Non GMO: Why Labels on Genetically Engineered Foods Won’t Cost Consumers a Dime

This November, voters in Washington state will decide on citizens’ ballot initiative I-522 which would require mandatory labeling of foods containing genetically modified ingredients. The initiative embraces the spirit of California’s Prop 37 initiative, which was narrowly defeated last year following a campaign which saw the $8.7 million in donations raised by supporters of the bill nearly matched by Monsanto’s $8.1 million contribution to the $45.6 million opposition campaign. Pepsico, Inc, owners of the Frito-Lay brand, spent $2,145,400 to keep California residents in the dark about GMO ingredients in their products.

In anticipation of another massive campaign by Monsanto and the biotech industry, Zack Kaldveer and Ronnie Cummins of the Organic Consumers Association dispute biotech’s favorite talking point: That labeling would be burdensome and costly, and lead to higher food costs for consumers.

From the OCA analysis Why Labels on Genetically Engineered Foods Won’t Cost Consumers a Dime:

Playing to consumers’ fears of higher food costs makes good strategic sense, especially in tough economic times. But the argument doesn’t hold water, say food manufacturers and retailers who already have systems in place for verifying non-GMO...The system involves using chain-of-custody, legally binding affidavits, not expensive testing.
The beauty of the affidavit system is that it offers retailers and manufacturers a simple, easy way to comply with a regulatory model that provides consumers with the right to know what’s in their food without increasing grocery costs…

Read the whole article, and more on the GMO labeling debate, at OrganicConsumers.org. And rest assured, at Whale Tails Tortilla Chips, we will never have to put a GMO label on our products, because we use only natural, organic, kosher, gluten-free,non GMO ingredients.

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The Search For Non-GMO Foods: Where The GMOs Hide

When the giant food manufacturers spend millions of dollars to avoid having to label their foods when they are genetically-modified, you have to ask yourself, why?  We have read the stories about the links between these "frankenfoods" and health problems.  There is little doubt that if the foods were labeled, it might mean the end of the GMO forever.
Unfortunately, it could also cause problems for the food manufacturing industry in general, as many of these GMOs are hidden in a lot of the foods we eat every day.  Most commonly, they are found in those foods that are the most processed, prepared and packaged.

• Soy

Most soy is genetically modified today so the only way you can be sure to avoid GMOs in soy is by buying 100% Organic.  This includes Tofu and soy sauce as well as food containing vegetarian isoflavones and protein.

• Corn 

Corn is a biggie because it is found in many forms in most of our processed foods.  Not only is high fructose corn syrup probably one of the most destructive things we consume, it is likely made with "frankenfood" corn products.

• Wheat

Wheat, like corn is found in just about everything. Every baked cookie, cake, bread, pancake and dinner roll contains wheat.  It is also used in soups and sauces to thicken.  The best way to avoid it is to look for "ancient grain flour" or flour specifically labeled as non-gmo.

• Sugar

Many people think that our sugar comes from sugar cane fields, in Hawaii, growing in the sun.  That is not the case.  Most of our refined, white table sugar and the sugar used in just about everything processed, comes from Sugar Beets.  They are probably genetically modified.  Try the organic Agave sweetener or look for 100% organic cane sugar.
It's sad to say but the majority of snack foods today are on the "foods to avoid" list when trying to steer clear of GMOs.  At Whale Tails Tortilla Chips we take great pride and pleasure in offering only non gmo, 100% organic, gluten-free and super healthy snack foods.  Contact us to find a store near you where you grab a bag today!

Non-GMO is not just a Political Buzzword

You might have heard a lot of about genetically modified foods (commonly called GMO) recently, especially in California as November will allow voters to decide on whether or not GMO foods should be labeled.  You might have noticed a lot of packages, like ours, advertise they are non gmo and you might not know what the big deal is.

Genetically modified crops are those that have been forcefully mutated.  The genes of one crop have been crossed with another crop to form a stronger type of crop or the colors of the crop more vibrant.  This might seem positive at first glance, but the consequences are far reaching the more you get to know.  The first is that foods that are GMO or contain GMO are not required to be labeled here in the United States.  In addition, the regulation for this type of processing is highly overlooked by the US government, which means many companies don't have the proper oversight required to keep public health in check.

Many GMO crops have been engineered with genes of bacteria or virus.  Doing so assists to make the plant resistant to pesticides and other chemically toxic materials that many farmers introduce to food to prevent weeds and bugs from taking over their harvest.  Besides the fact that consumers then ingest these chemicals because they are eating the plant that was sprayed numerous times over the course of its growing life, but those same GMO plants go on to contaminate local fields, over taking non GMO farmer plants.  These same crops become resistant to the pesticides over time, eventually causing farmers to use a stronger pesticide as more growing seasons occur.  

GMO plants reduce genetic diversity among plants.  When genes are diverse, they allow for more nutritional value, and more robust plants.  It makes them more vulnerable to drought, insect and viral infections that can do serious harm to our food supply.  Unfortunately, once contamination has occurred, there's no going back.  The plant will continue to pass along the mutated genes to future seeds.

Finally, the consequences of eating GMO food are unknown.  Unfortunately, there haven’t been enough real studies that would indicate that they are safe to consume, despite the environmental consequences.  GMO food was introduced in 1996, which means society as a whole has consumed this food for less than 20 years.  In fact, some studies have suggested that eating GMO foods can be toxic as well as lead to allergies.  Mice fed GMO foods had liver problems, and rabbits have showed kidney and heart problems.

We’re committed to bringing you a healthy product, free from genetically modified ingredients.  For more information on our products, please contact us today!