Seven Action Steps

According to Ken Roseboro and Thomas Hirsch, there are seven action steps consumers can make.

Avoid GE foods.
Since GE products are found in almost all processed foods, this is not going to be easy for many people. The main crops of corn and soy can be found in various forms and in virtually any food that is manufactured: flour, starches, oils; and sweeteners are added to hundreds of items. Unless the label states otherwise, assume that soy lecithin and protein powders and concentrates are derived from GE organisms. Canola and cotton are two more highly used GE crops. These are processed into oils and added to processed foods – many of which do not have to be labeled as being gentically engineered. Other crops include several varieties of “crookneck” squash and papayas grown mainly in Hawaii, dairy products made with milk from cows treated with the GE bovine growth hormone, meat products from cattle, hogs, and chickens raised on GE feed, Vitamins (E, B2, B6, B12, and C) derived from or produced with the help of GE organisms, and chymosin, an enzyme derived from GE bacteria and used to make cheeses. There are at least fourteen more such enzymes that have been developed so far, but not usually listed on labels. The basic rule of thumb is to severely limit your intake of processed foods and stick to certified organic products.

Greenpeace has compiled an excellent list of food products that contain or do not contain GE ingredients.

Eat Organic.
There are several levels of organic content:

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There is also the Certified Organic label. These are products that are grown completely without chemicals or genetic modification of either plants or feed given to animals. However, even though this category is supposed to be included in the “100%” category, few states in the US have enforcement regulations. One such state is Hawaii.

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Buy locally grown foods.
Supporting local organic farmers keeps food dollars in the community and helps connect consumers with the farmers. This is a relationship that has been lost during the last two or more generations when industrial farms became too large and impersonal.

Grow your own.
This is not entirely impossible even if you live in a small apartment! Patio boxes or roof-top gardens are becoming more popular in many cities. Sprouting can be done inside,and this makes nourishing additions to any salad. Gardening, large or small, not only nourishes the body, but the mind and spirit as well.

Support labeling of GE foods.
Write to local, state/provincial, and federal government representatives and ask them to support safe testing and labeling of GE foods. While you are at it, you might also ask them to increase research funding for organic agriculture, preserve the integrity of organic standards, and stop GE crops from being planted.

Create a GE-free zone in your area.
This requires personal involvement by persuading local farmers not to grow GE crops and by lobbying officials to prohibit GE crops. Local consumers also need educating as to the dangers of GE crops and the benefits of organic produce.

Stay informed about GE food issues.
The WWW is an excellent source to remain current on all issues, especially this one. It is even more important as biotechnology companies are finding loopholes to foist their products onto unsuspecting consumers. Many still remain unaware of what GE foods actually are and the harm they can create. In the US alone, the biotech industry spends more than $50 million a year in advertising to persuade American consumers that using transgenic foods is completely harmless and the best way to go. This lullaby is scrupulously designed to prevent the backlash that occurred in Europe. So far, it is working because such promotions gloss over the risks by showing wholesome actors standing in lush genetically engineered fields. To be truly informed, one must look past the media hype and investigate for oneself. No one else is going to care as much about you and yours if you do not take the responsibility to find out.