The mystery around GMO food by Eliane Carotta

A genetically modified organism (GMO) or genetically engineered organism (GEO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. These techniques, generally known as recombinant DNA technology, use DNA molecules from different sources, which are combined into one molecule to create a new set of gene. This DNA is then transferred into an organism, giving it modified or novel genes. Transgenic organisms, a subset of GMOs, are organisms which have inserted DNA that originated in a different species. Some GMOs contain no DNA from other species and are therefore not transgenic but cisgenic. 

After this little Wikipedia based introduction, we can understand what a GMO food is. Now, knowing that we are regularly confronted with genetically modified foods, be it in the news or on our plates, I’d like to ask: Is it safe? Are you sure you don’t eat them? 
Since 1994, a growing number of foods were developed using genetic modification (GMO), and lots of them we don’t even know! Currently, there is no requirement to label genetically engineered or cloned animal products in USA.European Union nations, Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries require the mandatory labeling of foods that contain genetically engineered ingredients, but with limited exceptions. FDA regulations, companies under U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are not even required to notify the agency they are bringing new genetically engineered products to the market.
By law, the use of genetical engineering is prohibited for products defined as 'organic'. Nevertheless, these products are permitted in certain cases to contain slight traces of genetically modified organisms. 
Despite Americans' concerns, the National Organic Standards Board passed a recommendation in November 2008 that would allow fish to be fed non organic fishmeal, which can be contaminated with mercury and PCBs. The recommendation would also allow open-net cages to be used, which can flush pollution, disease, and parasites directly into the ocean. 

Besides these facts above, there are tons of others proving that GMO food are all around popular supermarkets. Assuming you eat GMO, let’s know about the risks... 
GMO crops may threaten biodiversity, decrease the richness and variety of foods, and make farmers more dependent on chemical companies, through the purchase of seed or chemicals. 
Health concerns include: allergy, gene transfer (antibiotic-resistant genes from GMO to bacteria), and outcrossing (the movement of genes from GMO plants into conventional crops).Glyphosate, Roundup's active ingredient, is the most widely used herbicide in the United States.  About 100 million pounds are applied to U.S. farms and lawns every year, according to the EPA. 

Ok, now I’m convinced that this is bad for me, what can I do to avoid GMO Food? 
GMOs, becoming a lot more popular in North American food and due to the lack of GMO labeling, it’s been harder for consumers to avoid foods with genetically modified ingredients. Unfortunately, an estimated 70% of the food in North American stores contain these elements and that number is only expected to increase.Around 90% of all soybeans grown in America are Monsanto’s Roundup Ready Soy Beans. More than 61% of corn, 75% of canola and 50% of Hawaiian Papaya are genetically modified. If the food isn’t organic, then there is no guarantee that it isn’t genetically modified. In the book Seeds of Deception, Jeffrey M. Smith exposes the facts about GMO studies, and he assures that in North America, if you are consuming corn, soy, canola or wearing cotton, you are coming into contact with genetically modified foods. Yes, it’s true that most soy ingredients are almost always genetically-manipulated and herbicide-treated. The same is true for canola, corn, dairy products and potatoes. The only way to try and avoid theses foods, is by looking for 100% organics at your local health food store. Check the ingredients labels carefully. It may be best to avoid canola altogether because it is rarely organic and is usually chemically-treated as detailed by experts.Outside of Europe and Asia it may not be possible at this time to avoid genetically-manipulated ingredients 100% of the time, but it is a good idea to avoid them when possible. Eat safe!!!

+info:
www.organicconsumers.org
www. truefoodnow.org