In addition to the USDA approving GM foods, the FDA- the government agency responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food and drug safety- has decided that GM foods don’t even have to carry a label to let consumers know what they’re buying. Apparently the USDA and FDA don’t think it’s important to be honest about what’s in food. Their reasoning? Well it looks like it’s coming down to the almighty dollar. It has been shown that people tend to avoid buying foods that are genetically engineered. And if you think you can avoid the whole GM food thing by buying organic and shopping at places like Whole Foods, things may not be that simple anymore for you either. Why? Well GM crops have been known to cross contaminate organic crops. So that beautiful red tomato with the little organic sticker might not be so organic after all. Put simply, if you’re one of those that want to totally avoid GM foods, you might be SOL.
As a physician, I find this entire issue very disturbing. If the effects of GM foods aren’t being tested long term and GM foods are being labeled appropriately, then one could reason that the people (i.e. almost all of us) eating these foods are basically being treated like guinea pigs.
What do you think of this entire issue? Do you think GM foods are contributing to many of the diseases we see today in the US? Are you someone who prefers to buy organic food? What do you think of the FDA and USDA not labeling GM foods?
Dr. Phoenyx Austin is a physician, writer, & media personality. Known for writing on health related issues as well as witty, straightforward commentary on life, love, and culture, Dr. Austin is also working on her first fiction book- a psychological thriller. If you want to know more about Dr. Phoenyx Austin and her future projects- check her out on Facebook!
