What do you think are GMOs? October is GMO Awareness Month and many people still do not know exactly what GMOs are. Therefore, I would like to show you a great infographic below from Nature’s Path Organic Foods. The infographic also explains GMO labeling across the world.
For example, the situation is challenging in both the U.S.A and Canada as the countries still do not enforce mandatory labeling. On the other hand, the European Union and Japan remain skeptical about the public consuming such food at all.
Difference between Hybrid Seeds and GMOs
Do you know the difference between hybrid seeds and GMOs? Since the rise of agriculture, farmers have been raising their plants to achieve certain desired traits such as better taste, yield, or disease resistance.
Yet, this kind of breeding still relies on the natural reproductive processes of the organisms. Genetic modification/engineering, however, involves the addition of foreign genes that would not occur in nature.
GMOs in your Fridge
Would you be surprised if you found out that papayas, milk, soy, corn on the cob, squash and zucchini, or many “natural” foods you buy are actually genetically modified? Some foods which you may think are GMOs, are actually not (yet).
For example, I thought for the longest time that the seedless melon at stores is genetically engineered. I found out it was just a hybrid between two types of melons. Not a very comforting thought but it was still a better melon than I expected.
GMO OMG
If you are looking for a more entertaining way to educate yourself, a documentary GMO OMG is available as well. The film explores the systematic corporate takeover and potential loss of humanity’s most previous and ancient inheritance: seeds.
For more information on GMOs, please check The Institute for Responsible Technology and The Non-GMO Project.
For more on GMOs have a look also at Prince Charles’ interview with The Telegraph.
Check out our articles on Genetically Modified Salmon?, Control the World through Genetically Modified Food, Organic Farming Profitability in the Long-Term