Why avoid Genetically Modified foods in your diet?

Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods made from genetically modified organisms (GMO) that have had their DNA altered through genetic engineering. The DNA is altered to create seeds that are bug resistant. The result is that these modified seeds contain high levels of inbuilt pesticides, herbicides and insecticides - chemicals that don’t break down in our bodies and subsequently create free radical damage (or oxidation).

Some medical professionals believe that there is a direct link between free radical generation in a multitude of diseases and disorders such as seizures, strokes, brain trauma, viral infections and neurodegenerative diseases.

GM food first came on the market in the early 1990s and was introduced by the three biotechnology/chemical giants Monsanto, Bayer and Syngenta. These companies collectively monopolize our global agricultural industry and countless economies. Today, the most common modified foods are soybean, corn, canola, and cotton seed.

Since the launch of this new type of agribusiness, environmental activists, religious organizations, public interest groups, academics, scientists and government officials world-wide have raised concerns about GM foods, and criticized companies for pursuing profit without concern for potential environmental and health hazards, and our governments for failing to regulate its use.

As an example of the common over use of GM foods, Genetically Modified soy can now be found in over 72% of all processed foods we see on grocery store shelves. Jeffrey Smith*, the author of Seeds of Deception, says: “The majority of non-organic meat, eggs, dairy products, food additives, enzymes, flavourings and sweeteners also contain GMOs, as do other crops, including zucchini, yellow squash and some tobacco.”

Mclean Organic Foods does not use any Genetically Modified (GMOs) spices or food products in our deli meats. Our annual Good Manufacturing Practices plant audit requires that our spice companies provide us with a Letter of Guarantee stipulating that all of our spice blends are made without the use of GMOs. Even the meat that we use comes from animals that were fed a non GMO diet of organic grains.

Why do we go to all this trouble when the consumer wouldn’t really taste the difference? To start, it goes back to our mission – To produce Clean & Lean™ meat products that nourish the body while supporting natural, humane and sustainable farming. Beyond our mission, we want to make sure that the ingredients used in our products are safe for people with food sensitivities or allergies. Lastly, we hope to set a precedent for other companies to follow and to encourage consumers to question what’s on the shelves at their local grocery market.

Grocery stores like Wholefoods / Capers Market in Canada and Wholefoods / Wild Oats Market in the US regulate the amount of GM products allowed in their store and stipulate that all venders make a focused effort to eliminate all GMOs from their recipes.

In addition, some small independent natural food stores throughout Canada have implemented similar standards.