Is France on to something? I noticed these cans of “sans OGM” (non genetically modified or non-GMO) corn on the shelves of a nearby supermarket. The other cans did not specify that they were non-GMO, but weeks later when I went back to the market, ALL of the other brands, including the generic discount brand followed suit and were marked NON GMO. I am grateful they’re labeling this information in France, which unfortunately for Americans, isn’t the case for GMO products in the U.S. Whether you care about GMO or not, it’s always good to be informed about what you’re eating.

It made me wonder about the dangers of GMO. Here’s what I found:

“The environmental protection organization Greenpeace has long said genetically modified maize could be a health hazard. Now, in a new study, a group of French scientists have also expressed their doubts about the corn.” from French Scientists Express Doubt About Genetically Modified Corn

“We are confronted with what is undoubtedly the single most potent technology the world has ever known – more powerful even than atomic energy. Yet it is being released throughout our environment and deployed with superficial or no risk assessments – as if no one needs to worry an iota about its unparalleled powers to harm life as we know it – and for all future generations.” from 50 Harmful Effects of Genetically Modified Foods

“Despite an increasing number of scientists warning that current gene-splicing techniques are crude, inexact, and unpredictable — and therefore inherently dangerous — pro-biotech governments and regulatory agencies, led by the US, maintain that GE foods and crops are “substantially equivalent” to conventional foods, and therefore require neither mandatory labeling nor pre-market safety-testing. This Brave New World of Frankenfoods is frightening.” from Hazards of Genetically Engineered Foods & Crops

“There’s a war on in Europe, and most Americans have hardly heard about it. It concerns the safety of something very basic to human life: our food. Why are we so uninformed while European consumers are up in arms and their governments are taking swift action against the uncontrolled introduction of genetically modified foods?” from Toxicity From Genetically-Engineered Foods

“The corn in question, MON863, is made by the Monsanto Company and approved for use in Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines, and the United States. It has had a gene inserted from the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which causes the plant’s cells to produce a pesticide.” from Monsanto’s GM corn MON863 shows kidney, liver toxicity in animal studies

Some Related Links:

Find out about what you can do against GMO in France with their OGM, J’en veux pas (I don’t want GMO) campaign. http://www.greenpeace.fr (in French)

Monsanto’s Dubious Research

Say no to GMO Foods

How to shop to avoid GMO Foods

Propaganda Strategy of Biotech-Multinationals leaked out