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In the absence of mandatory labeling, it is difficult to know, by merely looking at a label, whether the food you are purchasing is genetically engineered. We have a generally unregulated industry that continues to grow virtually unchecked. While we are able to ascertain the percentage of carbs, sugar and fat we consume due to mandatory dietary labels, mandatory labeling on genetically engineered foods continue to be an elusive dream.

Genetically modified foods use biotechnology to alter the genetic make up of a crop. In order to make a produce resistant to disease, the scientists "splice" and "dice" a gene from a toxin into a crop. So the food you thought you purchased and the food you are actually ingesting are two different things. No need to "spray" insecticides on crops anymore - the insecticide is now "in" the food you eat.

How can you protect yourself and loved ones from the potential health impacts of this invisible ingredient in our foods? To do so you need to understand a couple things. The major foods sources that are genetically modified are corn, soybeans and Canola oil. It is estimated that some 70% of the processed foods we consume contain ingredients that are genetically modified.

Now take a look in your cupboard and examine the nutritional labels. How many canned, packaged, boxed items have you found with the following ingredients: Soy(all forms), canola oil, corn(all forms)? Corn syrup, corn solids, soy lecithin, soy, are among the variations of these products found in your cookies, chocolates and other processed foods.

Of course, soy is touted as a health food, and it is, provided it has not been tampered with, genetically. Just ensure, if you want the benefits of soy, that it is labeled "organic" or "non-genetically modified". We need to be vigilant in doing the research and paying close attention to the foods we are consuming and passing on to the next generation. We also need to be persistent in advocating for the mandatory inclusion of genetic engineered ingredients on nutritional labels.

Learn more about this author, Joan Schroeder.
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