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Community Corner

You Are What You Eat

How to avoid serving genetically modified foods to your children.

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As I push my cart through the produce department of the grocery store, my heart rate goes up a bit these days. After learning about genetically modified foods, what once looked like delicious ear of corn has suddenly transformed into a science experiment.

Chances are pretty good that it was genetically altered to carry a toxin that kills insects by attacking their digestive system, allowing farmers to avoid pesticides. I can't help but wonder, if it's that bad for the insects, how bad can it be for my children to eat genetically modified foods?

GMO's are Genetically modified (GM), or genetically engineered (GE), foods that are made from plants that have had their DNA changed. These plants are injected with genes to make them "better" in some way. So that ear of corn might have a gene added that makes it have a longer shelf life or be more resistant to diseases. GMO's can also be found in many meats and most processed foods that contain contain large amounts of corn and soy.

So, how do you know if the food you're putting on the table for your family contains GMO's? You have to be very diligent with what you put in your grocery cart. The FDA doesn't require that a product's label disclose information about how the product was produced unless there is something tangibly different about the food product because it was bioengineered.

This has become a very controversial topic with films such a Food Inc. and The Future of Food calling attention to the risks and politics behind GMO's. It's pretty alarming when you read a list of foods that have been known to contain GMO's:soybeans, corn, sugar beets, rice, cotton, dairy, farm-raised salmon, squash, and sweet peppers, just to name a few. Fast Food chains are guilty as well, so that Happy Meal that your child may eat really is not that happy after all.

So, what's a mom to do? There are several ways that you can avoid GMO's. Your best shot is to buy only organic foods at healthy supermarkets, through Locally Grown or at your local . I am thankful for local places like where I know that I can feel safe buying food for my family. They even offer Family Dinner Night where two kids eat free on Thursdays if an adult eats a meal that costs more than $5 in their cafe. You can avoid fast food chains and still grab a quick bite out to eat with the kids.

Other steps that you can take are to look for labels that say 100% Organic. But remember that a label saying just "Organic" doesn't mean that is not bioengineered. The US and Canadian governments do not allow manufacturers to label something "100% Organic" if that food has been genetically modified or been fed genetically modified feed. You can also look for products that are specifically labeled as non-GM or GMO-free.

Be sure to download the Non-GMO Shopping Guide to take with you on your next trip to the grocery store. Although it may be difficult to buy all organic food, even changing a few items that you purchase can make a difference in the health of your children and the politics of the food industry. When we're armed with knowledge and a savvy eye, the moms and dads of the world can support the brands that are working to stop the genetic engineering of our food supply.

Are you concerned about serving your children genetically modified foods? What steps do you take to ensure that your kids are eating healthy? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

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