Recently, California tried to pass legislation that would require food to be labeled in regard to the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). From information that is readily available, it would appear simpler to only require it when GMOs are not used. The way the industry sells the “usefulness” of GMOs, you’d think they’d want to point out to consumers those products that “do not contain GMO sources”, as a “health risk”.
Instead, the legislation did not pass. Now normally this might not be such a big deal. But now it appears that the labeling for “organic” products is being distorted to allow for GMOs in organic food. One would think that an extremely basic premise for an organic product would be one whose seed came from nature.. The USDA in particular clearly states what is required for organic labeling on their website.
Organic is a labeling term that indicates that the food or other agricultural product has been produced through approved methods that integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used. (Source : http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/nop )
Additional information on the subject can be obtained from this article from The Alliance for Natural Health.
Does anybody know. “Are peanuts sold in the US genetically modified?” Answer may lie in a University if Florida Publication. They appear not be be genetically modified as seed appears to be readily available.
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