GMO discussion with teacher

[RHRanch]

Even if most things have GMO, a label allows people to be informed about what they are consuming, the same way a ingredient list shows the amount of sugar or types of addatives. No harm in being informed.

 

[mom'sfolly]

If labeling was required, there would be a split stream in this country as well. This country already handles the products in a split stream, for exports. They just don't want to acknowledge it, because it would show just how easy it is to separate the products, and label them separately.

I agree that the labeling could be as simple as "may contain GMO corn or GMO soy", just like the allergen labels. The industry circumvented labeling because of consumer squeamishness, and continue to lobby against labeling for the same reason. American consumers like being blissfully ignorant, as many people have mentioned here. But they also want that choice. It is the difference between an opt-in and and opt-out. The current system is an opt-out, you are in the GMO product line unless you spend a great deal of effort to avoid GMO products. A labeling system gives you an opt-in, and makes for more informed consumers. I have to buy organic cornmeal at the moment to be sure the cornbread I make at home is not GMO. It should be easier, and I as a consumer, should have a choice.

 

[chickened]

I read that processing grains from their original form destroys the health benefits as well. Something about removing the film that encases all grains and its' purpose in regulating the fat and nutrients and in aiding absorption in to the body. We cannot win for losing.

 

[HollyBird24]

Quote:
Then it can all be labeled that way.

So all food is labeled the same how do you make a choice??

Thats just what I was thinking. That would be the same thing as labeling food as.... food really

 

[HollyBird24]

Quote:
Just because something isn't organic, doesn't mean it's GMO. Thats false labeling.

 

[mom'sfolly]

Organic corn and soy are by definition non-GMO.

Conventional corn and soy are treated the same as GMO corn and soy because the government considers them to be the same. They go into the same processing stream for domestic use. If they are intended for export to Europe or Japan they are separated, because GMO products are not allowed in those countries. Again, no choice for domestic consumers.

I would argue that there are three streams, organic, conventional and GMO. The labeling/government/corporations only recognize two streams of production.

There is no labeling that says non-GMO. It doesn't exist, so there can be no "false labeling".

 

[chicken_boy_Kurt]

mom'sfolly :

Organic corn and soy are by definition non-GMO.

Conventional corn and soy are treated the same as GMO corn and soy because the government considers them to be the same. They go into the same processing stream for domestic use. If they are intended for export to Europe or Japan they are separated, because GMO products are not allowed in those countries. Again, no choice for domestic consumers.

I would argue that there are three streams, organic, conventional and GMO. The labeling/government/corporations only recognize two streams of production.

There is no labeling that says non-GMO. It doesn't exist, so there can be no "false labeling".

There are some companies that are a part of a GMO-Free program. They source only non-GMO crops and use them in their products. The companies are few and far between but they do exist.​

 

[the Pollo Loco]

here's a great podcast that sheds some light... http://metrofarm.com/assets/podcasts/2009-12-12_663dgeorganic.mp3 play it while you're posting on BYC...

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

Quote:
All I kept hearing was we make GMOs an wrote a book. We want to sell more of both. Change the law so we can.

 

[Baymule]

Quote:
I applaud you for your views. I have read all the posts and I am astounded at the people that believe GMO's to be a good thing. Please dedicate yourself to learning more about GMO's versus heritage non GMO's. Perhaps you could prepare an essay or report on the subject for extra credits in class or to at least educate your teacher further. Food that is genetically tampered with to survive being drenched with poisons is not good food. Any time food production can be patented, control is given to the holder of the patent. Control the food, control the population.

Once genetics are lost in heritage plants or animals, they can never be regained. It is important to preserve the genetic basics for a pool of genetics to go back to for future breeding and/or hybrids. You are on the right track, keep going and don't be distracted by the nay-sayers.