For the past couple of weeks, I have been studying genetically-modified foods: i.e. foods that have been scientifically altered by mixing the DNA of organisms in order to adopt certain “beneficial” traits. Some examples of added qualities to our foods include: frost resistance, herbicides, and insecticides; such additives typically result in bigger or plumper produce.

This all sounds well and good on the surface, but the other side of the story is that the majority of genetically-modified foods (more commonly referred to as GMOs) have not been fully tested for long-term human safety, before being unleashed into the marketplace.

So how did this all begin? The primary stated goal of these companies (the ones who mix the genes) is that they want to cure world hunger. They believe that by making harm-resistant crops, that yield more annually, they will be able to feed the world.

Firstly, I have a hard time believing that greedy CEOs of our large produce manufacturers are so compassionate that they'd be willing to give up crops for free, in order to feed the starving. Like all big business, I believe their primary goals are to expand, grow and make money.

Secondly, genetic modification has only undergone the preliminary stages of testing. While said tests claim that genetically-modified foods produce no negative effects on the human body (which isn't saying much considering what other products have been deemed “safe,” and found out not to be later), in reality, they DO have effects. However, we are not yet certain of the long-term impacts that will come about as a consequence of consuming GMOs in our lifetime, or what impacts they may have on the genetics of our future generations.

Another valid question we should be asking is, “How will the unnatural mixture of genes in our environment have an effect on evolution?” Genetically-altered plants are already affecting their surrounding habitats as proven in the massive termination of monarch butterflies, due to a corn crop modified to produce its own pesticides. Insects that were once able to eat certain vegetables are being forced to find alternative food sources. As well, some insects are becoming immune to the pesticides produced by the altered plants, which in turn makes them into super bugs that are no longer deterred by these pesticides. This means that companies will be forced to use stronger chemicals to ward off insects which not only adds further pollution to our waterways, but also increases the amount of chemical exposure we face each day.

The frightening truth is that a lot of these genetically-modified ingredients are contained in foods that are stocked on the shelves of our chain grocery stores, and we have no way of determining which products have GMOs in them, and which don't. No laws have yet been passed, in Canada or the USA, which require companies who use GMOs to label their products accordingly. So basically, unless we buy everything organic, there is a good chance we are consuming GMOs on a day-to-day basis, without even knowing it.
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