Why Does the U.S. Refuse to Label GMOs?

In what area of policy does the United States differ from every nation in Europe, as well as Australia, Japan, Russia, India and China? Well, each of these countries requires the labeling of foods that contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs), while the U.S. has refused to budge on this issue.

In fact, the U.S. is becoming more and more isolated among industrialized nations in its stubborn insistence that GMOs are perfectly safe for human consumption. Would it surprise you that the companies that create GMOs are primarily U.S. corporations? It’s seemingly another case of special interests winning, and average citizens losing out.

As I recently reported, new research published in a well-respected scientific journal showed that genetically modified corn can cause massive tumors, organ damage, and even early death in rats. In light of this, I think a strong argument can be made that Americans citizens have a right to demand that GMOs be banned until further research concludes they are safe. So, it’s seemingly a no brainer, that at the very least, we should be able to read a food label and be told if GMOs are present.

There may be hope on the horizon. In November, Californians will vote on Proposition 37, which will require GMO labeling. The hope is that if this proposition is approved, it will create a domino effect that will ultimately lead to nationwide guidelines. Thus, it’s important to all Americans that Proposition 37 is passed. I encourage you to sign this petition to show your support.

In this video, Alexis Baden-Mayer, political director of the Organic Consumers Association, explains why the results of this study, even though it was conducted on rats, are indicative of the human health hazards presented by GMOs and the herbicide glyphosphate (otherwise known as Round-Up). She also provides some insight into the fight to get Proposition 37 passed and how you can get involved.

In the meantime, avoiding GMO foods takes discipline, but it can be done. The first step is knowing which foods are likely to contain GMOs. I found this webpage, which provides a great summary of where GMOs are present. Also, NaturalNews recently posted an article listing the top 10 breakfast cereals most likely to contain Monsanto’s GMO corn. I think this is a great list to become familiar with, especially since many on the list are cereals marketed to children, and it’s our children who likely have the most to lose by consuming GMOs.