Genetic Engineered Food (GMO) - what's the fuss?
Tampering with Creation? ("Frankenstein Foods")
Genetically engineered foods have been genetically altered combining genes of plants with genes of virus, fish, bacteria, and more; the physical make-up of the gene is no longer as it was. The reasons for altering the genes are varied. An increase in yield is one reason. Another reason is to create a crop that is pest-resistant. This is being driven by big business.
Janet has taken a very strong position for us against genetic engineering. Her first radio show was indicative of that. David's Suzuki's press release and talk last night piggy-backs on Janet's position relative to this problem.
The fuss is summed up best by the European activists who have termed these foods "Frankenstein foods". There is absolutely no proof that these foods are safe. (maybe a good reason to avoid them) When a food is genetically engineered to resist the known crop enemies, the fear is the incredible adaptability of these enemies and that a stronger enemy could emerge. The crop enemies' ability to become a new more potent strain, one that we have never dealt with before, is certainly a real concern.
The best strategy for the consumer to avoid G.M.O. foods is to eat certified organic food. We are also encouraging the signing of petitions which we have made available in - store, and writing of letters to achieve a moratorium on GE foods and an appropriate identification through labeling of GE foods. If Canadians are going to purchase these foods, at the very least we feel they are entitled to know what they are eating even though the risk they are taking is unknown.
As David Suzuki says, "the premature application of biotechnology is downright dangerous" and "we have been made unwitting guinea pigs".
If you require more information please contact us.
Yours truly,
Scott Jacks
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