There is an alarming body of evidence pointing to significant health and environmental risks associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food and agriculture. The Organic Center has compiled the following Top 10 latest findings regarding GMO risks, from published, peer-reviewed research in the U.S. and respected institutions around the world. For more information, visit www.organic-center.org, info@organic-center.org.

DID YOU KNOW?

Boulder County, Colorado, is currently considering allowing the farming of genetically engineered (GMO) sugar beets on publicly owned Open Space land. Already, the county allows GMO corn to be grown on open space. There is an alarming body of evidence pointing to significant health and environmental risks associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food and agriculture.

Just say No to GMOs in Boulder County. Let your voice be heard. Contact Tina Nielsen at tnielsen@bouldercounty.org.

Top Ten Reasons to Say NO to GMOs

1. The American Academy of Environmental Medicine has called for a moratorium on genetically modified (GM) foods, stating: “Avoid GM foods when possible… Several animal studies indicate serious health (and disease) risks associated with GM food… There is more than a casual association between GM foods and adverse health effects.”
2. Consumption of genetically modified corn may lead to lowered fertility, body weight and immunity, and impaired gene expression, and may be associated with asthma and food allergies in children.
3. GMO sugar beets are actually more prone to plant diseases, and pollen from genetically engineered sugar beets can drift into other related crops including edible beets and chard.
4. After only one year since its introduction, GMO sugar beets now account for 90% of the U.S. sugar beet crop.
5. Exposure to genetically modified corn can alter the learning behavior of honeybees, making it difficult for them to associate odors with nectar sources, and may be linked to Colony Collapse Disorder.
6. Rather than reduce the usage of herbicides in farming, as GMO proponents claim, use of GMO crops has actually increased herbicide use in agriculture.
7. Roundup Ready GMO soybeans have proven more vulnerable to a range of plant pathogens and soil borne diseases, and field trials have shown that they lag in yield, too.
8. Researchers in Mexico found that pollen drifted from genetically modified corn has contaminated the genetics of traditional varieties of maize in Mexico.
9. GMOs are now found in more than 80% of non-organic foods sold in conventional grocery stores in the U.S., as well as the majority of animal feed in the E.U. GMO crop production now dominates 90% of conventional soybeans, 70% of conventional cotton, more than 60% of conventional corn, and soon, if GMO wheat is approved, a significant percentage of U.S. wheat production—all of our major grains and fiber products!
10. Researchers in July 2009 concluded that E.U. Food Safety officials and the U.S. FDA have used unreliable tests to assess the safety of food and products containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

How Do I Avoid GMO Foods? – Since the FDA does not require GMO labeling on food products, be sure to eat and buy Organic. It is the only way to ensure a diet with minimum exposure to GMOs and toxic synthetic pesticides, which are prohibited under federally enforced certified organic standards.

Source: The Organic Center, Boulder, CO, info@organic-center.org; www.organic-center.org