Genetically+Modified+Organisms+(GMOs)

Medical Nutrition:

• There is much political activity regarding gene patents. • There is intense research and production of genes modified to produce stronger, bug resistant and higher quality foods. (p30 TL Oct 2000). – • Jellyfish genes added to potatoes make them glow in the dark when their water levels are low. • The snow drop gene has been added to plants to reduce it’s susceptibility to some pests. It causes digestive problems in people.

• BT genes (Bacillus teringus) has been added to cotton, corn, soy, canola, to make them bug resistant. – This kills insects like the monarch butterflies, bees and ladybugs. • Corn has had its O3FA reduced in it so it would not go rancid as easily. The reduction of O3Fas has spread to wild grasses so O3FA levels are lower in the animals that eat them. Inc. NF-b-Kappa • O3Fas stop cancer growth and are essential for healthy neurological function. (Mad cow/deer disease relationship?)

• Drift • Allergies • Excess pesticides • Pest become resistant • Potential illness from food not fully understood -And let loose into our terrain • Seeds no longer made by plants and these genes passed on via drift to unintended plants • Loss of nutrients – O3FAs and corn

• The unknown allergy-causing potential of GMO foods is one reason the Center for Food Safety (CFS), a nonprofit that works on public health and environmental issues, has been petitioning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2000 for pre-market testing of GMO food for allergens. • The Center also wants to see GMO foods labeled and wants an environmental review before bioengineered crops are planted. • Fifty other groups signed the group's petition, including the Natural Resources Defense Council, Rodale, the National Environmental Trust, Greenpeace and the Sierra Club. • According to the Center, although the FDA is required to act on any citizen petition within six months, the FDA has never responded. • In June of this year, CFS filed suit against the FDA. • "We think FDA is clearly in egregious violation of its own rules and is stifling public debate by not responding to our petition," says Gurion-Sherman. • -Jeffrey Smith – GMO foods