Genetic engineering is the process in which DNA, an organism's blueprint, is modified.  In the food industry, companies use this technique to insert DNA from one organism into that of another.  This trend started about ten years ago with the tomato.  Tomatoes do not survive the frost they often experience in grocery stores.  Genetic engineers have solved this problem by inserting the DNA of an arctic fish (which can survive the frost) into the tomato, lengthening its shelf life.  Sounds great, right?  Actually, there are many detrimental consequences of genetically modified foods.  Most importantly, no long-term side effects have been studied, leading us to wonder how our bodies will be affected by these completely foreign, unnatural foods in the future.  We are the first generation, and therefore guinea pigs, consuming foods that humans have never been exposed to.  To understand more effects of GE foods, please see our July 2007 newsletter.

Genetically engineered food is also associated with food allergies.  Fish genes, for example are often used in genetic engineering. Guess what? Fish is also one of the top eight food allergens. For more info on GE foods and allergies see our March 07 newsletter.

This would not be so problematic if you knew which foods had been genetically modified.  There is almost no way, just by looking at a product, to determine whether or not it contains GE ingredients.  Organic foods are the only foods with guidelines that expressly prohibit genetically engineering. Luckily, there are a few resources to find out if the other food that you are eating has been genetically modified. One of them is True Food Now!, a comprehensive website that lists common brands that employ genetic engineering and those that do not.  

Here's an example from the True Food Now! website. Even something as everyday as bread can be a source of hidden GE foods! That's why we wanted to talk about this important topic once again! See below and check out your favorite brands on their site.

NOT  GENETICALLY ENGINEERED:

Alvarado Street Sprouted Barley California Style Sprouted Rye Wheat Multigrain Ultimate Kids Bagels (all varieties)

French Meadow Sourdough French Country White Sprouted Whole Wheat Summer Bread Sunflower & Flax Toasted Sesame Woman's Bread 100% Rye (all varieties) Sourdough Bagels Sprouted Wheat Bagels (all varieties) Sourdough Pizza Crusts Wheat-Free Pizza Crusts

Shiloh Farms Egyptian Kamut Seven Grain (original & no salt) Five Grain (original & no salt) Multi-Grain Sandwich Ten Grain Whole Wheat Zesty Wheat & Rye

GENETICALLY ENGINEERED: 

Holsum (Interstate Bakeries) Holsum Thin Sliced Roman Meal 12 Grain Round Top Home Pride Buttertop White Buttertop Wheat

Pepperidge Farms (Campbell's)Cinnamon Swirl Light Oatmeal Light Wheat 100% Whole Wheat Hearty Slices 7 Grain 9 Grain Crunchy Oat Whole Wheat Light Side Oatmeal Wheat 7 Grain Soft Dinner Rolls Club Rolls Sandwich Buns Hoagie Rolls

Thomas' (Bestfoods) English Muffins, Original, Cinnamon Raisin, Honey Wheat, Oat Bran, Blueberry, Maple French Toast, Toast-r-Cakes Blueberry, Toast-r-Cakes Corn Muffins