What Does the Frankenfish Scandal Tell Us About GMO Labeling?

In a nation where genetic modification has long flown under the radar, the recent Frankenfish scandal has made many Americans realize that they have no way of knowing how many of the other foods in their diet are currently genetically modified. While many are disputing that the fish in question, a farm-raised salmon modified so that it can eat year round and fatten up faster, what about the other foods that we eat? Seventy-eight percent of the 1,000 U.S. adults surveyed opposed approval of the fish until more research is completed, according to a story A.K. Streeter wrote over at TreeHugger.

But little research is yet to be done on many other modified foods we eat. Nearly 70 percent of the processed foods in our country have been genetically modified. One of the few holdouts is a Missouri Wildlife Refuge. Collin wrote that a federal judge issued a ruling in Missouri stating that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife shouldn't have allowed genetically modified crops on a national wildlife refuge.

In Europe all products containing more than .9 percent GMO are labeled as such. But in the US, there is no such standard. We would like to believe that our foods come from nature, but that's far from the case. Currently, 30 other countries have significant restrictions placed on GMOs.

But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The NON GMO Project scientifically tests all of the individual ingredients that make up a product using a third party testing facility. Ensure that any processed foods that you eat are certified. As far as your whole foods like produce and dairy, talk to your local farmers and make sure they are not using hybrid seeds to grow your food or feed to their animals.

Read about those already participating in the program here. Additionally, tell your representative that you want meaningful GMO labeling today.

Like this? Stay up-to-date on all my foodie tips and get great holistic health info by following me on Twitter.