Why Labels Matter, A Mothers Story
|
Robyn O’Brien, mother and founder of the AllergyKids Foundation, became an advocate for transparency in our food system after one of her children suffered from a dangerous allergic reaction. Watch the videos below to hear her personal story, and why she wants the FDA to label genetically engineered foods. -Justlabelit.org
|
This short and to the point video shows one of main concerns related to GMOs. Biotech companies agree that the creation of GMOs carry a possibility of potential allergic reactions, but stand firm on the production of GMOs by saying that it is something easily controlled by vigilant and careful observations on their part. They claim that no federal regulation is needed. If this is true then why are we hearing stories like the one told by Robyn O'Brien in the video above? Why is it that more and more children are being born with allergies to food that were once safe to eat?
Why is it that many developed nations do not consider GMOs to be safe? In more than 60 countries around the world, including Australia, Japan, and all of the countries in the European Union, there are significant restrictions or outright bans on the production and sale of GMOs. Why is that? Maybe it has something to do with ongoing studies and research. Research and studies that is being funded by non profit organizations and concerned citizens. These caring and amazing people have no stake in the production of GMOs, but have families of their own to feed and care for. Anyone who has ever cared for a child who is in the grips of discomfort or disease know the feeling of desperation of which O'Brien felt in her account. Not knowing what's wrong with your child or loved one is a devastating feeling and without knowing the cause of disease or discomfort how are we to administer a proper treatment? This is why it is crucial to produce foods and products with proper labeling.
Fears of potentially creating a GMO with allergic properties is one the biggest concerns with todays consumers. It is also something that biotech companies are well aware of but stand behind their claim that GMOs are perfectly safe. Below is an excerpt from an article titled Genetic Engineering of Crops Can Spread Allergies, Study Shows written by Warren E. Leary for the New York Times.
"Dr. Rebecca J. Goldburg, a senior scientist with the Environmental Defense Fund, said a study, published in the March 14 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, confirmed fears about genetically engineered crop plants causing allergic reactions. Scientists at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln said tests proved that soybeans modified with genes from Brazil nuts to produce a nutritious protein found in the nuts also produced proteins that set off a strong, potentially deadly allergic reaction in people sensitive to Brazil nuts. The finding confirms early suspicions that transferring genes to food plants posed such risks."
Why is it that many developed nations do not consider GMOs to be safe? In more than 60 countries around the world, including Australia, Japan, and all of the countries in the European Union, there are significant restrictions or outright bans on the production and sale of GMOs. Why is that? Maybe it has something to do with ongoing studies and research. Research and studies that is being funded by non profit organizations and concerned citizens. These caring and amazing people have no stake in the production of GMOs, but have families of their own to feed and care for. Anyone who has ever cared for a child who is in the grips of discomfort or disease know the feeling of desperation of which O'Brien felt in her account. Not knowing what's wrong with your child or loved one is a devastating feeling and without knowing the cause of disease or discomfort how are we to administer a proper treatment? This is why it is crucial to produce foods and products with proper labeling.
Fears of potentially creating a GMO with allergic properties is one the biggest concerns with todays consumers. It is also something that biotech companies are well aware of but stand behind their claim that GMOs are perfectly safe. Below is an excerpt from an article titled Genetic Engineering of Crops Can Spread Allergies, Study Shows written by Warren E. Leary for the New York Times.
"Dr. Rebecca J. Goldburg, a senior scientist with the Environmental Defense Fund, said a study, published in the March 14 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, confirmed fears about genetically engineered crop plants causing allergic reactions. Scientists at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln said tests proved that soybeans modified with genes from Brazil nuts to produce a nutritious protein found in the nuts also produced proteins that set off a strong, potentially deadly allergic reaction in people sensitive to Brazil nuts. The finding confirms early suspicions that transferring genes to food plants posed such risks."
References:
Leary, E. W. (1996, March 14). Genetic engineering of crops can spread allergies, study shows. The New York Times. Retrieved March 1, 2014, from http://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/14/us/genetic-engineering-of-crops-can-spread-allergies-study-shows.html
Genetic Engineering. (2014). Medline plus medical dictionary. Retrieved February 30, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/medlineplus/genetic%20engineering
Just Label It. (2014). Labels Matter to Moms. Retrieved April 20, 2014, from http://justlabelit.org/right-to-know/why-labels-matter-to-moms/
Non-gmo-project. (2014). GMO facts, frequently asked questions. Retrieved February 13, 2014 fromhttp://www.nongmoproject.org/learn-more/
Leary, E. W. (1996, March 14). Genetic engineering of crops can spread allergies, study shows. The New York Times. Retrieved March 1, 2014, from http://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/14/us/genetic-engineering-of-crops-can-spread-allergies-study-shows.html
Genetic Engineering. (2014). Medline plus medical dictionary. Retrieved February 30, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/medlineplus/genetic%20engineering
Just Label It. (2014). Labels Matter to Moms. Retrieved April 20, 2014, from http://justlabelit.org/right-to-know/why-labels-matter-to-moms/
Non-gmo-project. (2014). GMO facts, frequently asked questions. Retrieved February 13, 2014 fromhttp://www.nongmoproject.org/learn-more/