Introduction: GMO
Series
Here at Earthbeam Natural Foods we are committed to
spreading knowledge and truth about the food industry. As you may already know,
in support of Prop 37 and the fight to eliminate genetically modified
ingredients from our food supply, Earthbeam has dropped all brands whose parent
companies funded the “No on 37” campaign- a narrowly defeated Proposition from last November’s
ballot. Many of you signed the petition in-store, took a moment to listen, and
have committed to making a change. We thank you for your support.
Now, we’re taking the next step to educate YOU, the
consumer, about Genetically Modified Foods. Today there are many resources
emerging about the dangers of GMOs. One of the most trusted and accessible is
The Institute for Responsible Technology, founded by Jeffrey Smith, the leading
consumer advocate promoting healthier non-GMO choices. On his website, Smith
has developed tools and resources for consumers and retailers, one of which is
a series of articles answering fundamental questions you may have- What
are GMOs? What are the risks? What can I do as a consumer?
Introducing: The GMO
Series, brought to you by Earthbeam and The Institute for Responsible
Technology. Over the course of ten weeks, we’ll deliver one article to your
inbox every Tuesday morning. Take a moment to read, consider, and then forward
the articles to the ones you love. Also, feel free to reply with questions,
concerns, and statements or stop by the store to let us know what you are
learning.
There’s a short introduction to GMOs below, followed by
Jeffrey Smith’s introduction, with links to the sources and further
information. We’re so eager to share this information with you and thank you
for making time to educate yourself!
Happy Reading,
Earthbeam Staff
_________________________________
What are GMOs?
GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. Also referred
to as the shortened GM (genetically modified) or GE (genetically engineered),
these abbreviations essentially stand for the same concept: the transferring of
genes from the DNA of one species into that of another in order to obtain a
desired trait or characteristic. This is done in an attempt to increase
nutritional benefits or herbicide tolerance. However, the crops have no benefit
to our health, only to the wallets of those manufacturing the seeds.
The GM seed industry is comprised of five companies:
Monsanto (the largest, accounting for 88% of GM seeds on the market), DuPont,
Syngenta, Bayer CropScience, and Dow. Together, these five companies own more
than 35% of the worldwide seed market as well as 59% of the pesticide market.
(Smith, 2007)
Introduced into the food supply in 1996, overwhelming
studies and responses to GM foods have proven danger to our health and the
future of food. Kept under wraps by false studies, hidden truths, and industry
conglomerates, genetic engineering has been hidden from the public eye for
almost twenty years. However, with recent media attention from California’s
Prop 37, as well as other campaigns to label GMOs, more Americans are becoming
aware of the dangers behind the industry.
Stay tuned to our GMO Series to find out more.
_________________________________
It’s time to reclaim a food supply without dangerous
genetically modified organisms (GMOs). And we can do it- together.
When European consumers said no to GMOs, the food companies
kicked them out. As more and more US consumers rejected GM bovine growth
hormone, most dairies and brands, including Wal-Mart, Starbucks, Kroger,
Dannon, and Yoplait responded.
Now we are joining forces nationwide in the Campaign for
Healthier Eating in America-
designed to achieve the tipping point of consumer rejection of GMO to force
them out of the market.
After you read these articles, please pass them onto your
entire network, and encourage them to do the same.
It is past time for us to look to the government to bail us
out of this mess. We are on the top of the food chain, and we can make things
happen-
together.
Safe eating.
Jeffrey M. Smith
To learn more about the health dangers of GMOs, and what you
can do to help end the genetic engineering of our food supply, visit www.ResponsibleTechnology.org [http://www.responsibletechnology.org/]
To learn how to choose healthier non-GMO brands, visit www.NonGMOShoppingGuide.com
International bestselling author and filmmaker Jeffrey Smith
is the leading spokesperson on the health dangers of genetically modified (GM)
foods. His first book, Seeds of Deception,
is the world’s bestselling and #1 rated book on the topic. His second, Genetic
Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods,
provides overwhelming evidence that GMOs are unsafe and should never have been
introduced. Mr. Smith is the executive director of the Institute for
Responsible Technology, whose Campaign for Healthier Eating in America is designed to create the tipping point of consumer rejected of GMOs, forcing
them out of our food supply. Watch the free online video today for the big
picture.
Works cited:
Smith, Jeffrey M. Genetic
Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods.
Fairfield, IA: Yes!, 2007. Print.
These articles are provided by and distributed with
permission from The Institute for Responsible Technology.
