GMO, My Gosh was our program at our last meeting. We found that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are a very controversial topic.

GMOs are produced by combining one or more genes from different species. These combinations would never occur in nature and cannot be achieved by crossbreeding. Our focus was on foods.

There are 64 countries that do not allow GMOs. Japanese  scientists claim that GMO food is not as nutritious. Our government claims that they are safe, but some studies were done by companies that produce GMOs and profit from them.

GMO seeds are engineered for herbicide tolerance. The plants themselves produce their own pesticides that are designed to kill weeds and insects. Farmers claim that when they need insecticides, they need to use more with these seeds. This impacts the environment.

Nearly 80% of processed food and some fruits and vegetables are from GMO seeds. Many consumers want to know if GMOs are in their food. Some companies do label their products, and we checked various packages looking for this label.

The state of Vermont passed a law that all GMOs must be labeled by 2016. This past March, a bill in Congress was introduced to prevent this type of labeling. Opponents have called it the DARK act (Deny Americans The Right To Know). If GMOs are safe for human consumption, why do their creators resist labeling?

We sampled some GMO and non-GMO food, and there was no difference in taste. This was a thought-provoking program.

We are taking the summer off and will resume meetings in September.