The GMO Labeling Debacle: Truth in Coding

Many years ago, I was a marketing manager at a global manufacturer of industrial marking and coding products.  I also spent several years working with a bar code scanning manufacturer who was very involved in providing innovative automatic data capture solutions for a large number of challenging industries – including packaging. In my experiences working in these roles, I learned about how all manner of product was required to be marked or identified in some way.  Our clients needed to mark individual products with expiration dates or best buy codes.  They needed to identify entire lots or batches of products produced.  They not only needed to mark the products, they needed to track them through the manufacturing and distribution process.  Today, even the U.S. government tracks parts and assets used throughout the military with item unique identification codes (IUID) throughout their full life cycle of usage.  Whether for compliance to various regulations or conscientious safety reasons, these identification marks are made on parts and products from glass to metals to pharmaceuticals and even food products.  Today, you only need to look on the bottom of any can of soda to see a small inkjet print providing this identification.  Open your fridge and look at a container of milk or juice – you’ll likely find another inkjet or laser mark providing the product’s expiration date.  These marks are everywhere.  We rely on them to keep us safe.

Example identification mark as printed on typical juice box with batch, expiry, country of manufacture, and other information. This article proposes that the food industry could easily add three additional characters to identify various products as “GMO,” for far less than one penny. In fact, a typical industrial small character inkjet printer may print up to 85 million marks per single liter of ink – with one liter of ink priced at only $90 on today’s market. Most food manufacturers and distributors already have this type of equipment in place on their production lines.

Time and time again, pro-GMO food manufacturers present the suggestion that requiring labeling on GMO-containing foods is too cumbersome, expensive, and unproductive.  They suggest there are a great many hardships that must be overcome before the adoption of GMO labeling could be fully implemented – that the cost of food would soar, small producers would be overtaken with burdensome cost, and some retailers may be unable to accommodate mandated regulations.  The real truth to the cost myth associated with labeling GMO foods is that the biotech and food industry have been feeding us lies designed to emotionally impact voting participants.  They know that we are all affected by the fears associated with rising prices or economic hardship.  They know that these lies influence voters and have been effective in defeating both Prop 37 in California and I-522 in Washington in the past two years.

I am here to share some of the truth behind these labeling lies.  I have worked in the identification industry for well over a decade and the most constant thing I’ve learned in this time is that just about every company has a need to produce some kind of identification for tracking every product they manufacture.  The framework for this level of identification is already in place for most manufacturers – especially those within the food industry.  Regulations and industry quality standards require most foods to be tracked by production batch, provide an expiration date, and more, so that safety concerns can be controlled quickly and thoroughly in the event a recall becomes necessary.  Most of these manufacturers, and even many distributors, already possess the identification equipment to make these marks on products and packages within their facilities.

There is absolutely no hardship in requiring such manufacturers or distributors to add three characters to their existing identification mark.  In fact, we’re talking far less than a single penny to produce millions of such markings.  In this industry, our customers often look at a metric defined as the cost per mark.  This takes into account the actual cost of the proportion of ink, or other necessary material, required to produce actual marks on a customer’s packages.  Of course, we also consider the cost of maintenance and other important factors, but remember, these guys already have this type of equipment sitting in their production/distribution facilities, right now.  They don’t have to go and buy a new machine – it’s likely already there and has been printing batch, expiry or best buy date codes for years.  They just need to update the equipment’s existing programs to include three little letters, “G-M-O.”  I asked for estimated “cost per mark” figures from a number of companies on LinkedIn.  I would like to quote one leading manufacturer’s quoted cost per mark metric to ensure you understand how minuscule this labeling cost really is, “85 million marks per liter of ink with one liter of ink approx. $90.”  This cost is projected for small character inkjet marking, however another marking manufacturer suggested laser might be the best method of coding such information because these marks are impossible to tamper with after printing.  Either way a company might chose to go, the cost is not a factor.  Laser doesn’t use ink and the cost of ink to produce three additional characters alongside existing individual product coding is a non-issue!  Take 85 million marks and divide this number by three and you’ll agree we’re talking well under a penny for basic GMO labeling per item.

So how is it that representatives from the Grocery Manufacturers’ Association and big biotech corporations continue to threaten voters with increased cost myths?  How do these distributors or manufacturers suffer from any hardship in adding three additional small characters to their existing coding process?  They only get away with this ruse because most people have no way to know or understand the actual cost of such things.  Why would an individual even care about the story behind the tiny marks on packages they encounter every day?  I didn’t until I entered the identification industry many, many years ago.  Seriously, think about these facts and share this article so that others may also understand the issue of cost is a myth and what’s worse, I believe this is a well known truth throughout the packaging industry by its biggest stakeholders.

These companies don’t need to incur costs redesigning packages or producing fancy new labels.  They don’t even need to provide extensive information, because for most consumers it only matters if a product contains GMO ingredients – not what percentage is present or specifically what ingredients are classified as GMO.  Three little characters printed by existing manufacturing equipment on individual product packages solves the debacle completely and without additional cost.

The real cost is the perception and recognition that these foods may not be “substantially equivalent” as the industry would like us to believe.  Ultimately, they are afraid that more of us will stop buying these products if such a label is enforced and mandated.  If it becomes even easier for us to avoid it because it’s clearly labeled.  If this “hyped up” issue becomes a reality that is spelled out on packages where consumers notice – if it’s mandated by state-level or federal government – then it must not be just a bunch of hullabaloo!

A close family friend once said to me in jest, “Well my kids haven’t started glowing yet, so I’m not really worried about it.”  But, I guarantee that the presence of such labeling would give validation and credibility to growing consumer concern surrounding GMO foods and may give more shoppers, like my good friend, some pause within the store aisles.  These are the REAL truths behind the industry’s myths.  Many corporations have spent millions of dollars repeatedly to keep consumers in the dark – not because the actual labeling process is costly or burdensome, but because it may be the death of their profits and they know it.

Yours truly,

Muckraking Maven

Learn more:

• Want to understand more basics on the potential hazards of GMO foods?  Read GMO 101 here.
• Are you coping with food allergies, Celiac, or other health concerns?  Did you know GMOs may be hidden these specialty foods too? Get information here.

Down with the TPP: Tell Congress to Just Say No to Trade Promotion Authority!

Tonight there are a million thoughts rolling around inside my head.  Of everything ruminating deep in my brain, there is one common denominator that continues to ring true.  This common factor is personal responsibility.  We Americans, must stand up for our beliefs, continue reaching out to others spreading awareness, and possessing ownership for the presence of personal responsibility when it comes to protecting our democratic rights.

The truth here is that our government has little intent to correct the damages caused by the continued growth of GMO crops.  The biotech industry has even less reason to recommend the reduction of farmer’s use of herbicides and pesticides.  There are no corporate lobbyists behind the implementation of transparency when it comes to food safety, regulations, or even labeling legislation as demanded by today’s American consumer.

In fact, to me, it seems that the more common interest proves American citizens desire to have GMO foods labeled; the more these corporations are willing to shamelessly discredit any damning independent research, hinder statewide efforts for mandatory labeling, negotiate to increase the allowable levels for glyphosate (RoundUp) on edible crops, and even orchestrate closed-door, international trade agreements.

Right now, our President is currently pushing Congress to grant permission for “Fast Track” approval of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations.  I believe that each and every one of us must diligently take a stand on this matter.  We must contact our senators, representatives through snail mail, social media, email, and even attempt to schedule face-to-face visitors with these lawmakers.  This must happen right now – or all the momentum gained on GMO labeling, GMO hazards awareness, and increased honesty in regulation may be lost.  Fast Track approval, officially known as “Trade Promotion Authority” for TPP negotiations is more dangerous than simply thwarting the anti-GMO movement.  These secret dealings are driven by ruling corporations and impact everything from future copyright infringement to patent law, public health, freedom of speech, and of course, food safety, among other important issues.  Check out this helpful handout created by the Flush the TPP organization for more basics of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.  If you’re interested in more than a brief summary, you can also download their excellent TPP Toolkit.  Would you like to know the specific corporations involved in these meetings?  Take a look at the running list here.  (Here is a copy of the February 2011 TPP featured on multiple websites.)

There have already been several reported documents leaked from these secret meetings that prove these corporations do not have honorable or even ethical intentions.  Imagine how our world might be, if a corporation like Monsanto could literally sue a city or country for “trade barriers” like food safety regulations, GMO labeling requirements, and so on.  With the TPP, this is a real possibility.  Imagine how a country might react when faced with the reality that they must either lift their trade restrictions or face a giant behemoth like Monsanto in a special tribunal court.  How fair and unbiased do you think such a court might be?  If it’s anything like the current U.S. National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), it will be secretive, unethical, and will most often side with the corporations that have carefully crafted these processes to skirt legislation and the growing dislike of GMO-containing foods.

It is critically important that we let our lawmakers know that we are not in agreement with Fast Track approval of the TPP or any other trade dealings.  If Congress chooses to grant this permission, then they have effectively given up our constitutional right for any democratic process in such a matter.  Sign the petition to President Obama and U.S. Trade Rep. Michael Froman issued by the Organic Consumers Association.  Then  start contacting your members of Congress and state representatives to make certain our message is clear!  Don’t authorize Trade Promotion Authority for the Trans-Pacific Partnership!!

Happy Friday,

Muckraking Maven

Let’s Talk About Glyphosate & Pesticide Drift

I live in Fresno, California right in the heart of bread basket of the West coast.  I can walk to Fresno State’s agricultural fields and regularly drive past their corn, cotton, and alfalfa on a regular basis.  There are beautiful orchards blooming in the springtime and large plots growing famous California raisins all around the neighborhood.

These are amenities that many might think I should appreciate more fully.  However, since I became aware of GMOs and the resulting increased pesticide use, I look around our town and cringe, wondering exactly how this could be adversely affecting my family every day.

Here are some enlightening facts about Fresno, California:

• As featured in a recent WebMD article, Fresno is one of the worst smog cities in the country, ranked #4 in the nation, “High traffic and heavy farming make ozone a big challenge in this city.  Nearly 1 in 3 children in Frenso has asthma.”
• Fresno also received a mention in an article presented by Scientific American, “Autism Clusters Found in California’s Major Cities,” By Marla Cone & Environmental Health News.  According to this article, “The ten clusters were located in Los Angeles County, the Laguna Beach/Mission Viejo area of Orange County, the La Jolla/Del Mar area of San Diego County, San Francisco, the Sunnyvale/Santa Clara are, the Redwood City area, and Fresno.”
• Additionally, the LA Times cited the percentage of children in my regional school districts (Clovis/Fresno Unified) as averaging 0.6% of all children with an Autism diagnosis.
• Finally, recent research this February 2013, entitled, “Air Pollutants Linked to Asthma-Related Epigenetic Changes,” suggests that, “In Fresno, not only do they have to deal with a lot of pollution, but the children have higher rates of asthma as well as allergic rhinitis and other allergies, including food allergies and atopic dermatitis, ” said Dr. Kari Nadeau.  “Compared with the usual rates of asthma (12%_ and allergies (30%) in California, the rates are 22% and up to 70% in Fresno,” she explained.”What we have the most unique data on is to be able to trace a molecular level change at the DNA level to a cell function change, which was then associated with a health outcome such as asthma,” said Dr. Nadeau, emphasizing that, “The changes in the DNA are not at the sequence level, but rather at the methylation level.”

Historically, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) is charged with implementing restrictions and regulations concerning TACs (Toxic Air Contaminants) resulting from the Toxic Air Contaminant Act.  A paper titled, “Second Hand Pesticides:  Airborne Pesticide Drift in California,” points out that the state of California leads our country in overall use of pesticides.  More than 315 million pounds of these chemicals were sold in 2000.  I tried to find some more recent figures, however these are pretty scarce online.  What is clear is that the DPR seems to prefer changing the conditions of use to enable increased use of TAC-labeled pesticides with fewer restrictions – and this is a growing trend that began in 1995.

I’m sure you’ve guessed that I’ve already worried my poor head about which surrounding crops could be GMO – and most especially Roundup Ready.  Did you know that right now, the EPA is considering increasing the allowable levels of Glyphosate (Roundup) in our U.S. animal feed and food supply?!  Recent studies have proven that Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, may be one of the worst toxins to be regularly exposed to – let alone consumed daily.  I don’t like to even consider the potential for drift occurring in our hometown, but it’s ever-present.

Don’t forget to tell the EPA no before July 1, 2013.

Learn more by reading these recent and condemning studies:

June 2013, Journal of Food & Chemical Toxicology, Highlights mention that Glyphosate initiates breast cancer cell growth.

April 2013, Entropy, Highlights conclude that this toxin induces systemic inflammation and may trigger G.I. disorders, heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and more.

So, just like the FDA believes GMO foods are safe, the EPA believes that Glyphosate is safe.  However, if you really want a detailed explanation of just how unsafe and biased these beliefs are, spend some time reading this excellent article where Mike Adams breaks it down in simple terms.  The only reason why GM foods and Glyphosate are currently deemed safe is because the supportive research was completed and likely manipulated by biotech manufacturers – like Monsanto.  The increased allowances for Glyphosate residue on foods, edible oils, and animal feed is nearly 1 million times the confirmed amount needed for causing cancer!

Please take a few moments to learn more about the dangers of Glyphosate – whether consumed in the food we eat or breathed in from airborne pesticide drift – it’s definitely not an acceptable decision to increase the allowable levels!  Visit the EPA regulations page to include your comment.  Let the EPA know that we have had enough of this shoddy protection before their July 1st deadline!  It’s time to take a stand & restore the health of our nation.

Don’t forget to drop by the Moms Across America page for updates from Zen on her cross-country trip and to check out current parades planned across our nation on July 4th!

Have a wonderful night!

Muckraking Maven

The Real Truth Behind GMO Labeling: A Packaging Insider’s Perspective

A colleague shared a letter that she received from Senator Landrieu today in our Facebook Group, Major Moms.  I was deeply disappointed to see the misinformed perception of this legislator.  They were not in support of the Sanders Amendment, which would permit states’ individual rights to determine GMO labeling laws, because they believed labeling would be a burdensome cost to businesses, farmers, grocers, and food manufacturers.  Furthermore, this Senator stated their belief that this labeling legislation is not based on science because the FDA, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and EPA have all deemed genetically engineered foods to be safe.  Well, I’m certain you can understand how this got my blood boiling – within seconds of reading her posting!

So, for those who may not know,  I spent many years working in what is known as the identification industry – around 14 to be exact.  I was a marketing manager working for a leading marking equipment manufacturer.  Much of our strategy was focused on providing the maximum performance benefits for our customers at the lowest cost per “code.”  This industry is full of manufacturers who focus on providing solutions centered around the identification and tracking of produced products throughout a wide range of industries – including food packaging.  The sordid truth of this matter is that it would likely cost less than a penny to produce the necessary three character mark we’re all praying to see on the food sold in our country.  I’ll break it down as simply as possible to make the issue of labeling cost crystal clear.

Start looking at the products in your pantry and I’m certain you’ll find the identification marks I’m discussing here. How hard do you really think it would be to add three additional characters to indicate a product contains GMOs?  We’re talking about a minuscule cost to implement!

1. Most foods require some kind of batch, best buy, or expiration identification on each individual package sold.  You’ll find this type of mark when you purchase nearly any perishable food – such as milk, eggs, or even beer.  Because this tracking is required for consumer safety, most food manufacturers and packaging/distribution houses already possess the necessary inkjet printing equipment to print these codes.  It’s even common today to find fruit packers making use of automated inkjet printing equipment for date and batch coding of produce.

2. Technically, the packaging design doesn’t need to change to accommodate the first wave of GMO labeling.  It would be extremely simple to add just three characters, “G-M-O,” right with the existing batch/expiry/date coding on products containing GMO ingredients.  These three characters, likely to be printed at a minimal size of 1/16″ in height would likely not add substantial or tangible costs for food producers, grocers, or farmers as is charged by Senator Landrieu.  Literally, the equivalent of a single drop of ink could achieve thousands of “GMO” prints on product packages.  I’m not sure about you, but I don’t really care about which ingredients, specifically, contain GMOs.  If any food includes them, I don’t want to touch it. If food manufacturers were required to include three additional characters on their existing marking – this would not strain the system with undue burden.

3. Grocers don’t stand to experience any cost in legislative efforts to promote GMO labeling.  Most food products will arrive on the truck with proper labeling in place.  Additional products that need to be packaged within stores could accomplish the necessary objectives by simply modifying the basic information printed by simple label printers – like most of us encounter at a deli counter, meat department, or even throughout produce sections.

There simply is no burden of cost for any of the concerned parties!  The biggest burden is the fact that unpleasant truths will be revealed to consumers – and we’ll truly reach the tipping point of change that so many of us are working toward.

In response to Senator Landrieu’s statement regarding our labeling movement not being based on science, I’d like to inform this lawmaker that the proof of safety rests on the very corporations that have been proven to conduct unethical business holding profits above people at every turn.  Sure the FDA and EPA have approved GMO foods, but more and more studies reveal unbiased, independent research from around the world every day that condemns the consumption of these foods.  More countries ban the import or growth of GMO crops as more damning evidence is revealed.  I’d like to know how this loose regulation, its compass of substantial equivalence, and lack of proper safety testing offer any real science to U.S. citizens!  I throw the statement regarding government’s efforts to remain based on science right back at this Senator.  Sure it’s based on science – the science of manipulation and fraud.  Despite any setbacks on the Sanders Amendment we’ll continue to fight and spread awareness.  Learn more about how Moms and others that care are really making an impact – visit www.momsacrossamerica.com today!

Happy Friday,

Muckraking Maven

Want to know more specifics on GMOs?  Read GMO 101 for a nice overview with links to additional information…

GMO 101

There are still so many people that are completely unaware of the genetically engineered foods all around us.  I wanted to provide a brief overview that may help others to understand the critical need for all of us to examine our family’s nutrition amidst the chaos of daily life.

What is a GMO and why would it be in my food?

A GMO, or genetically mutated organism, is scientifically altered changing the DNA of a plant or animal.  Using genetic engineering, it’s possible for biotech companies to insert genes from various bacteria, viruses, and other resources, forcing them directly into a plant’s DNA.  Once the gene is integrated into the DNA of a plant cell, the cell can be cloned into a complete plant.  Although the biotech industry describes these processes as exact and scientific – the truth is that it’s very primitive and randomized.  Such insertion of genes is often facilitated with the use of a gene gun, literally shooting the desired genes into a plate of cells.  The process is rife with scientific uncertainty and risk.

Today, the most commonly grown GM crops include soy, corn, cotton, and canola.  Processed foods are full of variations of soy and corn ingredients.  If you produce dinner from a packaged box off the grocery store shelf, there’s a high probability that the meal contains GMOs.  If your favorite foods are produced by companies like General Mills, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, and Campbell’s then it’s a pretty safe bet that you’re consuming genetically mutated organisms.

So, What’s Wrong with GMOs Anyway?  Didn’t the FDA Approve these Foods?

Let’s travel back in time to the year 1992.  During this time, policy was being written for how the FDA would evaluate and regulate the release of GMO foods.  Scientists at that time had some very powerful concerns and criticisms of policy in development.  In fact, the general consensus among FDA scientists was that consuming these foods may lead to unexpected, difficult to detect side effects; including allergies, toxins, new diseases, and other nutritional concerns.  Scientists at this time urged the agency to force longer-term studies regarding safety.

Here are some quoted concerns from actual FDA documents circulated in the early 90’s:

• The possibility of unexpected, accidental changes in genetically engineered plants justifies a limited traditional toxicological study.
• Increased levels of known naturally occurring toxins, appearance of new, not previously identified toxins, increased tendency to gather toxic substances from the environment and undesirable alterations in the levels of nutrients.
• By trying to force an ultimate conclusion that there is no difference between foods modified by genetic engineering and foods modified by traditional breeding practices, the agency was trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.
• There is no certainty that [breeders] will be able to pick up effects that might not be obvious.  This is the industry’s pet idea, namely that there are no unintended effects that will raise the FDA’s level of concern.  But time and time again, there is no data to back up their contention.
• What has happened to the scientific elements of this document?  Without a sound scientific base to rest on, this becomes a broad, general, ‘What do I have to do to avoid trouble’-type document…It will look like and probably be just a political document…It reads very pro-industry, especially in the area of unintended effects.

The Division of Food Chemistry and Technology recommended that the FDA test every GM food before it enters the marketplace.  They never did any testing.  Instead, they threw the ball back into the biotech company’s court and relied on companies like Monsanto and Dow to prove that such foods were safe.  How did this happen?  Well, it’s easy when the man placed in charge of the FDA, Michael Taylor, was Monsanto’s former attorney and later, their Vice-President.  All FDA conclusions regarding the safety of GMO foods are based on superficial, biased data and manipulated research.

How trustworthy is a company like Monsanto?  Responsible for Agent Orange, hiding PCB pollution, and now Glyphosate (RoundUp) pesticide and genetically engineered foods?  Well, they’re bad enough that two million people from 52 countries in 436 cities marched in protest against them last Saturday, May 25th.  This is the biggest demonstration of protest against a single company in our history!

So, how safe does the FDA policy statement, “The agency is not aware of any information showing that foods derived by these new methods differ from other foods in any meaningful or uniform way,” leave you feeling?  It’s a blatant lie if you examine the concerns brought up by Linda Kahl, Louis Pribyl, Gerald Guest, and other FDA administrative professionals, scientists, and specialists during the development of 1992 policy.  (Would you like more specifics on all the above?  Download the free presentation that’s offered by the Institute for Responsible Technology.  It contains an elaborate and helpful explanation of how our food system enabled GMOs, their potential for harm, and the research that proves a need for extreme caution.)

We truly have a revolving door between the government officials sworn to protect us through various protective agencies (FDA, EPA, USDA, etc.). A true boycott is the only way we can really generate the consumer tipping point needed to remedy our food supply.

What’s the Worst thing that Could Happen?

Well, there are a whole range of independent studies that have been performed around the world that correlate many health problems with the consumption of GMO foods.  They have been linked with potential causation to cancers and other auto-immune diseases, food allergies, various G.I. problems, Autism, ADHD, gut dysbiosis, and worse.

Let’s take a closer look at the three major types of genetically engineered crops to understand better, how their “unintended” effects may harm us:

1. Poison drinkers:  RoundUp Ready soy, corn, etc. with genetically engineered herbicide tolerance.  Poison drinker crops are able to withstand increasing amounts of herbicide applications.  However, they’ve left us scratching our heads due to herbicide resistant weeds and numerous health problems – including increased pesticide residue on our foods.

2. Poison producers:  BT Corn and cotton with genetically inserted BT toxin pesticide producers.  These GMO crops are gifted with the ability to produce BT toxin right within every cell of the plant they’re transferred to.  Although the EPA/FDA believe these foods are safe, because they claim it’s impossible for BT toxin to randomly mutate within our digestive tract.  However this assumption is founded on Monsanto’s research.

3. Virus-based:  Yellow squash, zucchini, and Hawaiian Papaya are genetically engineered by inserting target transgenes into a virus, which infiltrates the cells and possesses the potential for random and unexpected mutation.

Did you know that most of the corn grown in the U.S. is GMO BT corn, a poison producer?  This has the BT toxin gene inserted into every cell of a plant – you can’t wash it off – there is no way around consuming it.  It’s even regulated by the EPA!  However, the FDA considers it substantially equivalent to conventional corn.

Studies have proven that BT toxin, which is expected to be destroyed during its travels through the human digestive tract, may instead survive and be detected in human blood – it’s even been detected within the blood of unborn fetuses!  It’s quite possible that it adversely affects human DNA, resulting in a problematic imbalance within the gut that contributes to a wide range of serious conditions or worse.

However, the biotech companies don’t like to present any information that sheds a negative light on their products.  In fact, they often launch misinformation campaigns (like they did in California over Prop. 37), criticize and threaten credible, independent resources (Dr. Arpad Pusztai), and remind the concerned people that the FDA has verified their products as safe for human consumption.  Remember the FDA’s position, “The agency is not aware of any information showing that foods derived by these new methods differ from other foods in any meaningful or uniform way.”  When these tactics don’t work, biotech lobbyists and game players are not above strong-arm techniques to sway political and legislative influence. (Monsanto Rider in 2013 Ag Bill)  Remember, in this business it’s profits over people…

Pro-GMO critics have been hard at work trying to discredit Seralini’s study that proves GMOs may cause serious harm through consumption.

This, my friends, is why I am so compelled to write about this subject.  I feel this betrayal deep within my bones and I want our legislators to do what is right for our world’s health.  How dare they approve untested foods and medicines – and then not even tell us about it!  If my Fairy Godmother popped up and offered me a wish right now, I swear I’d ban GMOs from the entire planet.  Penny for your thoughts on these matters?! Leave me a comment!

How Can We Get Rid of GMOs in our Food Supply?

First, we must become educated on the issue.  Next, we generate increased awareness within our own circles of friendship and boycott GMO containing products and companies that contribute funding to thwart the legislation of labeling initiatives.  We vote for progress with each trip to the supermarket through the choices we make for our family’s dinners.  We make noise about the issue and continue to stay connected to remain aware of important calls to action.  When we band together, we help to create a consumer tipping point that forces profitable food manufacturers to commit to eliminating GMO ingredients throughout their food products.  This momentum, creates a cascading movement for more and more food producers to source non-GMO ingredients to meet our growing consumer demand.  This issue is far too big for our government to remedy alone.  It’s up to us to show them exactly how serious we are about these matters!  Visit Mom’s Across America March to learn how you can get involved with change today!

Learn more about GMOs by browsing these excellent reference sources:

• Watch a very detailed presentation about GMOs as prepared by the Institute for Responsible Technology. (Presentation is offered in 5 minute, 20 minute, and extended formats to meet viewer needs.)
• Watch the abridged version of Jeffrey Smith’s Genetic Roulette.
• Download a free Non-GMO shopping guide.
• Watch the recent coverage of last Saturday’s March Against Monsanto as reported on CNN.
• Read more about a popular food that may encourage pesticide production within your gut.
• Check out an endless listing of informative articles, presentations, flyers, and even sample letters you can use to reach out against GMO foods.

All my best!

Muckraking Maven

Has Our World Gone Mad?!

Critical Calls to Action You Need to Know About

I am constantly amazed at the barrage against our rights by lofty corporations overstepping their political influence.  Today, there are a great number of threats to improving our quality of life, citizen’s rights, and even the safety of our children.  Please browse through the list of issues and let me know of any cause that’s near and dear to your heart I may have missed.  They are not in any specific order, but are listed as I brainstormed from the many social media and Internet sources that I frequently view.

Issue #1

State’s Should Have the Right to Mandate GMO Labeling Laws

Now that two dozen or more states are fighting to bring GMO labeling legislation to the table, the corporate lobbyists are working hard to defeat such damaging measures.  Recently, an amendment to the Farm Bill passed out of our House.  This amendment, better known as the King Bill, threatens the right for individual states to regulate and pass laws that govern production or manufacturing of any agricultural product.  It is presented as an interstate commerce protective measure, however analysts believe that this amendment’s ambiguous and broad-reaching language could be used to prohibit state-level GMO labeling and food safety laws.  Take action today!  Sign the Move On petition and let your representatives know we will not stand for such madness!  Learn more about this issue by reading the full Organic Consumers Association article online.

Issue #2

EPA Increases Permissible Levels of Glyphosate Residue in Agriculture

Wow!  This one is infuriating – especially in the wake of recent research that reveals some serious environmental damage.  If you’re not up to speed on what Glyphosate is and why it may be bad, then you’ll want to check out this informative article on .  Keep in mind that Big-Biotech wants us to simply believe that Glyphosate is virtually harmless to humans, however these recent studies prove otherwise:

Entrophy Journal, April 2013

PubMed, Archives of Toxicology, May 2012

There’s a lot more where these came from.  If you’re curious, Google Glyphosate to see what comes up.  This is a threat to our health and climate.  There is no rational need for the EPA to increase the allowable levels of glyphosate in our agriculture!  This is sadly a typical reaction to demanding Biotech lobbyists; such as Monsanto (Makers of RoundUp), Dupont, and Dow. Here are a few more articles you may find informative on this subject:

Read About the USDA Downplaying Condemning Research Results

Read About How Glyphosate May Harm Your Health

Don’t let this issue slip by without submitting your own comments to the EPA.  For a full explanation of the major details, read this article on the Organic Consumers Associate website, sign their petition, then submit your comments directly to the EPA here.

Issue #3

Want to Save the Bees?  The EPA Is Not On-Board with Us!

Recently, the EPA approved a pesticide that has been proven to be highly toxic to bees.   Sulfoxaflor has been classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as being severely toxic to honey bees.  This action provides even more evidence of the fact that our critical government agencies are not protecting our collective health and rights, that they were sworn to uphold. Pesticides that harm bees are a growing concern – and possess global interest.  Learn more by reading this article on EcoWatch.  Don’t forget to submit your comment to the EPA here!

Issue #4

Autism Still on the Rise While Research Gets Cut, Shoddy TRICARE Plans Pass, and More States Fight for Insurance Reform

If you, or a loved one has Autism, chances are these news tidbits will be of interest to you. Autism prevalence rates continue to increase, while little is done to research potential causes – environmental, genetic, or otherwise.  I like to visit the advocacy news page on the Autism Speaks website.  Signing up for their Autism Votes texting service will keep major issues at the top of your mind.

Issue #5

Major Media Refuses to Report on Massive March Against Monsanto

Did we expect anything less?  I’m very disappointed in the lack of media coverage for a peaceful activist event that spanned our entire globe last Saturday.  Over two million people joined in protest against Monsanto Company and the presence of GMOs in our food!  (Here’s a video with full details about this event.)  How could something this big not be worthy of CNN coverage?!  In fact, this is probably the largest-scaled protest against any single corporate entity in our history!!  March Against Monsanto activists are making some noise at their local media stations and independent journalists and citizen reporters (like me) are helping to spread the word.

Would you like to join those reaching out to credible media asking for real truth in journalism?  Submit and share your communications here.  Why is it that I can only find ethical journalism on TV?  (Have you ever watched Newsroom on HBO?  I love this series – but get super jealous that such a media group doesn’t exist in the real world.) What happened to reporters with a thirst for knowledge and desire to reveal our world’s injustices?  Have you all been bought out by Monsanto?

Well, I’m pretty sure that this is enough to get you going for this week.  Sadly, I think I could keep going with this list in so many areas – we have some serious work to do to get our world back to sanity.  Please contact your representatives and sign relevant petitions.  Our voices do matter!

Best regards,

Muckraking Maven

Back After Many Battles with My Computer

Hello,

It’s good to be back and I have a ton of information to rant and rave about.  I’ve been out of commission while dealing with some major computer issues, but now have a lovely desktop and dual monitors to boot!  There has been so much going on lately that life has become quite the blur.  However, my oldest son’s graduation is just around the corner and my little guy’s IEP is completed and just the way we like it – there are exciting changes on the horizon.  I’m a little scared, hopeful, and curious to see how our journey unfolds.

Stay tuned for many important topics:

What are GMOs and Why They Should Be Avoided

Our Journey through NAET – When Conventional Medicine Fails to Provide Answers

Critical Action Alerts to Preserve Food Safety, Regulations, and Our Rights

Disappointment over Paltry Mass Media Coverage of Saturday’s March Against Monsanto

The Power of the Consumer Tipping Point in our Food Supply

Best regards,

Muckraking Maven

Enough Already with All the Scare Tactics – Boo to the NWFPA in WA!

The GMO labeling initiative is spreading through our states like wild fire and it gladdens my heart to see support for honest and transparent labeling throughout our country.  This fire is getting to big to simply throw a bit of salt on and I am anxious for the day that the truth is revealed on all labels.  Hell, if I had my wish, I’d want to see exactly every component of anything in the food my family eats – right down to the spelling out of “natural ingredients” and other Trojan horses.

Many people don’t pay much notice to the ingredients listed on foods, however awareness of this issue is catching some attention and more Mothers are scrutinizing food every day.  More individuals are looking behind the veil of advertising to uncover the basic facts of a food product’s ingredients.  If you or one of your children has a food allergy or intolerance, chances are reading the ingredient portion of a label is old hat.

In Washington, I-522 is taking some heat from the NorthWest Food Processors Association.  The scare tactics employed are very familiar having recently gone through the advertising blitz attacking Prop. 37 in California, where I reside.  They’ve already implemented the cost threat, “The cost of compliance will be felt by consumers and will disproportionately impact small- to medium-sized businesses in our region, putting local jobs at risk.”  Oh, I like how they worked the impossible issue of unemployment into this tactic.  Bravo to the PR spinners at Monsanto for this sly twist.

 

Look, the truth is that cost seems to be one of the hardest issues for many people to get over.  None of us like the threat of spending more on any factor – let alone, when it comes to food – our most basic fuel for human life.  Sadly, I know that it’s hard to overcome the threat of increased cost.  I know, because I feed a hungry five-person army that’s more man-boy-teenager power than dainty rabbits.  If I eat organic I must spend more on food, but I’m going to spend less in other areas because it truly balances out.  We can’t afford to eat healthier, I can barely afford my groceries now.  But you know what, the more of us that switch to organic and GMO free foods, the less costly these items will be.  It’s already happening in my local community.  Now, I can go to my regular supermarket and purchase a growing range of affordable and even diverse organic foods.  I can even find my son’s preferred gluten-free and dairy-free staples there – everything from coconut milk yogurt to lunch meat, breakfast bars, bread, and baking goods.  I even save a few bucks when compared to Whole Foods pricing on several items, so this movement is a positive force!

Since I’ve gone GMO-free I feel much better.  Upon adopting a Paleo diet last Monday, I’ve noticed I feel even better still and I’ve lost twelve pounds to boot.  My carpal tunnel hasn’t been acting up and I don’t feel the stiffness and hurt from arthritis in my hands in the morning.  I feel a little more alert, more energetic in the day.  My nails are even growing – and I haven’t had pretty nails without a professional manicure in over 20+ years!

Here’s the truth as I know it:  Labeling will not raise food prices substantially.  You will not experience massive job loss or hardship as claimed by the Northwest Food Processors Association.  I’m calling BS on that entire statement because it’s not correct or verifiable.  I worked in the packaging industry for over ten years and I know that it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to add a simple word to a package label.  In fact, there are nearly a bazillion ways to identify or label nearly any object.  It’s not as hard as they make it out to be, in some cases, it’s simply a revision to a computerized file that prints labels on demand – or even prints the labeling information directly onto a product’s packaging.  Others can simply purchase a label applicator or install an industrial ink-jet printer to quickly and easily add this information for the consumer.  There are continuous inkjet printers that print in a legible and very small text.

Many of today’s successful food producers already have such solutions in place.  It’s simply a matter of revising a message in the device’s program.  For those companies that may wish to make consumers believe that such in-line production equipment is excessively costly, it’s important that you understand that these solutions range in pricing as low as $3000 and as high as $100,000+.  It just depends on the bells and whistles you choose and most food producers already have some form of identification marking system in place for the printing of expiration dates, batch and lot codes, and other required information for food safety.  It’s a ten minute programming revision, that’s all.  This will not jack up the cost of food, plain and simple.  The real problem is that companies like Kellogg’s, General Mills, and Kashi simply don’t want consumers to know that GMOs are present in their foods.  They already know how to make GMO-free versions and are already doing this throughout much of Europe.

Supporters of I-522 stay strong!  Join in the fight and pay a visit to http://www.facebook.com/labelitwa?group_id=0 and give the a Like.  I’m with you and am rooting for all states looking to secure this legislation.  Learn the truth before you make a decision.  Research the issue yourself to understand what lies beneath the hype.

My best regards,

Muckraking Maven

Adulterated Foods – Say What?!

Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food.

–          Hippocrates

Unless your food is a fraud, like some of the five hundred plus ingredients listed on the USP Food Fraud Database today.  My journey down this tangent began with a link to a Good Morning America article and may never stop.  (Much to my husband’s regret.)  Once I saw this, I had to check out their newly launched database for myself and was absolutely disgusted with the evidence they’ve collected showing many of our foods and additives may not be what they legally should be.  Friends, these adulterated foods are truly wolves in sheep’s clothing, and I probably won’t shelve my concerns on this issue until I find out exactly who has been caught with their hands in the cookie jar due to the unethical, economically motivated adulteration of foods.

It’s a pretty significant problem according to the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention and most commonly occurs in liquids or finely ground foods that are easy to tamper with:

• Olive oils (Often adulterated to include cheaper oils including corn, soybean, walnut, peanut, lard, etc.)
• Lemon juice (Containing sugar and water as fillers, citric acid additives, even Bergamot juice)
• Tea (Mixed with china clay, copper salts, colored saw dust, Iron-hexacyanoferrate, and other lovely-sounding additives.)
• Spices (Combined with dung powder, brick powder, sand, coffee husks, and gluten-containing flours as well as several varieties of lead compounds and chemicals all believed to be very toxic.)

Specifically, look up paprika.  You’ll see 13 accounts of food fraud in the new USP Food Fraud Database.  These reports include more innocent adulterations from spices sourced from non-authentic geographic origins to the addition of crystalline lead compounds and carcinogenic chemical dyes.  I’m excited to see the data all neat and tidy – but seriously wish they had listed the questionable manufacturers/producers of these fraud food ingredients.

Lead tetraoxide – looks quite similar to paprika spice, doesn’t it?

According to Report #1094, an unstated brand of paprika contains Lead tetroxide.  Lead tetraoxide, also referred to as red lead, minimum, or triplumbic tetroxide is a bright red crystalline pigment.  Most often, it’s used chemically in batteries, lead glass, and paints.  Known reactions for this chemical state that Lead tetroxide is virtually insoluble in water and alcohol.  However, it’s easily soluble in the hydrochloric acid that’s present in our stomach’s making it toxic upon ingestion.

Another report, #1096, reveals the use of Sudan I dye, which is a chemical additive primarily used as coloring for oils, waxes, petrols, polishes, and solvents.  It’s known to be a rodent carcinogen and many tests have led to the European Union banning the use of this additive in foods.  It was a hot topic in February of 2005 throughout the United Kingdom when it was found in a popular brand of Worcestershire sauce contaminated by and adulterated chili powder.  Since this scare, the country of Sudan requested a name change for this dye.  Today, it’s still present in many foods under the guise of about 62 creative names.  Some even have a natural-sounding ring to them, like, “Orient oil Orange PS, Oil Orange, Calco oil Orange, and Brasilazina oil Orange, among others.”

How about Sudan dye? This carcinogen was detected in adulterated paprika as an illegal filler.

Report #207 states that Lead oxide was found as a replacement in Paprika spice.  Lead oxide is exactly what it sounds like – Lead!  Today’s applications for this inorganic compound include lead-based glass and ceramics as well as computer components.  If you read the ILO page, it includes a warning under Environmental Data “Bioaccumulation of this chemical may occur in plants and in mammals. It is strongly advised that this substance does not enter the environment.”  It also states that there is an inhalation risk, “A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed, especially if powdered.”  Finally, “The substance may have effects on the blood, bone marrow, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system and kidneys resulting in anemia, encephalopathy, peripheral nerve disease, abdominal cramps and kidney impairment.  Causes toxicity to human reproduction or development.”

The good news to this story is that there is definite power in numbers and this new Food Fraud database will help to illustrate the depth of adulterated foods to the FDA.  I’m hopeful that their collective scientific efforts and positive changes will force the removal of questionable foods; like the paprika I’ve discussed in my article making our world just a teeny bit safer.  Until that happens, I’m going to keep buying my fancy-schmancy organic paprika and oils – just in case.

Have a wonderful Tuesday,

Shel
Your Muckraking Maven