Genetically modified foods have been a hot topic in the news lately.  And independent films such as King Corn, GMO OMG and Seeds of Death have helped bring the issue of genetically engineered foods to the forefront of the public consciousness in the United States.    Up until 1994 there were no genetically engineered crops planted in the US.  Today, according to the USDA 2011 report 88% of all corn produced in the US has been genetically modified and 94 percent of the US soybean crop.  Other GMO ingredients to look out for include canola where 90 percent of the US canola crop was genetically modified in 2010 and sugar beets; 95 percent of the US sugar-beet crop was genetically modified in 2009, according to the USDA. Around half of the sugar produced in the US comes from sugar beets. Think about that soda!

Corn is processed into a multitude of food products including starch, sweeteners, corn oil and beverages and it has been estimated  that 70-75% of all grocery store products contain at least one genetically modified ingredient. Because of the prevalence of soy and corn in processed foods, about 30,000 genetically modified food products sit on US grocery store shelves.   You have almost certainly consumed GE foods, whether you knew it or not and that’s because there are no mandatory labeling laws in the State of New Jersey.   If you’re looking to stay away from GM0s, look to buy food labeled 100% organic or GMO free and make sure your meat and eggs  are from  100% grass-fed or pasture-fed animals  (not grain finished, unless you know it’s organic grain).

While the potential health risks and environmental impact of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are being debated, NOFA-NJ has been working hard to educate the public about GMO foods and working aggressively with our partners GMO Free NJ and Food & Water Watch in Trenton to get legislation past requiring genetically modified food to be labeled for consumers. If you wish to be a part of our efforts please join our Public Policy and Advocacy Committee.

To read more about GMO and food labeling go to Why GMO Food Labeling Matters at http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/218656-why-gmo-labeling-matters/.