GMO's - Help?!

Why are some people so annoying? Are you hungry? Do you need a snickers?

This is now a pissing contest on who can make the other look stupid.

Not really what I was hoping to get out of this, but I'm glad everyone got a chance to beat on their big man chest & prove their point.

Are you mad?

Learning that their "elitist" grocery store is GMOs can do that to people...

http://rameznaam.com/2013/04/28/the-evidence-on-gmo-safety/


"A Scientific Consensus

All together, the scientific consensus around the safety of genetically modified foods is as strong as the scientific consensus around climate change. These foods have been studied more than any other, and everything tells us that they’re safe."

§ 205.603 Synthetic substances allowed for use in organic livestock production.
In accordance with restrictions specified in this section the following synthetic substances may be used in organic livestock production:

(a) As disinfectants, sanitizer, and medical treatments as applicable.

(1) Alcohols.

(i) Ethanol-disinfectant and sanitizer only, prohibited as a feed additive.

(ii) Isopropanol-disinfectant only.

(2) Aspirin-approved for health care use to reduce inflammation.

(3) Atropine (CAS #-51-55-8)—federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian, in full compliance with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR part 530 of the Food and Drug Administration regulations. Also, for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires:

(i) Use by or on the lawful written order of a licensed veterinarian; and

(ii) A meat withdrawal period of at least 56 days after administering to livestock intended for slaughter; and a milk discard period of at least 12 days after administering to dairy animals.

(4) Biologics—Vaccines.

(5) Butorphanol (CAS #-42408-82-2)—federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian, in full compliance with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR part 530 of the Food and Drug Administration regulations. Also, for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires:

(i) Use by or on the lawful written order of a licensed veterinarian; and

(ii) A meat withdrawal period of at least 42 days after administering to livestock intended for slaughter; and a milk discard period of at least 8 days after administering to dairy animals.

(6) Chlorhexidine—Allowed for surgical procedures conducted by a veterinarian. Allowed for use as a teat dip when alternative germicidal agents and/or physical barriers have lost their effectiveness.

(7) Chlorine materials—disinfecting and sanitizing facilities and equipment. Residual chlorine levels in the water shall not exceed the maximum residual disinfectant limit under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

(i) Calcium hypochlorite.

(ii) Chlorine dioxide.

(iii) Sodium hypochlorite.

(8) Electrolytes—without antibiotics.

(9) Flunixin (CAS #-38677-85-9)—in accordance with approved labeling; except that for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires a withdrawal period of at least two-times that required by the FDA.

(10) Furosemide (CAS #-54-31-9)—in accordance with approved labeling; except that for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires a withdrawal period of at least two-times that required that required by the FDA.

(11) Glucose.

(12) Glycerine—Allowed as a livestock teat dip, must be produced through the hydrolysis of fats or oils.

(13) Hydrogen peroxide.

(14) Iodine.

(15) Magnesium hydroxide (CAS #-1309-42-8)—federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian, in full compliance with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR part 530 of the Food and Drug Administration regulations. Also, for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires use by or on the lawful written order of a licensed veterinarian.

(16) Magnesium sulfate.

(17) Oxytocin—use in postparturition therapeutic applications.

(18) Parasiticides—Prohibited in slaughter stock, allowed in emergency treatment for dairy and breeder stock when organic system plan-approved preventive management does not prevent infestation. Milk or milk products from a treated animal cannot be labeled as provided for in subpart D of this part for 90 days following treatment. In breeder stock, treatment cannot occur during the last third of gestation if the progeny will be sold as organic and must not be used during the lactation period for breeding stock.

(i) Fenbendazole (CAS # 43210-67-9)—only for use by or on the lawful written order of a licensed veterinarian.

(ii) Ivermectin (CAS # 70288-86-7).

(iii) Moxidectin (CAS # 113507-06-5)—for control of internal parasites only.

(19) Peroxyacetic/peracetic acid (CAS #-79-21-0)—for sanitizing facility and processing equipment.

(20) Phosphoric acid—allowed as an equipment cleaner, Provided , That, no direct contact with organically managed livestock or land occurs.

(21) Poloxalene (CAS #-9003-11-6)—for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires that poloxalene only be used for the emergency treatment of bloat.

(22) Tolazoline (CAS #-59-98-3)—federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian, in full compliance with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR part 530 of the Food and Drug Administration regulations. Also, for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires:

(i) Use by or on the lawful written order of a licensed veterinarian;

(ii) Use only to reverse the effects of sedation and analgesia caused by Xylazine; and

(iii) A meat withdrawal period of at least 8 days after administering to livestock intended for slaughter; and a milk discard period of at least 4 days after administering to dairy animals.

(23) Xylazine (CAS #-7361-61-7)—federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian, in full compliance with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR part 530 of the Food and Drug Administration regulations. Also, for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires:

(i) Use by or on the lawful written order of a licensed veterinarian;

(ii) The existence of an emergency; and

(iii) A meat withdrawal period of at least 8 days after administering to livestock intended for slaughter; and a milk discard period of at least 4 days after administering to dairy animals.

(b) As topical treatment, external parasiticide or local anesthetic as applicable.

(1) Copper sulfate.

(2) Formic acid (CAS # 64-18-6)—for use as a pesticide solely within honeybee hives.

(3) Iodine.

(4) Lidocaine—as a local anesthetic. Use requires a withdrawal period of 90 days after administering to livestock intended for slaughter and 7 days after administering to dairy animals.

(5) Lime, hydrated—as an external pest control, not permitted to cauterize physical alterations or deodorize animal wastes.

(6) Mineral oil—for topical use and as a lubricant.

(7) Procaine—as a local anesthetic, use requires a withdrawal period of 90 days after administering to livestock intended for slaughter and 7 days after administering to dairy animals.

(8) Sucrose octanoate esters (CAS #s-42922-74-7; 58064-47-4)—in accordance with approved labeling.

(c) As feed supplements—None.

(d) As feed additives.

(1) DL-Methionine, DL-Methionine-hydroxy analog, and DL-Methionine-hydroxy analog calcium (CAS #'s 59-51-8, 583-91-5, 4857-44-7, and 922-50-9)—for use only in organic poultry production at the following maximum levels of synthetic methionine per ton of feed: Laying and broiler chickens—2 pounds; turkeys and all other poultry—3 pounds.

(2) Trace minerals, used for enrichment or fortification when FDA approved.

(3) Vitamins, used for enrichment or fortification when FDA approved.

(e) As synthetic inert ingredients as classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for use with nonsynthetic substances or synthetic substances listed in this section and used as an active pesticide ingredient in accordance with any limitations on the use of such substances.

(1) EPA List 4—Inerts of Minimal Concern.

(2) [Reserved]

(f) Excipients, only for use in the manufacture of drugs used to treat organic livestock when the excipient is: Identified by the FDA as Generally Recognized As Safe; Approved by the FDA as a food additive; or Included in the FDA review and approval of a New Animal Drug Application or New Drug Application.
Here's a, partial, list of substances allowed by the USDA to be used on food and still be labeled "Organic", which includes pesticides:

(a) As algicide, disinfectants, and sanitizer, including irrigation system cleaning systems.

(1) Alcohols.

(i) Ethanol.

(ii) Isopropanol.

(2) Chlorine materials—For pre-harvest use, residual chlorine levels in the water in direct crop contact or as water from cleaning irrigation systems applied to soil must not exceed the maximum residual disinfectant limit under the Safe Drinking Water Act, except that chlorine products may be used in edible sprout production according to EPA label directions.

(i) Calcium hypochlorite.

(ii) Chlorine dioxide.

(iii) Sodium hypochlorite.

(3) Copper sulfate—for use as an algicide in aquatic rice systems, is limited to one application per field during any 24-month period. Application rates are limited to those which do not increase baseline soil test values for copper over a timeframe agreed upon by the producer and accredited certifying agent.

(4) Hydrogen peroxide.

(5) Ozone gas—for use as an irrigation system cleaner only.

(6) Peracetic acid—for use in disinfecting equipment, seed, and asexually propagated planting material.

(7) Soap-based algicide/demossers.

(8) Sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate (CAS #-15630-89-4)—Federal law restricts the use of this substance in food crop production to approved food uses identified on the product label.

(b) As herbicides, weed barriers, as applicable.

(1) Herbicides, soap-based—for use in farmstead maintenance (roadways, ditches, right of ways, building perimeters) and ornamental crops.

(2) Mulches.

(i) Newspaper or other recycled paper, without glossy or colored inks.

(ii) Plastic mulch and covers (petroleum-based other than polyvinyl chloride (PVC)).

(c) As compost feedstocks—Newspapers or other recycled paper, without glossy or colored inks.

(d) As animal repellents—Soaps, ammonium—for use as a large animal repellant only, no contact with soil or edible portion of crop.

(e) As insecticides (including acaricides or mite control).

(1) Ammonium carbonate—for use as bait in insect traps only, no direct contact with crop or soil.

(2) Aqueous potassium silicate (CAS #-1312-76-1)—the silica, used in the manufacture of potassium silicate, must be sourced from naturally occurring sand.

(3) Boric acid—structural pest control, no direct contact with organic food or crops.

(4) Copper sulfate—for use as tadpole shrimp control in aquatic rice production, is limited to one application per field during any 24-month period. Application rates are limited to levels which do not increase baseline soil test values for copper over a timeframe agreed upon by the producer and accredited certifying agent.

(5) Elemental sulfur.

(6) Lime sulfur—including calcium polysulfide.

(7) Oils, horticultural—narrow range oils as dormant, suffocating, and summer oils.

(8) Soaps, insecticidal.

(9) Sticky traps/barriers.

(10) Sucrose octanoate esters (CAS #s—42922-74-7; 58064-47-4)—in accordance with approved labeling.

(f) As insect management. Pheromones.

(g) As rodenticides. Vitamin D3 .

(h) As slug or snail bait. Ferric phosphate (CAS # 10045-86-0).

(i) As plant disease control.

(1) Aqueous potassium silicate (CAS #-1312-76-1)—the silica, used in the manufacture of potassium silicate, must be sourced from naturally occurring sand.

(2) Coppers, fixed—copper hydroxide, copper oxide, copper oxychloride, includes products exempted from EPA tolerance, Provided, That, copper-based materials must be used in a manner that minimizes accumulation in the soil and shall not be used as herbicides.

(3) Copper sulfate—Substance must be used in a manner that minimizes accumulation of copper in the soil.

(4) Hydrated lime.

(5) Hydrogen peroxide.

(6) Lime sulfur.

(7) Oils, horticultural, narrow range oils as dormant, suffocating, and summer oils.

(8) Peracetic acid—for use to control fire blight bacteria.

(9) Potassium bicarbonate.

(10) Elemental sulfur.

(11) Streptomycin, for fire blight control in apples and pears only until October 21, 2014.

(12) Tetracycline, for fire blight control in apples and pears only until October 21, 2014.

(j) As plant or soil amendments.

(1) Aquatic plant extracts (other than hydrolyzed)—Extraction process is limited to the use of potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide; solvent amount used is limited to that amount necessary for extraction.

(2) Elemental sulfur.

(3) Humic acids—naturally occurring deposits, water and alkali extracts only.

(4) Lignin sulfonate—chelating agent, dust suppressant.

(5) Magnesium sulfate—allowed with a documented soil deficiency.

(6) Micronutrients—not to be used as a defoliant, herbicide, or desiccant. Those made from nitrates or chlorides are not allowed. Soil deficiency must be documented by testing.

(i) Soluble boron products.

(ii) Sulfates, carbonates, oxides, or silicates of zinc, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, and cobalt.

(7) Liquid fish products—can be pH adjusted with sulfuric, citric or phosphoric acid. The amount of acid used shall not exceed the minimum needed to lower the pH to 3.5.

(8) Vitamins, B1 , C, and E.

(9) Sulfurous acid (CAS # 7782-99-2) for on-farm generation of substance utilizing 99% purity elemental sulfur per paragraph (j)(2) of this section.

(k) As plant growth regulators. Ethylene gas—for regulation of pineapple flowering.

(l) As floating agents in postharvest handling.

(1) Lignin sulfonate.

(2) Sodium silicate—for tree fruit and fiber processing.

(m) As synthetic inert ingredients as classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for use with nonsynthetic substances or synthetic substances listed in this section and used as an active pesticide ingredient in accordance with any limitations on the use of such substances.

(1) EPA List 4—Inerts of Minimal Concern.

(2) EPA List 3—Inerts of unknown toxicity—for use only in passive pheromone dispensers.

(n) Seed preparations. Hydrogen chloride (CAS # 7647-01-0)—for delinting cotton seed for planting.

(o) As production aids. Microcrystalline cheesewax (CAS #'s 64742-42-3, 8009-03-08, and 8002-74-2)-for use in log grown mushroom production. Must be made without either ethylene-propylene co-polymer or synthetic colors.

http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&SID=08ed863d93110c01cb0728f8070a052f&rgn=div8&view=text&node=7:3.1.1.9.32.7.354.2&idno=7

It seems like almost every reply was someone trying to aggravate the other instead of motivate, encourage or support each other which is KINDA what I thought this whole "MFP community" was for... Maybe I'm wrong. Is that too mushy-gooshy-lovey-dovey of me to expect people to be supportive like that?

The motivation and support section of the forums is a section to for motivation and support.

The forums are generally a place to exchange ideas and information.

Sometimes that exchange of information involves differing opinions.

Expecting support is fine but I would challenge the idea that people should support things arbitrarily. For example, some people will decide to do a juice cleanse and make a forum post asking for pointers, where they go on very low calorie liquid diets to apparently cleanse toxins from their system. I and others will usually reply suggesting that it's a bad idea and additionally there's no evidence to support the habit as being necessary or beneficial.

Then said person usually gets upset, and plays the "MFP is for support, we are all here for the same reason" card.

So this is just one example where shooting down an idea even if it means not showing someone support, is probably a better route to take because you never know how many other hundreds of people are reading that post wondering if they should forego their foods in place of liquids because some holistic health site suggested it will benefit their liver.

In your particular case, I find the idea of letting a documentary influence your decisions on dietary/lifestyle habits, to be a potentially dangerous practice. This has nothing to do with my stance on GMO foods, either.

Have a nice day, and good luck with your goals.

Two nights ago I watched the documentary "Genetic Roulette" and all I can say is, "WOW"

I thought I knew about GMO's before, but this blew my mind & now I want to get everything with a GMO out of my house & start eating clean.

Has anyone here already made the switch to eating clean (meaning non-GMO/organic)
Is is realistic to think I can eat all clean foods on a budget? Can I still shop at Albertsons or do I have to be a Trader Joes snob? :laugh:
What does your shopping list look like?

Any comments/concerns/rude remarks would be appreciated!

It's totally realistic on a budget. Trader Joe's actually isn't very pricey. I don't think they are at least. Albertson's isn't a grocery store in my area but I'm sure they have an organic section in the store.

Typically the only organic items I buy are fruits, veggies, and meat.

The USDA does recommend purchasing organic fruits and veggies for obvious reasons (eating the outer layer or "skin"). Many samples contain pesticides.

Living in Indiana and being told by a farmer that he wouldnt even eat his own corn was a huge eye opener for me.

Most corn grown in Indiana is a breed specifically intended for purposes other than human consumption.

It's like saying you won't eat a Red Delicious because crab apples taste awful.

What GE foods do rather effectively is harm small farmers, promote globalization in ways that cause food insecurity for millions of people, and perpetuate a cycle of dependence on mega-corporations who have a very clear, profit driven business model.

I know a LOT of small farmers, many of them certified organic.

Every single one of them has a "very clear, profit driven business model".

Living in Indiana and being told by a farmer that he wouldnt even eat his own corn was a huge eye opener for me.

Most corn grown in Indiana is a breed specifically intended for purposes other than human consumption.

It's like saying you won't eat a Red Delicious because crab apples taste awful.

+1. I know a small farmer who specifically grows non-GMO foods (corn or soybeans). He wouldn't eat the corn he grows (at least not off the ear) because of the type of corn, not because of GMO. If he grew sweet corn, he'd eat that.

I agree with trying to get GMOs OUT!!!! :flowerforyou:

Strong reading of the thread

Two nights ago I watched the documentary "Genetic Roulette" and all I can say is, "WOW"

I thought I knew about GMO's before, but this blew my mind & now I want to get everything with a GMO out of my house & start eating clean.

Has anyone here already made the switch to eating clean (meaning non-GMO/organic)
Is is realistic to think I can eat all clean foods on a budget? Can I still shop at Albertsons or do I have to be a Trader Joes snob? :laugh:
What does your shopping list look like?

Any comments/concerns/rude remarks would be appreciated!

Start with grass fed beef and cage free eggs. Your local butcher may have both.

Organic, non GMO as much as possible..yep, it costs more, but I want my food the way God made it, not a scientist. Farmers markets and stores like Safeway that carry a good selection of organic are awesome.

Two nights ago I watched the documentary "Genetic Roulette" and all I can say is, "WOW"

I thought I knew about GMO's before, but this blew my mind & now I want to get everything with a GMO out of my house & start eating clean.

Has anyone here already made the switch to eating clean (meaning non-GMO/organic)
Is is realistic to think I can eat all clean foods on a budget? Can I still shop at Albertsons or do I have to be a Trader Joes snob? :laugh:
What does your shopping list look like?

Any comments/concerns/rude remarks would be appreciated!

While I don't think you should completely 100% change your way of eating based on *one* documentary, I will say that anything listed as USDA Certified organic will be GMO free. Many things at Whole Foods are GMO free, and the ones that aren't are marked pretty clearly.

...I will say that anything listed as USDA Certified organic will be GMO free....

This is INCORRECT.

Organic certification allows for GMO ingredients "when suitable alternatives aren't available" (paraphrasing).

This is especially relevant to those believing they're buying meat raised on "organic" feed.

I was really talking about non-processed foods but I should have been more clear on that.

From FDA's site:

Organic crops. The USDA organic seal verifies that irradiation, sewage sludge, synthetic fertilizers, prohibited pesticides, and genetically modified organisms were not used.

Edit: The standard of USDA organic with the other two categories make me not put much stock in the label. It doesn't mean much to me.