October is Non-GMO Awareness Month

A two-year long French study designed to evaluate the long-term health effects of GMO corn found that rats fed Monsanto’s corn developed massive breast tumors, kidney and liver damage, and other serious health problems. The diseases started primarily in the 13th month. Female rats that ate genetically engineered corn, a variety made tolerant to dousings of Monsanto's Roundup weedkiller - or given water with Roundup at levels permitted in the US, died 2-3 times more than control rats, and more rapidly, while the male GMO-fed rats had tumors that occurred up to a year-and-a-half earlier than rats not fed GMO corn. This latest research gives a more realistic view of risks than the 90-day feeding trials that form the basis of GM crop approvals.

If the rats are dying so quickly, why aren’t humans dropping like flies?

Rats only live a few years. Humans live around 80 years, so the effects will be noticed in animals long before they are evident in humans. The humungus human lab experiment is only about 10 years old, so we are most likely decades away from seeing the human casualties.

GMOs and the Environment

Environmentally speaking, GMOs are creating another disaster. The EPA admits there’s “mounting evidence” that Monsanto’s insecticide-fighting YieldGard corn is losing its effectiveness in the Midwest. Last year, rootworms resistant to the toxin in the genetically designed corn infested fields in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota and Nebraska. GMO foods are responsible for the development of resistant weeds and pests, increased pathogenic virulence, degradation of soil quality, and reduced crop yields.

How to avoid GMOs

• Buy food labeled 100% organic
• Recognize fruit and vegetable label numbers. If it is a 4-digit number, the food is conventionally produced. If it is a 5-digit number beginning with an 8, it is GM. If it is a 5-digit number beginning with a 9, it is organic.
• Purchase local, 100% grass-fed beef. Conventionally raised cattle is fed corn and 90+ percent of corn is GMO corn.
• Seek products that are specifically labeled as non-GM or GMO-free.
• Buy whole foods and start cooking - What you sacrifice for convenience you gain in the knowledge that the food you are eating is "clean." Most processed foods contain some form of GMO so avoid them.
• Grow some of your own food.