you can afford from organic sources.

With the rise of allergies, it becomes critically important to avoid GMOs. We must know what is in our foods to avoid unexpected reactions and have no trail back to a source and antidote. Read labels carefully. Even some foods labeled “Non-GMO” may have as much as 30 percent of their lesser ingredients from GMO sources. The label must read 100 percent GMO free.

The more we avoid purchasing these products and urging our markets to include 100 percent GMO free foods, the lesser our risks of experiencing poor health.

KRYSTLE SHAPIRO

Sandpoint