It never ceases to amaze me the level that companies will go to find the loophole. It was recently reported in the New York Times, that a new breed of GMO has been produced in efforts to avoid government regulation.
I don’t fully understand the bio science of why this falls out of regulation, but essentially the tech companies are inserting genetic material from a plant, rather than a plant pest. Here is one example from the University of Georgia, asking about regulatory status from the USDA, and their response stating that it is not currently regulated.
As a result, several types of crops are using this new technique, and without requirements for regulation they can go directly to market.
The new genetically modified crops that don’t require regulation
They include:
- Herbicide-resistant canola
- Switch grass tailored for biofuel production
- Corn that would create less pollution from livestock waste
- An ornamental plant that glows in the dark.
Really? Do we need glow in the dark plants? Another alarming modified crop is Scotts new grass. According to the Times, ‘They are developing genetically modified grass that would need less mowing, be a deeper green and be resistant to damage from the popular weedkiller Roundup. But this time the grass will not need federal approval before it can be field-tested and marketed.”
As noted in the links above by the USDA, the EPA and FDA could potentially require the GMO’s to be regulated. But as Michiel van Lookeren stated in the Times article, “The technology is always one step ahead of the regulators.” So don’t hold your breath, especially when these science programs have very healthy budgets. In fact, I just read from Living MaxWell that the EPA just approved, on October 14, 2014 a new GMO corn and soy crop that is resistant to the super-toxic 2,4-D. (agent orange) So if you think our government has your back, think again. They are more concerned about campaign funds, and reelection.
Unsure of what is safe? This organization has over 17,000 brands verified as Non-GMO. Stay away from the worst crops, and stay educated. I can’t believe how many people don’t know that GMO’s exist.
Highly contaminated crops:
- Soy,
- Corn
- Sugar beets
- Canola
- Dairy
- Alfalfa
- Cotton
- Zucchini
You can also visit this website, to help you with your shopping list, or read this article that I wrote about GMO basics.