Meg Haworth

It’s been about eight years since I read the first article on genetically modified organisms.  I recall my incredulity as I learned that the DNA from one substance was being spliced with that of another species altogether.  It was one of those moments in life where I read and re-read the article in an effort to understand what I was reading.  It did not make sense to me and was something I would not soon forget – nor could I.

When asked to write this blog for EatDrinkOrDie.com, I went in search of current information to share with the ever-increasing crowd of food-aware folks who just want to be healthy.  Here’s what I found.
The chemical conglomerate company Monsanto has been on the forefront of this genetic engineering to create crops of super foods that theoretically tolerate frost, defy pesticides and herbicides, stay on the vine longer, and will allegedly “solve” a lot of other food related issues – including the lofty goal of ending world hunger.  Most people are not aware of these practices and have no idea that they are ingesting large-scale scientific experiments that may have far reaching implications that are already affecting the natural balance of the world – oh yeah, and our health. 

So, we will say upfront that I am definitely biased towards eating foods intended by nature to be whole and complete - naturally.  As I perused the net to learn what I could about the current state of Genetically Modified Organisms I could not help but interpret this foray into science as freakish experiments with the natural world that are being placed into our food supply and consumed by a largely unaware public.     

Here are just a few examples of DNA splicing coming from the mind of Monsanto:

Soybeans with Peanuts – What's that?  A Peoynut
Soybeans with Bacteria and Petunias – Bactosoytunias?                                                                And then there's my favorite:  Fish with Tomatoes – A Tofishto?  - What!?

The fish DNA comes from a cold-water fish that is thought to provide a longer vine life as well as tolerance to cold for the tomato.  Tomatoes, as nature would have it, are not fond of the cold.  That’s why they get mealy in the refrigerator.  The idea behind the tofishto sounds quite logical but is it rational?  Do fish genetics belong inside the growing tomato?  I personally love fish with tomatoes on top but that’s a different presentation altogether. 

A potential upside: when you throw tofishtoes at a bad stage act, the smell of the fish may make them exit the stage more quickly.   

The DNA of soybeans were spliced with a bacteria to create a “Round Up Ready” crop that would defy the use of the herbicide “Round Up” (also made by Monsanto, hmmm?).  When the crops were sprayed with the herbicide, virtually everything was killed except the impervious super soybeans that made their way to our tables.  “Hey mom, can I have some more soybeans that can’t be killed by herbicides?”

The most likely crops to contain genetically modified materials are corn, wheat, and soybeans.  You know, just the staples.  They are currently using DNA from peanuts, pigs, insects, bacteria and viruses.  If you have an allergy to peanuts, are a vegetarian or a practicing Jew, you may not want to order that edamame or soy latte that could easily have the DNA of pigs, fish or peanuts in it. 
Another potential problem lies in the confused pollens blowing around the fields with bees making honey and nearby organic crops becoming cross-pollinated through blowing winds, traveling butterflies, bees and other insects.  There are, in fact, lots of concerns around this whole genetically modified world we unwittingly live in.                           

So, here’s something you can do.  Shop at Whole Foods Market or other health food stores.  These stores pre-qualify all their products to be free of Genetically Modified Organisms and will often boast that fact on their labels.  You could also write your local Congressional Representative to ask that this Frankenstein-like food practice be ceased.  And ... since the latter is not likely to happen, you can at least take the first suggestion.   

Feel free to post your comments, thoughts, opinions, knowledge and suggestions here on this Blog.  If you want more information or are just interested in working with Doctor Meg, log onto her website at www.DeliciousAndHealthy.com
        
Sources:

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food

Epstein MD, Samuel. The Politics of Cancer .(1978) & The Politics of Cancer Revisited. East Ridge Press, New York, 1998.

Colborn, Theo, Dumanoski, Dianne and Myers, John Peterson. Our Stolen Future. Penguin Books, New York, 1996.

US Dept. of Agriculture, Dept. of Health and Human Services; President Clinton’s newly
appointed Joint Institute for Food Safety Research: “Report to President in June 1999.”