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Make FDA label modified foods

Posted 5/17/11

To the Editor: Approximately 75% of the corn planted in St. Lawrence County is genetically modified (GM). Since the 1996 introduction of GM crops, the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has …

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Make FDA label modified foods

Posted

To the Editor:

Approximately 75% of the corn planted in St. Lawrence County is genetically modified (GM). Since the 1996 introduction of GM crops, the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has accelerated exponentially.

It’s even difficult for farmers in St. Lawrence County to find non-GM seed because the market has been flooded by biotechnology companies with patented seeds. A commonly used GM crop in the North Country is Bt corn. A gene from the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis is inserted into the corn, allowing corn to destroy insects such as corn borers or root worm.

But the Cry1Ab toxin is non-specific and can enter into the environment threatening local ecology and causing negative impacts on non-target species like monarch butterflies and aquatic invertebrates. A recent study showed that 100% of streams tested within 500m of farms growing Bt crops contained the Cry1Ab toxin. Caddisflies in particular have shown increased mortality as a result of the Bt toxin.

For mammals, health studies show possible negative effects on kidney and liver function due to long-term ingestion of GM crops. There are many risks and uncertainties with GMOs. The public absorbs most of these risks.

We have trusted large biotechnology companies with our health and ecosystem health by allowing the widespread implementation of genetically modified crop cultivation. Many consumers don’t know that most of the food they are eating may contain genetically modified ingredients.

Biotechnology companies have control over the agriculture market by patenting seeds, disallowing farmers to save their seeds after each harvest, requiring them to buy new seed every season.

Cross-pollination of crops via wind from GM farms to non-GM farms is occurring and farmers are unknowingly growing GM crops. Innocent farmers can be sued by biotechnology companies for growing their patented traited crops without having bought the seed to do so. Who is protecting farmer and consumers?

Currently, the EPA, USDA and FDA are in charge of regulating genetically modified organisms; however, the regulations for genetically modified organisms are no different from other foods. There are no requirements for labels of GM food and biotechnology companies continue to have power over consumers, farmers and government agencies.

If you care about what you’re eating, pressure our government to make labeling of genetically modified foods required. Write a letter to Claudine Kavanaugh at the FDA at: Food and Drug Administration, Office of Foods, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, White Oak Building 1, Silver Spring, MD 20993.

Ryan Gillard

Canton