What Does Non-GMO Mean?
For some foods it can be difficult to determine what ingredients and processes went into production and growth. There are many crops that are grown with genetically modified organisms also known as GMOs. There are no known risks associated with GMOs due to the lack of research and information surrounding them. However, according to the Non-GMO Project, there are no known benefits to GMOs either.
What are GMOs?
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are living entities whose genetic material has been altered through genetic engineering techniques in a laboratory setting. This manipulation is often undertaken to instill or enhance certain traits in the organism, such as the ability to withstand herbicides, resist pests, or increase the nutritional content of the organism.
This process of modification is significantly different from traditional selective breeding or natural evolutionary processes. It often involves the insertion, deletion, or modification of specific genes in an organism's DNA. These genes may come from a variety of sources, including different species or even different kingdoms of life. For instance, it's possible to introduce bacterial genes into plant DNA to impart resistance to certain pests or diseases. The resulting organism is referred to as a transgenic organism.
One of the most well-known examples of GMOs in agriculture are herbicide-resistant crops. These crops are engineered to survive the application of specific herbicides that would typically kill most plants. This allows farmers to spray fields with herbicides, killing the weeds but leaving the crop plants unharmed. Other GMOs might be engineered to resist pests, diseases, or harsh environmental conditions.
On the consumer end, the regulations regarding GMO labeling vary globally. Many countries around the world have mandatory GMO labeling laws to allow consumers to make informed choices about the foods they consume. However, in the United States, the rules surrounding GMO labeling are more relaxed. There's currently no federal mandate that requires all genetically modified foods to be labeled as such, although voluntary labeling and state-level initiatives are becoming more common.
While GMOs have the potential to contribute to increased agricultural productivity and food security, they also raise numerous ethical, environmental, and health questions. Understanding these concerns and the trade-offs involved is key to forming a balanced view of this complex and highly charged topic.
What are the negative effects of GMOs?
Although there are no known negative side effects of GMOs currently due to the lack of research and experimentation surrounding them, there are negative effects upon the environment and farmers. Due to GMOs being engineered to withstand herbicides and pesticides, the use of these toxic substances is increasing which could pose serious threats to the environment. The companies using these GMOs are able to patent them because of their novel creation and control the distribution of their seeds which could be a serious threat to many farmers.
Why Choose Non-GMO Products?
Non-GMO products are created without genetically modified organisms or artificial testing processes. In order for a product to receive a non-GMO certification it must follow a standard set of guidelines generally set up by a third party organization. Every non-GMO product is required to have a label on the packaging.Be sure to inspect the products you buy so you’re aware of its ingredients and how it's made. Choosing non-GMO products means you can have confidence in your food being risk free and without any modifications to its genetics.
However, it is important to note that not all non-GMO products are the same as organic. Some non-GMO foods may use pesticides, food coloring, or preservatives that would not qualify to be considered organic. Despite this, many products are both GMO free and organic, like all of Kate’s Real Food energy bars.
Kate’s is the best food for energy, dedicated to providing only USDA-certified organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, snacks made from a variety of healthy ingredients. You can enjoy each bar or snack bites without the fear of any artificially created substances. Choose from a variety of mouthwatering flavors, each containing different fruits, nut butters, and complex carbs to fuel your body for any adventure!