What is a GMO? GMO stands for genetically modified organism; meaning that genes have been manipulated to produce desired traits in a specific species. GMO foods do not reproduce and are scientifically created to yield specific agricultural traits. In nature, genetic cross-breeding does exist and for centuries humans have cross-bred desirable qualities in flowers, fruits, vegetables, animal and crop life.
The contention around GMO foods has to do with the process and ethics behind genetic engineering. Farmers in the United States of America are unable to save their seeds and are expected to pay agribusinesses massive amounts of money to purchase seeds that are immune to pesticide/herbicide/insecticides. How does this affect the average consumer? Well, often times, we have no idea the foods we are eating are genetically modified and being marked with antibiotics to indicate engineering has been successful. Have you ever wondered why apples, strawberries, grapefruits, etc. are so incredibly huge, seedless and often times tasteless? The foods most agribusinesses produce are not organic or non-gmo, they are in fact sprayed with poisonous petroleum based chemicals and have been engineered to withstand chemical drenching to yield massive crops. I do what I can to avoid gmo’s on daily basis; I suggest checking your labels and learning more about the dangers of genetic engineering. Your health is your responsibility!