Genetically modified foods (or GM foods) are foods produced from organisms that have had specific changes introduced into their DNA using the methods of genetic engineering.
The debate over labeling genetically modified organisms still continues. While 27 different countries have banned GMOs and 50 countries across the globe have requited GMO labeling.
Cotton Seeds
Almost half of cottons grown in the world have been genetically modified to resist pests and pesticides. GMO BT cotton has had devastating results in Indian agriculture causing suicide of 250,000 Indian farmers in the last decade. Dr. Vandana Shiva in a study shows how GM cotton have lead to Indian farmers suicide and soil infertility by killing useful microorganisms in the soil.
Jatropha
The seeds of Jatropha plant are like palm oil and can be used as biofuel. The extracted oil from the Jatropha seeds is a high source of protein and can be used for feeding livestock. However planting Jatropha seeds have caused destruction of the native plants and devastating results in agricultural practices in India.
Rice
Both Golden rice and flood resistant rice have now been genetically modified to contain high levels of vitamin A. However Daily China reported about the serious environmental and health issues such as increase in allergies related to GMO rice.
Soy
GMO Soy compounds can block normal estrogen; disrupt endocrine function, cause infertility, increase the chances of allergies and breast cancer. Soy can also cause vitamin B12 deficiencies and interfere with protein digestion. GMO soy can be found in pastries, soy tofu, soybean oil, soy milk, soy flour, soy protein, soy lecithin, soy beverages and many famous infant formulas.
Corn
Corn can be found in almost every processed foods in forms of high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, corn starch, corn oil and corn meal. Many food products such as many breakfast cereals, infant formula, salad dressing, bread, cereal, mayonnaise, veggie burgers, soy cheese, tomato sauce, crackers, cookies, chocolate, candy, fried food, protein powder, baking powder, vanilla, powdered sugar, peanut butter, ice cream, frozen yogurt, tofu, tamari, soy sauce, enriched flour and pasta have high levels of GMO corn.