1 of 7

Write now Article Tools

There is a growing concern among people in all areas of the world about the safety of genetically engineered food (GEF). Many tests have shown that great numbers of lab animals that have been fed GEFs acquire immune system deficiencies that lead to various severe illnesses and in many cases death. It is only natural that people would want to know how they can tell if the food they are buying in their local grocery store has been genetically engineered and if it is safe for their families to eat.

There are several countries that are producing GEFs but the vast majority of these altered products are being manufactured in North America with the United States and Canada being the largest worldwide producers at an estimated 55 to 65% of globally engineered products. China, Argentina, and Brazil are the next largest producers and exporters of GEFs.
The technology to genetically engineer, or alter, organisms have been in place since the 1990s and today's genetic engineers can modify genetically almost any living organism. Due to economic incentives most of this work is being done in the plant world with corn, soybeans, maize, and cotton (for the cottonseed oil) being the most widely used plants for genetic alteration.
The reason for choosing these particular plants is that they are widely used in the manufacturing of the majority of processed foods. Processed foods include everything from canned goods to frozen meat and dairy products. Not only are these GEFs directly eaten from cans or other packaged items, but cattle, pigs, and poultry which are fed these GEFs find their way to the dinner table too. It has been proven that animals which are fed these GEFs often pass on the negative traits of the altered plants that they have been fed. It stands to reason that in all likely hood people that eat GEFs may very well pass on these same negative traits to their offspring.
For the consumer that wishes to decline feeding these GEFs to their families comes the question of how to tell which of the foods on their local grocery shelves have been genetically altered and which have not. Where is it labeled on the food packaging a disclosure of the fact whether a food item is a GEF or not?
Unfortunately, there is no requirement to label anything as being genetically altered. The reasons for not labeling foods as GEFs are numerous but the primary reason is economics. If the producers are required to label their products as being genetically engineered then many people will begin

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Recognizing genetically engineered food (GEF) at your grocery?
We want to hear your view. Write now!