THE DIRT
GE (genetic engineering) is a process where genes are moved from one organism and inserted into an unrelated species with the aid of cell invading bacteria and genes that are resistant to antibiotics. The idea is to build pest resistance, or herbicide tolerance in seeds such as cotton, corn and canola, which are then patented. These crops are grown, and end up as animal feed or processed into unlabelled food products.
 
What are the problems with GM foods?
There are growing health and safety issues. When GM soy was introduced into the UK soy allergy rates increased by 50%. Feeding trials are not mandatory. Independent studies have shown adverse health problems in animal feeding trials .stomach lesions (GM potato), lung problems (GM pea), liver abnormalities (GM corn) and severe stunting and premature deaths in rats' young(GM soy). Most GM companies conduct their own research, under self-regulation, which is not repeated by Government agencies. Environmental impact studies are not mandatory. Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) among bees has been linked to GM crops. GM cotton has been linked to the deaths of grazing cattle and goats in India.
 
Contamination is common. GM rice from US trials appeared in Japan. Banned GM corn was found in processed goods, causing consumers severe toxic reactions in the US. Canola trials in Australia led to GM contamination. Ancient corn trails in Mexico have become contaminated. Segregation is impossible, and there are no liability rights for non GM farmers, many of whom have been sued by GM companies in Canada for inadvertently growing GM crops that have contaminated their fields.
 
Who benefits?
The patent holders get royalties on seeds, sell chemical to be used with the seeds, and prevent seed saving, which provides an annual market.
Who loses? Biodiversity narrows, farmers become dependent on GM companies, choices are lost through contamination, health concerns are ignored and consumers are kept in the dark due to labelling laws.
 
What about labelling?
Products unlabelled include those from GM fed animals (cheese, meat etc), refined foods e.g. oils (canola, cottonseed oil), syrups (corn) etc, GM ingredients less than 1% of total content, and manufacturing aids (yeast, rennet etc).
 
Currently WA has a GM moratorium which prevents the commercial growing of GM crops. This is currently under threat by the Federal Government and farming groups. The "Say No to GMO" campaign is petitioning to have the moratorium extended for a further ten years.

G SPOT
We recommend the DVD 'the future of food' as an incredibly interesting and valuable insight into the real story behing genetic modification and food.

Tune in to SBS at 7.3pm on Wednesdays for Peter Dingles new show - Is Your House Killing You? is an entertaining scientific makeover show about toxics in the home.

COME CLEAN
What can you do?

. Buy organic (guaranteed GM free).

. Buy local (WA is still GM free)

. Support the 'Say No to GMO' campaign to keep GM crops out of WA (http://www.no-gmo.asn.au )

. Join the True Food Network and get a True Food Guide, which shows which Australian producers have a GM free policy. www.truefood.org.au

. Ask local producers, shops to supply GM free foods.

. Demand transparent GM labelling, including products from GM fed animals.

. Create GM free school canteens

. Talk to your local council about becoming GM free (The City of Fremantle is!)

. Talk to your local politicians.

. See the films "The Future of Food" or "Unjust Genes" which explain all you need to know about the subject.